- Teresa Matilla and Miquel Ángel Riera celebrated as island's honorary children
- Tur Ferrer Bookshop, Can Platé and Marià Castelló honoured with Sant Jaume Awards

Tonight, at Jardín de ses Eres, Formentera held the jewel in the crown of local patron saint festivities and celebrated recipients of the island's gold medal, Sant Jaume Awards and "Adoptive Children" distinction. Ana Juan, president of the Consell, gave the gold medal to the experts and exponents of Formentera's traditional craft techniques, represented by ten experts of fishing, esparto grass, charcoal, spinning, sewing and other traditional crafts. The Sant Jaume Awards were awarded to the Tur Ferrer Bookshop, Can Platé and the architect Marià Castelló. Teresa Matilla and Miquel Ángel Riera were named "Adoptive Children" (Fills Adoptius).

Fills Adoptius
The event was emceed by Andreu Ferrer, the acting local justice of the peace, and began with the celebration of Formentera's Fills Adoptius. Teresa Matilla was heralded as the island's honourary daughter in recognition of her years-long career on the island as a disseminator of painting. She has helped countless islanders develop their imagination and creativity and embodied a commitment to participation in local causes. For his part, Miquel Ángel Riera was recognised for over 14 years as priest of Sant Francesc Xavier and Pilar de la Mola parishes. The award also celebrates Riera's commitment to youth associations, needy families and social support.

Sant Jaume Awards
The Sant Jaume Award was awarded to Tur Ferrer Bookshop as the island's forerunning bookstore and stationery shop. After more than six decades, this unique family-run establishment in the heart of Sant Francesc is still about face-to-face and friendly service. Can Platé also received the Sant Jaume Award in recognition of the fact that, exactly one hundred years ago, Joan Ferrer Castelló began the family operation known today as Fonda Platé. The third and fourth generations remain at the helm as this touchstone of local tourism continues striving for excellence. The architect Marià Castelló Martínez received the Sant Jaume Award for the originality of his work; his unique architectural language; his remarkable respect for the island's cultural heritage, and his acclaimed and award-winning contribution to contemporary architecture.

Medalla d'Or
In 2022, Formentera's Gold Medal (Medalla d'Or) went to repositories and exponents of traditional craft techniques of the island. Ten representatives of varying techniques were present on stage and also received a diploma: Francisco Torres Costa, a veteran of mill operations; Esperanza Guasch and Catalina Tur Castelló, seamstresses; Maria Ferrer Verdera, a connoisseur of traditional fishing tackle; Vicent Verdera Juan and Rita Costa Ferrer, experts of techniques in esparto grass; Maria Mayans Juan, a spinner; Ramon Mayans Colomar and Francisco Torres Riera, master shipwrights; and Bartomeu Tur Escandell, an expert in silos.

Marià Castelló expressed his gratitude on behalf of all awardees.

Ana Juan congratulated award winners and described them as "dedicated and with a demonstrated commitment to improving our local society". The president added: "We want an open, supportive and welcoming Formentera that lives in balance and offers opportunities for everyone. We have the tools and –as today's honorees demonstrate– the people to achieve this".

The event also featured musical performances by pianist Mar Moreno and Pilar Mena, accompanied by Rosa Mouriño and Andreu Coll.

The celebration was attended by Francina Armengol, president of the Balearic Government; Vicenç Thomas, president of the Parliament of the Balearic Islands; Josep Marí and Mercedes Garrido, regional ministers; Vicent Ribas, bishop of Eivissa and Formentera; Enrique Sanchez, central government envoy on Eivissa and Formentera; Antonio J. Sanz, Formentera's representative in parliament; local councillors and more.

24 July 2022
Communications Office
Consell de Formentera