ACTIVITIES IN CATALONIA -I-
ACTIVITIES
IN CATALONIA -I-
Bicentenary of Gaspar de Portolá || Collaborating and attending organizations || "Portola Expedition Foundation" || Official representation from the state of California.
Bicentenary of Gaspar de Portolá
In October 1986, a number of ceremonies were organized in Barcelona, Lérida, Balaguer, Arties and Ager to commemorate the Bicentenary of Gaspar de Portolá’s death. Several institutions and personalities from Spain and the United States participated in them.
The American delegations presented official certificates issued by the Parliament, the Town Councils and the organizations, in order to give official representation to the state and the people of California.
The Honorable Mr. Joaquín Molins, President of the Organizing Committee, stated in his speech:
"We are convinced that your presence at this commemoration act reflects your genuine desire to cooperate in a joint effort, not only to exalt the figure of the illustrious explorer, founder and beneficent citizen, but also in order to twin, in their current realities, the Catalonia where he was born and the California that he discovered..."
The solemn functions began in Barcelona with a reception in the Palace of the Generalitat offered by Honorable Mr. Jordi Pujol.
The act was followed by the unveiling of a statue donated by the City Council in the gardens of the Castle of Montjuic.
Lérida gave a rousing welcome to the participants. An exhibition was made with maps, arms, standards and documents related to the expedition and the Catalonian Volunteers. The material came from the Museum of the Army, the Naval Museum and the National History Museum, which contributed with documentation and pieces of great historical value.
Bicentenary Commemorative Medal.
Minted by the City of LéridaThe city donated a bronze historical monument which was unveiled on a central avenue. It represents Portolá, Serra, Fages and a native American soldier, in memory of the members of the expedition as they were taking possession of California.
An academic function, presided by Mayor Mr. Siurana, took place in the City Hall. Professor Brown from the University of Ohio was the main guest.
To close the event, flowers were laid at San Pedro Church, where Don Gaspar de Portolá was buried on his death in 1786.
Mr. Miquel Coll Alentorn, President of the Catalan Parliament, and Senator Mello planted a tree in Balaguer to commemorate the twinning of the two communities.
In the Portola family’s original house in Arties, the Minister of Trade and Tourism, Mr. Joaquín Molins, presented a historical-cultural guide of the Valle de Aran region, .in which there is a description of Portolá’s personality as well as the family’s expansion through the different counties of Lérida.
The Postmaster General issued a commemorative stamp of Governor Portolá marking a map of Baja California. In addition, it authorized a special seal for the city of Lérida
On the issuing of the stamp, a special seal to be used only in Lérida was authorized. As the city’s Philatelic and Numismatical Club organized an exhibition on the Bicentenary, first-day covers were issued.
Collaborating and attending organizations
The Parliament of Catalonia.
The Generalitat of Catalonia.
The Embassy of the U.S.A. in Spain.
Ministry of Defense.
National Fifth-Centenary Commission.
Lleida (Lérida) Regional Council.
Barcelona City Council.
Lleida (Lérida) City Council.
Balaguer City Council.
Mr. Alan K. Brown.
"Portola Expedition Foundation"Guests:
Mr. de Larios, Mrs. Blalock, Mrs. Sargent, Mrs. Cooney, Mrs. Countryman, Mrs. Jahrries, Mrs. J. de Larios, Mrs. Edna de Larios, Mr. and Mrs. Friman, Mr. MacDonald, Mr. and Mrs. Malovos, Mrs. McCarthy, Mr. Merrill, Mr. and Mrs. Ricarte, Mrs. Wilcox, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Payne, Mrs. Judah, Mr. and Mrs. Galehouse, Mrs. Torres.
Official representation from the state of California.
The state of California sent the following Congress and Senate representatives to the commemoration of the Bicentenary of Portolá.
The Honorable:
Mrs. Marian Bergeson
Mr. Edward Davis
Mr. Jim Ellis
Mr. Bill Greene
Mr. Henry J. Mello
Mrs. Sunny Mojonnier
Mr. Herschel Rosenthal
Mrs. Diane E.Watson
