Medalla d'Honor del Parlament de Catalunya

The Medalla d'Honor del Parlament de Catalunya is a civil honorary distinction awarded by the Parliament of Catalonia since 2000, recognising members of the Parliament and other people living in Catalonia for their careers and contributions to the region, as well as exceptional service.

History
Recipients of the honour receive a medal in recognition; unlike for example the Catalonia International Prize, which comes with financial award but no designated honour. The medal resembles the Four Bars (which may be recognised as the Senyera with top-to-bottom stripes) and was based on a design created by Antoni Cumella i Serret in 1984. In 2000, goldsmith Joaquim Capdevila i Gaya adapted the design so it could be produced as medals.

In the first year it was awarded, the honour was bestowed upon the Parliament of Catalonia's former presidents, as well as Desmond Tutu, an esteemed guest to the region.

There have been several posthumous recipients. In 2001, Ernest Lluch (d. 2000) was recognised for the honour posthumously, with his daughters receiving the award on his behalf. In 2007, the members of Els Setze Jutges were awarded, together with their promoter Lluís Serrahima; of the members of the group, Miquel Porter i Moix (d. 2004) and Delfí Abella (d. 2007) were honoured posthumously, while Guillermina Motta refused the distinction. One of the groups recognised in 2015 was the first elected officials of the restored Parliament of Catalonia following return to democracy, to recognise the 35th anniversary of such elections; of these first eight, Marta Mata had died in 2006.