Through this website, the City Council of Maó aims to bring closer everything related to the patron festivities of the city of Maó in a more direct way.
Gradually, more sections with additional material will be implemented, but for now, you can find the program and poster for this year, as well as a collection of historical posters. You will also find the music recorded by the ‘Banda de música de Maó’ in collaboration with the City Council in 2022.
We hope you like it and that, among all of us, we can expand this historical collection.
With this poster, titled “Festive Moments,” the artist wanted to give prominence to the giants that this year celebrate their ninety years.
Mahon, August 19, 2024.
The Mahon City Council presented today the poster for the 2024 Gracia festival, which was painted by Mahonese artist Jordi Cárdenas (Mahon, 1991).
It is a pictorial interpretation of an image from the Archive of Image and Sound by photographer Josep M. Vidal Hernández from the 1970s, depicting the giants of Mahon –Tomeu and Guida– accompanied by four members of the band, ascending towards Constitución Square. The location, Portal de Mar Street, is also recognizable. With this poster, titled “Festive Moments,” the artist aimed to give prominence to the giants who are celebrating ninety years this year. Read more
Regarding the pictorial technique, Cárdenas used oil on canvas, resulting in a figurative painting with an impressionist style. Jordi Cárdenas was awarded the Mahon City Painting Prize in 2023, with a special mention for artists under 35 years old.
The work that earned him the recognition is titled “Head Down, Feet Up,” a piece in which the artist created a composition with references to symbolic elements of popular culture.
The poster’s unveiling took place in the Council Chamber, with the artist and representatives from the groups forming the municipal corporation in attendance. Mayor Héctor Pons stated: “Cárdenas’ work reflects one of the images of the Gracia festival, with the presence of Tomeu and Guida for many years –this year, 90 years– and shows how the evolution of the festival brings changes, for example, in their attire. Things change, but the festival continues, and Jordi has managed to capture that in his brushstrokes.” Jordi Cárdenas explained that the poster’s composition “is a representation of the tradition and folklore of the Mahon festival; the music and festive imagery evoke feelings of joy, admiration, and identity in the people.”
Starting next Tuesday, August 20, the public can collect the Gracia festival posters at the reception of the town hall building and in the Culture area (Carmen Cloister, 1st floor). A total of 1,500 posters have been printed.
