Lleida City Council, known as La Paeria, presented 34 honorary distinctions to individuals and organisations on 22 April 2026, recognising their work and involvement in the city. Mayor Fèlix Larrosa handed out 23 medals and 11 plaques during an institutional event held in the Central Nave of the Seu Vella.

The mayor thanked the recipients for their "commitment" and stated that the recognition "celebrates the excellence of our civil society." He added that the city was "forever recording its gratitude for all that the distinguished entities and people have contributed."

Larrosa highlighted the "human quality and commitment" of those honoured, calling it "our main asset for the future, a heritage we must preserve, strengthen, and make very visible." He concluded by saying that all recognised figures "are a source of pride for Lleida" and "inspire, set a course, and remind us that a city's progress largely depends on the quality of its people, their ability to unite and work together positively for the collective future."

Cultural and Artistic Contributions

The awards covered various fields, including culture, education, sport, solidarity, research, and agriculture. In the cultural or artistic sector, distinctions were given to:

  • Mossèn Cinto Casanovas Corderroure (posthumously), a rector and sculptor known for promoting the cultural and artistic identity of Raimat.
  • Margarida Troguet Taull, a key figure in performing arts and a driving force behind the Teatre de l’Escorxador.
  • Divina Drudis Solé, a plastic artist, professor, and president of the Cercle de Belles Arts de Lleida, who promoted the city's artistic and cultural movement.
  • Josep Ramon Jové Deltell, a journalist and music promoter, who directs JazzTardor.
  • Dolors Pubill Clos, recognised for her work in disseminating the garrotín, a unique traditional music.
  • Montse Parra Albà, a university professor, linguistic cultural manager, former Paeria councillor (2003-2019), and current director of Territorial Services for Culture.
  • Fernando Gracia Mazarico, for his work in promoting the Congregació dels Dolors.
  • Els Armats de Lleida, an organisation with over two decades of protecting and promoting Lleida's popular culture.
  • Fundació Sorigué, a leading entity in contemporary art and cultural dissemination.

Education and Sport Recognitions

Educational and pedagogical honours went to:

  • Rosa Prats Novau, who initiated Technovation Girls Catalonia Lleida, a project encouraging women in technology.
  • Francesc Blach Castells, a pedagogue and educational manager with over 40 years of experience.
  • Agrupament Escolta Garbí, a scout group with more than 50 years of teaching values through leisure.
  • Fundació Verge Blanca- Escola de l’Esplai, an organisation providing leisure education based on Christian humanist values.

In the sporting arena, recipients included:

  • Daniel Horcajada Badia (posthumously), a journalist who reported on Lleida's sports for three decades.
  • Natali Francesca Nuñez, a Spanish boxing champion.
  • Ángela Mora Parés, a pioneer in inclusive sport at national and European levels.
  • Associació Esportiva La Cristaleria, a social gym with a significant inclusive impact.
  • Força Lleida Club Esportiu, which achieved promotion to the ACB League in the 2023-24 season.
  • Acadèmia d’Escacs Josep Oms, an chess academy specialising in social inclusion.

Solidarity, Science, and Agriculture

Distinctions for solidarity were awarded to:

  • Josep Giralt Lladonosa (posthumously), with over 35 years in managing social sector and inclusion entities.
  • Albert Hortal Rosell, a promoter of social and cultural volunteering with strong community commitment in Lleida.
  • Maria Carme Tobella Barés, a pioneer in municipal social services and a reference in social action and cooperation.
  • Ana Maria Justo Gacen, for over 25 years of volunteering against cancer.
  • Banc de Sang i Teixits (BST), which ensures the supply and proper use of blood and tissues in Catalonia and Lleida.
  • Fundació del Banc dels Aliments de les Comarques de Lleida, an organisation with a long history in fighting food waste and poverty.
  • Associació Alcohòlics Rehabilitats de Lleida (ARLLE), a support association for alcohol-related risks.

For scientific or research merit, honours were given to:

  • Pere Godoy Garcia, a medical specialist in preventive medicine and public health, and a university professor.
  • Ignacio Romagosa Clariana, a researcher in applying quantitative methods to genetics and crop improvement.
  • Jorge Juan Olsina Kissler, an expert in oncological surgery.
  • Institut de Recerca Biomèdica de Lleida, a leader in biomedical research and science dissemination in Lleida.

Finally, in the field of agriculture, the recipients were:

  • Antoni Chico Purroy, a farmer and activist for Lleida's Horta, and a former Paeria councillor.
  • Joan Antoni Boldú Pelegrí, an activist in the agrarian movement and a promoter of modernising the Pinyana irrigation system.
  • Manel Merola Serrando (posthumously), a historical leader in Lleida's agricultural sector.
  • Josep M. Gilart Gilart, a neighbourhood activist and defender of the Horta.

The event, hosted by actress Lara Díez, featured dance and music performances by Kelly Isaiah and the Sandrà Macià dance company. A reading of Màrius Torres' poem 'Cançó a Mahalta' was also included.

Information on all honours and distinctions awarded by Lleida City Council up to 2023 is available on a dedicated municipal website. This platform allows citizens to access details of past recognitions given to individuals and entities, highlighting their contributions to the city.