The Executive, through spokesperson Sílvia Paneque, explained that President Salvador Illa will present the medals, recognizing two careers marked by excellence and an extraordinary contribution to Catalonia.
“"They have maintained two exceptional artistic and human trajectories that have contributed decisively to the projection of Catalan culture and to democratic and humanist values."
Joan Manuel Serrat (Barcelona, 1943) is recognized as a central figure of the Nova Cançó movement. His work, which combines music, poetry, and shared values, includes emblematic songs such as Mediterráneo, Ara que tinc vint anys, and Cançó de matinada. The Government highlighted his commitment to the Catalan language, which led him to face Francoist censorship, notably his refusal to participate in Eurovision in 1968.
Meanwhile, Núria Espert (L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 1935) is recognized for her “unprecedented national and international projection” over a career spanning more than seven decades. The actress and theater director was the first woman to play Hamlet in Spain, and her productions Las Criadas and Yerma were crucial for projecting Catalan and Spanish theater globally. Like Serrat, Espert suffered dictatorship censorship, strengthening her commitment to freedom.
