Connoisseurs and transmitters of traditional craft techniques will receive island's gold medal

Today councillors gathered for a one-off plenary with one item on the agenda: proposed recipients of the island's honorary distinctions for the year 2022. The awards mark the feast day of Sant Jaume, Diada de Formentera.

Participants voted unanimously to award the Formentera Medalla d'Or to local connoisseurs and transmitters of traditional craft techniques. Ana Juan, Consell de Formentera president, explained, "this award recognises these individuals' efforts to disseminate and pass on to younger generations the techniques that - using locally available items like wood, stone and vegetation - once fulfilled islanders' needs at home, in the fields and at sea, and that today have become part of our valuable intangible heritage".

The three Sant Jaume awards will go to:

Tur Ferrer Bookstore (1962)
The first bookstore and stationery store on the island of Formentera, Llibreria Tur Ferrer is a unique family-run establishment in the heart of Sant Francesc that has operated for more than 60 years and which is still about face-to-face and friendly service.

Can Platé (1922)
Exactly one hundred years ago Joan Ferrer Castelló founded the family operation that today we know as Fonda Platé. The third and fourth generations remain at the helm today as the touchstone of local tourism continues striving for excellence.

Marià Castelló Martínez (Formentera, 1976)
The Consell de Formentera recognises Marià Castelló Martínez for the originality of his work; an architectural language all his own; a remarkable respect for the island's cultural heritage, and the architect's acclaimed and award-winning contribution to the contemporary field.

'Fills adoptius'

Councillors voted to designate the following individuals as fills adoptius (adoptive children):
 
Maria Teresa Matilla López (Salamanca, 1957)
In her long history of disseminating painting on the island, Maria Teresa Matilla López has helped to develop countless islanders' imagination and creativity, of her commitment and participation in local affairs.

Miquel Àngel Riera Planells (Eivissa, 1970)
The Consell recognises Miquel Àngel Riera Planells for 14 years of work as priest of the parishes of Sant Francesc Xavier and Pilar de la Mola, and for the impulse and commitment to youth associations, families in need and social care.

On behalf of herself and the entire cabinet, President Juan applauded the award winners and invited them to the municipal awards ceremony Sunday 24 July 8.00pm at Jardí de ses Eres in Sant Francesc. Juan also thanked the members of the Honorary Distinctions commission for their work.

8 July 2021
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera