Mallorca is much more than a simple region: it is a collective identity forged over time by its landscape, its culture, and, above all, its people. In this context, the Council of Mallorca will present its 2026 Awards, Honors, and Distinctions on September 12 – to commemorate Mallorca Day – at the Principal Theatre in Palma, in a gala during which actor Michael Douglas will be named an honorary citizen of Mallorca, and singers Rels B and Concha Buika will be designated as beloved sons of the island. Alongside them, singer-songwriter Tomeu Penya and former Regional Government Vice President
Pere Sampol, posthumously, are some of the other honorees. The island's Minister of the Presidency,
Antoni Fuster, has announced the list of organizations and individuals who will receive the highest honors awarded by the island government, which will also present 27 distinctions, nine Jaume II Awards, and 15 gold medals.""Majorca is what it is thanks to its people and to those who have come to consider the island their own and have helped it prosper. They are people and organizations who proudly declare themselves Mallorquins and carry its name around the world, each in their own sphere," he stated.
Michael Douglas, honorary son of Mallorca
Actor Michael Douglas will be named an Adoptive Son of Mallorca for his close ties to the island, especially the Serra de Tramuntana, where he has spent long stays for nearly four decades. His relationship with Mallorca has gone beyond the personal, becoming an example of international roots.
The Council also wanted to highlight his involvement in conserving the land, especially through the Regenera Deià project, which focuses on restoring ecosystems and reviving traditional practices. Douglas, a two-time Oscar winner, has on numerous occasions advocated for the need to preserve the island's natural environment and its local identity.
Rels B and Concha Buika, sons and daughters of Mallorca
In the realm of music, the recognition of Rels B highlights his international projection as one of the leading figures in the Latin urban scene. Born in Palma, he has become one of the most-listened-to Spanish artists outside the country, bringing the name of Mallorca to a global audience.
For her part, Concha Buika will be honored for a unique artistic career with international reach. Her voice and style have made her one of the most recognizable artists to emerge from Mallorca, with a well-established and acclaimed career both inside and outside of Spain.
Jaume II Awards
Along with the main awards, the Jaume II Awards will recognize nine initiatives and organizations that stand out for their social, cultural, and heritage contributions. These include projects such as Encesa pels Drets Humans, the Gremi de Margers de Mallorca, and the Campos Ethnographic Museum, all of which are linked to the defense of the island's memory, rights, and traditions.
Awards will also be presented to figures and organizations such as athlete Isabel Calero and the historic Bar Bosch in Palma, a symbol of the social life of the Balearic capital. These awards reflect a commitment to valuing both innovation and the preservation of Mallorcan identity in various fields.
Honor and Recognition Medals
Among the recipients of the Medals of Honor and Recognition are names such as singer-songwriter Tomeu Penya, with a musical career of over 45 years, and Antònia Matamalas, recognized for her defense of women's rights. The awards also include a posthumous tribute to politician Pere Sampol for his commitment to the language, territory, and sustainability in the Balearic Islands.
Overall, the 2026 Awards, Honors, and Distinctions showcase a diverse and vibrant Mallorca that is deeply connected to its people. From international figures to local role models, all the honorees share a bond with the island that reinforces their identity. Thus, Mallorca establishes itself as a place where talent, culture, and collective commitment continue to be its greatest attractions.