City Awards Mark Official Start of Festes

The Saló de Plens at Reus Town Hall was filled on Monday evening as the city officially launched the 2026 Festes de la Mare de Déu de Misericòrdia with the annual Guardons de la Ciutat awards. The ceremony recognised eight people and groups for their long-standing service across education, culture, science, tradition, and social cohesion. Hosted by journalist Montse Llussà and accompanied by musician Albert Galcerà, the event was opened by Reus mayor Sandra Guaita, who presided over the presentation of Municipal Honorary Mentions.

Recipients Celebrate Milestones

The Centre d'Estudis Superiors de l'Aviació (CESDA) received its award in recognition of 25 years of aeronautical training and international outreach that has helped establish Reus as a national leader in aviation education. The CFA Escola Marta Mata was honoured for 30 years of adult education and social integration, including support for employment access. Fundació Esclerosi Múltiple Mas Sabater was acknowledged for its 25 years of specialised research and neurorehabilitation work improving quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis. The Coordinadora d'Escoles de Dansa de Reus was recognised for promoting dance as an artistic and cultural tool in the city, also marking its 25th anniversary.

  • The Ball de Galeres, a traditional Reus dance dating back to 1792, was celebrated for its revival 25 years ago by the Coordinadora de Danses Tradicionals de Reus.
  • The Confraria Guardadors de la Tronada received an honour for preserving the authentic character of Reus’s iconic thunder performance during major festivals, celebrating their 75th anniversary this year.

Posthumous and Professional Tributes

A posthumous mention was awarded to Carme Just Masdeu, a pioneering philologist and advocate for Catalan language education, for her lifelong cultural volunteering and expertise in modernism and medieval history. The award was collected by her sister, Rosa Just. Dr Joan Borràs Balada was recognised for his distinguished career in Internal and Oncological Medicine, his academic role as an associate medical professor at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, and his scientific output. His son, Marcel Borràs, accepted the honour on his behalf.

"We celebrate those who have shaped our city’s identity and strengthened our community," said Mayor Sandra Guaita in her closing address.

With this ceremony, Reus formally begins its annual Misericòrdia festivities, a week-long celebration of local heritage, faith, and civic pride.

Reported by reusdigital.cat.