Vilafranca debuts a sculpture to Tomeu Penya, a gift for a lifetime of friendship

PalmaIn Vilafranca de Bonany, the first weekend and the day of the Melon Fair and Festival, in the square that bears his name and surrounded by his friends, the representatives of the City Council and his fellow citizens. The setting could not have been better to discover and inaugurate the bust of Tomeu Penya, a sculpture that will remain forever in the center of his hometown. The bronze sculpture was a surprise gift from the businessman from Llubí, Tòfol Rosselló, a close friend of Penya since childhood, ever since they studied together at La Porciúncula.

Although the inauguration of the bust appeared as just another act in the program of events for the Melon Fair and Festival, the City Council and the donor of the work himself wanted to keep the details of this unique tribute secret until the very last moment. The honoree himself confessed during the event that he was completely unaware of the existence of the project and the identity of the person who had promoted it. It is a testament of affection between two friends from the Pla de Mallorca, who are often seen having breakfast together at the Es Cruce restaurant.

The sculpture was commissioned by Rosselló to the artist Damià Ramis Caubet and perfectly represents the characteristic features of the island singer-songwriter with his unmistakable beard and hat. The figure rests on a stone pedestal of great symbolic value, as the titles of all the songs by the musician from Vilafranca have been engraved on it one by one.

The mayor of Vilafranca, Montserrat Rosselló, presented a plaque of recognition to the renowned singer-songwriter. Penya, visibly moved by the warmth of the people of Vilafranca of all ages, reiterated his pride in his roots and affirmed the affection received in his hometown throughout more than four decades of his profession.

This popular recognition closed in the best possible way: with live music. Around midnight, Tomeu Penya went up on stage to offer a massive concert in front of his people, on a festive day of great emotional weight for the Pla region.