The town of Salou, located in Tarragona, has meticulously recorded its distinguished visitors in a dedicated Book of Honour since 1992. This civic register serves as a historical record, capturing the names and roles of individuals who have made significant contributions or held high office, ranging from Catalan presidents to international consuls and celebrated artists.
The entries show a consistent pattern of recognition for public servants, cultural figures, and those connected to the region's development. The book includes names such as Jordi Pujol and Artur Mas, both former Presidents of the Generalitat de Catalunya, alongside various ministers and local officials. Cultural figures like singer Julio Iglesias and writer Xavier Amorós also appear, highlighting Salou's appreciation for arts and public engagement.
Notable Political and Regional Figures
Over the years, many high-ranking political figures have signed Salou's Book of Honour. Early entries include Josep Parnau, Dean of the College of Journalists of Catalonia, in 1992, and Xavier Trias i Vidal de Llobatera, then Minister of Health and Social Security, in 1993. Jerónimo Saavedra Acevedo, Minister for Public Administrations, signed in 1994, followed by Josep Maldonado, the Generalitat's Delegate in Tarragona, the same year.
Presidents of the Generalitat have been frequent signatories. Jordi Pujol signed in 1996 and again in 2006 as a 'Nits Daurades' festival crier. José Montilla i Aguilera, another President of the Generalitat, added his name in 2008, and Artur Mas signed in 2013. More recently, Carles Puigdemont, then President of the Generalitat, signed in 2016.
Cultural and International Signatories
Beyond politics, Salou's Book of Honour also recognises individuals from the cultural and international spheres. The renowned singer Julio Iglesias signed in 1997, and writer and poet Xavier Amorós in 1998. Other cultural figures include Archbishop Metropolitan of Tarragona Lluís Martínez Sistach in 2000, and film director Bigas Luna in 2003, who was the winter festival crier.
International representation is also present, with entries such as Paul Tilsley, Mayor of Birmingham, in 1993, and the Consul of Denmark in 1995. Gastón Ibáñez, Consul General of Peru in Barcelona, signed in 2002, and the Ambassador of Serbia, Jela Bacovic, in 2010. Lloyd Milen, the British Consul in Barcelona, visited and signed in 2017, according to the official record.
Festival Criers and Local Connections
Many individuals have been honoured for their role as 'pregoners' or criers for Salou's major festivals, such as the Festa Major d'Hivern (Winter Festival) and Nits Daurades (Golden Nights). These include actors Lloll Bertrán (2004), Toni Albà (2007), and Enrique Sanfrancisco (2017). Comedians Javi Sancho (2018) and Txabi Franquesa (2019) have also served as festival criers, adding their names to the book.
The Book of Honour continues to grow, with recent entries including Damià Calvet, Minister of Territory and Sustainability, in 2018, and Rafael Ribó, Ombudsman of Catalonia, in 2019. This ongoing tradition shows Salou's commitment to acknowledging those who visit and contribute to its public life, reflecting its history and connections.
