MENORCA, 16 (EUROPA PRESS)
The Balearic Government announced on Wednesday that the Menorcan municipality of Es Mercadal will now have seven stores cataloged as 'Emblemàtics Balears' after the inclusion of six new establishments in the program managed by the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands.
Until now, Es Mercadal only had one establishment cataloged as emblematic, the Can Pons Bakery, which joined the Balearic Government's project in 2023.
However, with the collaboration of the Town Hall, which identifies establishments that meet the requirements, six new businesses have been added. Specifically, the furniture and home goods store Mobles Martí, as a long-established business; the craft store ArtSpai, as a long-established business; 'Carnisseria i Menjars Febrer', also as a long-standing business; the hardware store 'Cas Llauner', as a long-standing business with a history; the clothing and accessories store 'Ca n'Auxili', as a long-standing business; and the bakery and pastry shop 'Cas Sucrer', as an iconic business.
Thus, with the new additions from Es Mercadal, Menorca now has 71 iconic establishments spread across five municipalities: Alaior (4), Ciutadella (21), Es Mercadal (7), Ferreries (10), and Maó (29). Currently, there are 412 establishments of this type spread across 34 municipalities in the Balearic Islands.
The Balearic Government has emphasized that the 'Emblemàtics Balears' project is born from the need to protect local commercial activity and, more specifically, that of the municipalities' most traditional establishments.
One of the goals of this project is to showcase the unique character of each municipality through its iconic establishments. Although the initiative focuses on the cataloged establishments, the commercial sector in general also benefits, as these iconic establishments act as a driver and an attraction for visitors, both from within and outside the Balearic Islands.
In this regard, they have noted that the city councils identify the establishments in the municipality that meet the criteria to be classified as iconic, in accordance with a manual from the Regional Development Agency of the Balearic Islands that establishes the different categories.
Thus, a business can be classified as "deeply rooted" (with a unique product or craft), "historic" (with more than 75 years of history or, exceptionally, from 50 years), and "heritage" (with exceptional exterior and interior heritage features, as well as intangible value). Establishments that meet the criteria for all three categories will be designated as 'iconic'.
