Manga Barcelona Receives the Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts

Manga Barcelona has been distinguished with the 2024 Gold Medal of Merit in the Fine Arts, one of Spain's highest cultural honours, at a ceremony held on 27 May in Toledo and presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain.

Manga Barcelona received the distinction at the official ceremony held at the Teatro Rojas in Toledo, presided over by Their Majesties King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia. Awarded by the Ministry of Culture, the medal recognises outstanding contributions to the promotion and dissemination of culture in Spain.

The ceremony, at which 38 individuals and organisations were honoured, brought together representatives from various cultural fields and was attended by the Minister of Culture, Ernest Urtasun, as well as regional and local authorities.

Meritxell Puig, Director of Manga Barcelona, accepted the award, which highlights the event's history and relevance as a cultural institution. This distinction strengthens its future outlook, reaffirming its commitment to bringing Japanese culture closer to new generations and continuing to consolidate its position as a leading event in Spain.

This recognition also represents an institutional endorsement of more than three decades of history. Over the years, Manga Barcelona has promoted the dissemination of manga and anime, becoming a meeting point for creators and audiences, and helping to strengthen cultural ties between Spain and Japan. The organisers regard the award as a collective recognition that reflects both the event's trajectory and the commitment of the professionals who make it possible, as well as the vitality of a diverse, inclusive and constantly growing community.

The next edition of Manga Barcelona will be held from 5 to 8 December 2026.