Barceloneta Holds a Special Place for Loles León
Barcelona-born actress Loles León has reaffirmed her deep affection for her hometown, naming the Barceloneta neighbourhood as her favourite place in the city. In a recent interview shared by municipal channel betevé, the 76-year-old performer recalled growing up in a 30-square-metre apartment with 15 family members, a humble beginning that shaped her enduring connection to the coastal district. "Obviously, I'll stick with my neighbourhood, Barceloneta," León said, praising Barcelona’s unique atmosphere, neighbourly solidarity and the Catalan tradition of sharing home-cooked meals. She specifically mentioned how neighbours would call out if they had made a roast and invite others to join, a small gesture, she said, that reflects the city’s spirit.
Memories of La Boqueria and Petritxol’s Granges
León also spoke fondly of her walks through central Barcelona, citing La Boqueria market, Carrer de la Portaferrissa, Portal de l'Àngel and Passeig de Gràcia as some of her cherished spots. Among the city’s changing landscape, she lamented the closure of many traditional shops but expressed relief that some historic granges, traditional Catalan dairy cafes, remain, particularly those on Carrer Petritxol.
Awards and Recognition Despite Political Controversy
The actress received the Creu de Sant Jordi from the Generalitat in April 2025, months after Barcelona City Council rejected her nomination for the city’s Gold Medal for Cultural Merit. The municipal proposal, put forward by Mayor Jaume Collboni’s government on 9 December 2024, cited her “brilliant and extensive professional trajectory, her contribution to Spanish and Catalan culture, and her status as an essential reference in the entertainment world”. However, the award was blocked by opposition parties Junts, ERC, PP and Vox, who objected to León’s past criticisms of Catalan language policies. The Generalitat’s decision to award her the Creu de Sant Jordi, one of Catalonia’s highest civil honours, was formalised in a resolution published on 22 April 2025, recognising individuals who have provided “outstanding service to Catalonia in defence of its identity or in civic and cultural life”.
The Generalitat has chosen to honour those whose trajectory goes beyond their profession and helps to 'make country',
said government spokesperson Sílvia Paneque at the time, as reported by EL PAÍS.
Her Best Date in Barcelona
When asked about her best date in the city, León recalled returning to Barcelona to present Pedro Almodóvar’s Mujeres al borde de un ataque de nervios (Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown). The event brought together old friends and even critics who once doubted her talent. "Wow," she said, "that was something." Now based largely in Madrid, León continues to work across film, television and theatre. Yet her heart, she insists, remains in Barcelona, especially in Barceloneta, where her story began.
Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by elmon.cat, totbarcelona.cat, elpais.com.
