The 2026 Medals of Honour in Barcelona have been awarded to a diverse group of individuals and organisations in recognition of their significant contributions to the city. The awards, presented by the city council, celebrate achievements in human rights, culture, and social cohesion.
Acknowledged individuals
Among those honoured for their contributions to the city are:
- Juan de Dios Ramírez-Heredia: Recognised for his ongoing defence of the rights of the Roma community and for making Barcelona a benchmark in the fight against discrimination.
- Joan Oliveras i Baguès: Honoured for his contributions to the city's artistic and craft heritage and its cultural institutions, reflecting his civic spirit.
- Isidre Gutiérrez de Tena: Acknowledged for his commitment to civic and social engagement, particularly in supporting individuals facing unemployment and vulnerability.
- Imma Colomer Marcet: Celebrated as a key figure in contemporary Catalan theatre, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Teatre Lliure, which she co-founded.
- Mari Chordà Recasens: Recognised for her multidisciplinary artistic career as a painter, poet, feminist activist, and promoter of various social and cultural initiatives.
District nominations
The following individuals and entities were awarded based on nominations from various districts:
- Ciutat Vella: Josep Lluís Esteras, known as 'el Iaio', for over fifty years of dedication to the community and the transmission of festive traditions through the Association of Friends of the Giants of Pi.
- Barceloneta: The Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Barceloneta (ACIB), recognised for over seventy years of defending local commerce, quality gastronomy, and the social fabric of the neighbourhood.
- L'Eixample: Trini Capdevila i Burniol, for her active participation in institutional and community bodies to make L'Eixample a more welcoming space for residents.
- Trapelles de Sant Antoni: Honoured for nearly two decades of bringing the world of fire and popular culture to children in the neighbourhood.
- Sants-Montjuïc: Luisa Montero Mañas, for her advocacy of the rights of the Marina community and her efforts against racism and segregation.
- Les Corts: The Sant Ramon Nonat Residents' Association, recognised for promoting collective well-being and initiatives to improve quality of life.
- Sarrià-Sant Gervasi: The TEAS Foundation, for its work in the social inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities through art and psychosocial work.
- Gracia: Conxita Casanovas, a prominent figure in Catalonia for journalism and film criticism, recognised for her efforts in promoting cinema.
- Horta-Guinardó: Robert Manrique Ripoll, honoured for his lifelong commitment to defending the rights of terrorism victims.
- Nou Barris: The Roquetes Merchants' Association, for its work in supporting local commerce and community life.
- Sant Andreu: Joan Pallarés, for his deep connection with the Sant Andreu and Sagrera neighbourhoods, fostering community through various activities.
- Sant Martí: The Clot-Camp de l'Arpa History Workshop, recognised for twenty years of research and dissemination of the neighbourhood's history.
The awards reflect Barcelona's commitment to recognising those who contribute to the city's cultural richness and social fabric.
