The Consell distinguishes from the Awards, Honours and Distinctions to key figures of Majorcan society

Joan Llull, Jeroni Albertí i Picornell, Joan Company Florit, Francesc Antich and Toni Frontera are part of the group of people who have left their mark on Mallorca and who this year receive the highest institutional recognition.

The Consell de Mallorca has announced today the people and entities that will be recognised with the highest awards of the institution -the Awards, Honours and Distinctions- next September 12, coinciding with the Diada de Mallorca. In this way, the Consell wants to publicly recognise the trajectory, commitment and contribution of those who work and have worked in favour of the welfare, culture, progress or identity of Mallorca.

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The Consell distinguishes from the Awards

To make the awards more accessible to all Mallorcans, the insular institution opened last month a participatory process so that citizens, organisations and municipalities could submit their nominations and proposals.

It has also convened the Board of Spokespersons, which has the representation of the various political groups, in order to ensure consensus on all proposals. Now, the nominations will be submitted to the ordinary plenary session of May 8 for ratification.

Specifically, the Awards, Honors and Distinctions, have the following recognitions: the Medal of Honor and Gratitude of the Island of Mallorca, Favorite Son of the Island of Mallorca, Adopted Son of the Island of Mallorca and the Jaume II Awards to those people who during 2024 have acted in an outstanding way to promote the symbols, the historical references or the name of Mallorca.

The Minister of the Presidency, Antoni Fuster, stressed that these awards “want to thank the work of those who, from different areas, have made Mallorca a more lively and diverse land, with their dedication, their talent and their vocation of service to the community. It is a tribute to those who have carried the name of Mallorca high and continue to contribute to the collective progress of the island”.

Medal of Honour and Gratitude of the Island of Mallorca

Dr. Joan Carulla – On the occasion of his retirement, for his key role in the expansion and improvement of social and health services in Mallorca as managing director of the Sant Joan de Déu hospitals in Palma and Inca. With a career marked by efficient management and commitment to people, he has made a decisive contribution to modernising local health care.

Germanetes dels Pobres – For their work supporting elderly people in vulnerable situations. For decades, the congregation has been a model of solidarity, empathy and selfless service, offering shelter, care and dignity to many elderly people without resources in Mallorca.

Garden Hotels – For its pioneering commitment to sustainability and circular economy in tourism, such as its zero plastic project. A Mallorcan family business with international presence, it has consolidated a responsible hotel model, committed to the territory, local products and the training of new generations in environmental values.

Associació d’Amics del Ferrocarril de les Illes Balears (AAFIB) – For their exemplary work in preserving the railway heritage of the Balearic Islands since 1989. For 35 years, they have restored historical material, organised educational activities and promoted knowledge of a key sector.

Dones marjaleres de sa Pobla – For their historical contribution to the economy and society of the municipality. These women have been invisible protagonists of agricultural development, combining work in the fields with care of the home and family. They are a symbol of resistance and popular effort.

Francesc Pomar (1942- 2025) – Founder of Pastisseries Pomar, for his exemplary career as a pastry chef and entrepreneur. He knew how to unite tradition, innovation and Mallorcan identity in a company that today remains a benchmark in quality gastronomy. It is also a tribute to local commerce and the passion for artisan products.

Toni Frontera – For his outstanding career in the world of trotting in Mallorca. He has achieved seven victories in the Gran Premi Nacional, historical record in this sport. He is a reference of the sector and the popular Mallorcan sport, rooted in tradition and the rural world.

Joan Company Florit – For his career of more than 45 years as founder and director of the Universitat de les Illes Balears. He has projected the Majorcan choral music around the world and has promoted research and dissemination of the musical heritage of the islands as director of the Partituroteca and Musical Documentation Centre of the UIB. He is also the director of the Capella of the Cathedral of Mallorca.

Pau Cladera Marroig – For his outstanding career as a young composer, pianist and conductor committed to the culture of Mallorca. At only 18 years old, he has created works such as La croada al Regne sobre el mar and Reminiscències rurals, which combine classical music with the historical and popular heritage of the island. It is an example of the emerging talent of our land.

Licors Moyà – For its legacy in the production of traditional liqueurs since the 19th century in Artà. With products such as Anís Estrella de Artà, Herbes Moyà and Palo Moyà, it represents the continuity of a family trade. The company has been managed by six generations of the family, who have been able to maintain the artisan quality.

Cafés Bay – For its trajectory as a Mallorcan company dedicated to the roasting and distribution of coffee since 1952. Founded as Cafés Bahía and currently located in Lloret de Vistalegre, it has been able to combine artisan tradition with innovation. With the launch of the Arabay brand, it has become a benchmark in the speciality coffee sector, with a national presence and a firm commitment to sustainability.

Francesc Antich (1958- 2025) – For his dedication to public service as President of the Government of the Balearic Islands. Lawyer and politician, he stands out for his capacity for dialogue and his will to strengthen the institutions of Mallorca. In addition, he wasthe executive councillor of Environment and Territorial Planning of the Consell de Mallorca between 1995 and 1999.

Jeroni Albertí i Picornell (1927- 2024) – For his decisive contribution during the democratic transition of the Balearic Islands. He was the first president of the Consell General Interinsular (1978-1982) and of the Consell de Mallorca, and also presided over the Parliament of the Balearic Islands.

Jaume II Awards

Forn des Pla de na Tesa – For its 125th anniversary as an emblematic bakery and pastry store. With three generations of master craftsmen, it represents the essence of local products made with craftsmanship and effort. It is a point of reference of the gastronomic culture of proximity in Mallorca.

Sport for Equality Association – For its work in promoting equality and social inclusion through sport. With the Zapatillas en Igualdad project, it provides sports shoes to children and young people at risk of exclusion. The entity works to eliminate barriers and promote values such as respect, coexistence and equity.

Alfabia Gardens – For its relevance as a historic garden in Mallorca, linked to the Serra de Tramuntana. With more than 800 years of history, it preserves elements of Islamic, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Its family management has allowed to keep alive this unique natural, cultural and touristic space.

Mountain Rescue Group of the Consell de Mallorca – On the occasion of its 25th anniversary, for its exemplary service in rescue and emergency operations in areas of difficult access. Made up of highly qualified professionals, it is a key element in the safety of natural areas and the protection of human life on the island.

Álex Sánchez Palomero – For his elite sports career and his commitment to Mallorca since 2007, where he has developed most of his career. He has been a double world runner-up and double European Paralympic triathlon champion, world aquathlon champion and bronze medalist at the Paralympic Games in Beijing 2008 (swimming) and Tokyo 2020 (triathlon). Through his life and sporting experience, he transmits values such as self-improvement, effort and perseverance.

Siloé Association – For its 30 years of work offering shelter, care and support to people with HIV in vulnerable situations. The organisation has been a pioneer in Mallorca in comprehensive and residential care, promoting dignity, equality and quality of life of a group often forgotten.

Embat Llibres – For its 50th anniversary as a reference bookstore in Palma. Since 1975, it has been a literary meeting place, promoting reading and supporting culture. It is a living cultural engine of the island.

Association of Friends of the Castle of San Carlos – For its work in preserving and revitalising the Castle as a military museum and cultural space. The organisation has turned this historic place of Palma into a civic meeting point and a place for the dissemination of memory and history.

Madò Pereta – For his career as an icon of humour and popular Mallorcan culture. For more than twenty years, the character has become a recognised figure throughout the island, bringing satire and his own identity to local stages.

Adopted Son of the Island of Mallorca

Luis Maraver – For his outstanding career as a plastic artist established in Mallorca since 1972. Resident in Binissalem, he has developed a singular work marked by matter, travel and contemplation of the world. He has also collaborated with solidarity initiatives such as Llevant en Marxa, linking art and social commitment from Mallorca to the world.

Favourite Son of the Island of Majorca

Joan Llull – Founder of Hipotels Hotels & Resorts, for his pioneering career at the forefront of tourism development in the Llevant de Mallorca. At the age of 90, he was recognised at FITUR 2024 for a business vision based on quality, roots and stability. His work has generated employment and prestige for our island.

Lluís Alemany Pujol (1880 – 1960) – For his contribution to the political and social development of Mallorca. With a degree in Law, he was mayor of Palma, promoting emblematic projects such as the Passeig de Sagrera. Later, as president of the Provincial Council of the Balearic Islands, he led the improvement of island infrastructures. He also played an active role in the Bar Association of Palma.