The Government of the Balearic Islands and Palma City Council have recognized several new establishments incorporated into the “Emblemàtics Balears” program, an initiative designed to preserve and promote traditional local commerce. The regional Minister for Business, Self-Employment and Energy, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro, together with Palma’s Councillor for Commerce, Hospitality and Self-Employment, Guadalupe Ferrer, presented commemorative plaques to several historic businesses in the city.
The visit focused on establishments located in and around the Mercat de l’Olivar, one of the city’s most significant commercial areas. The program is coordinated by the regional Ministry through the Agencia de Desarrollo Regional de las Illes Balears, which works to strengthen the visibility and preservation of long-standing businesses that form part of the local economic and cultural identity.
The Government and Palma City Council recognize new emblematic businesses in the city
Among the businesses that received recognition are Can Jaume Artesans, Pescados Marilén, Xarcuteria Creus, Carnicería Miquel Sastre, Can Gelabert, Fruiteria Miquel Gelabert, Xarcuteria La Preferida, Pescados Teresa, Tapicería Vidal and Teixits Es Tren. These establishments represent examples of traditional commerce that have maintained specialized products, services or professional trades over time.
With the inclusion of these businesses, Palma now has 94 establishments listed within the “Emblemàtics Balears” network. Across the Balearic Islands, the program currently includes 402 recognized businesses located in 34 municipalities, reinforcing the regional commitment to protecting and promoting historical and neighborhood commerce.
During the event, Alejandro Sáenz de San Pedro highlighted the importance of initiatives that acknowledge the dedication of families who have sustained these businesses across generations. Such establishments play a key role in maintaining the vitality of neighborhoods, strengthening community ties and supporting local economic activity.
The “Emblemàtics Balears” initiative aims to highlight the distinctive identity of each municipality through its most representative commercial establishments. While the recognition is granted to specific catalogued businesses, the broader commercial ecosystem also benefits, as these iconic establishments attract residents and visitors and contribute to the overall dynamism of the area.
Local councils are responsible for cataloguing the businesses according to guidelines established by ADRBalears. The classification system includes three main categories: rooted businesses, which preserve a distinctive trade or product; historic businesses, which have operated for more than 75 years; and heritage businesses, which retain significant architectural or cultural elements. Establishments that meet all three criteria are officially classified as emblematic.
The project is promoted through a dedicated online platform that continues to expand as additional municipalities join the initiative. Today, numerous towns and cities across Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza already have catalogued establishments, reflecting the diversity and cultural value of the Balearic Islands’ traditional commercial sector.