Barcelona Awards 2026 Medals of Honor

The City Council Plenary recognizes two dozen individuals and entities for their civic and social contribution to the city.

Medal of Honor of Barcelona on a velvet cushion.
IA

Medal of Honor of Barcelona on a velvet cushion.

The Plenary of the Barcelona City Council approved this Friday the awarding of the 2026 Barcelona Medals of Honor to various individuals and entities proposed by the districts and municipal groups.

These awards, established in 1997, distinguish individuals and entities who, through their professional or social work, have contributed to the development of civic awareness and values. The approval received support from all political groups, with VOX abstaining.
Among the city-level honorees are Juan de Dios Ramírez-Heredia, for defending the rights of the Roma people; Joan Oliveras i Baguès, for his contribution to the city's artistic and artisanal heritage; Isidre Gutiérrez de Tena, for his civic and social commitment to those facing unemployment; Imma Colomer Marcet, an essential figure in contemporary Catalan theatre and co-founder of the Teatre Lliure; and Mari Chordà Recasens, for her multidisciplinary artistic career and feminist activism.
The proposals from the district councils also recognize various initiatives and individuals. For Ciutat Vella, Josep Lluís Esteras “el Iaio” is honored for his dedication to the community and festive traditions, and the Association of Merchants and Industrialists of Barceloneta (ACIB) for its defense of local commerce. In Eixample, Trinitat Capdevila i Burniol is awarded for her institutional and community participation, and Trapelles de Sant Antoni for bringing fire arts and popular culture to children.
In Sants-Montjuïc, Luisa Montero Jodorovich is recognized for defending the rights of the Marina community and fighting racism, and the Orfeó Atlàntida for its century-long trajectory. In Les Corts, the Sant Ramon Nonat Neighbors' Association is honored for promoting collective well-being, and Jordi Lobo i Sastre for his work in special education and community life.
In Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, the TEAS Foundation is recognized for its social inclusion work through art, and Lluís Amat for his neighborhood activism. In Gràcia, Conxita Casanovas is awarded as a reference in film journalism, and the newspaper L’Independent de Gràcia for being a model of local journalism.
In Horta-Guinardó, Robert Manrique Ripoll is distinguished for his defense of terrorism victims, and Montserrat Pujolar i Giménez for her artistic and cultural career. In Nou Barris, the Roquetes Merchants Association is recognized for its work supporting local commerce, and the Women's Desk – García Lorca Cultural Center for its contribution to the female associative fabric.
Finally, in Sant Andreu, Joan Pallarés is awarded for his connection with the neighborhoods and culture, and the OSAS Foundation for promoting an inclusive society. In Sant Martí, the Clot-Camp de l’Arpa History Workshop celebrates its 20 years of historical research, and Carles Meilán is recognized for his career in education and sports.
Based on information from the official source: Ajuntament de Barcelona - Sala de premsa (24/07/2026)