A Menu del Dia Interview Special with Lucy Hawkins
As we approach the elections for this summer's La Patrona, we hear from Lluis Escandell Soler, Joan Mas of 2024 to find out just how much it meant to him
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Pollença, I had a very pleasant childhood, lots of family and friends. As a child I lived in a typical Mallorcan farm on the outskirts of the town, then I moved to a chalet in Gotmar, closer to the town. As a teenager, since my parents worked, I had a lot of time with friends on the beach, in the swimming pool… I have many good memories.
I live in Puerto de Pollença at the moment, I would like to live in Pollença again one day.
What is your job and what do you love about it?
I have been a waiter at my father’s restaurant, Iru, in Puerto de Pollença, since I was 16 years old. I have been growing within the business for 11 years and now I help my father with the business side.
I am also the director of the Pollença judo club, Mallorca Nord Judo. I have been doing judo since I was 5 years old, I have been teaching since I was 18, and I have been running the club since I was 20. I continued the business after my teacher died tragically at 49 years old. Currently it works very well and we have about 130 people practicing judo in Pollença and 20 in the Port. I love children and judo is my passion, so I enjoy teaching more than being a waiter, although there are also many good things in that job.
Can you tell me about deciding to run for the part of Joan Mas? What was the process like?
I didn’t decide at any specific moment. I knew all my life that when I was old enough to run for office I would. I felt very sorry inside and I really wanted to play this role for the entire town.
The process is long, for months (or years) all your friends and town know that you are going to show up, everyone pays a lot of attention to you, and you are in the centre of everyone’s eyes. In the end it went very well, and I am very happy about it.
How was La Patrona for you?
It was incredible, obviously the best of my life. From the moment I started until the end of the holidays, a thousand things, very beautiful moments and emotional experiences have happened. I have met many very good people, and my family and friends have given everything for me. I would repeat every moment since May 31st without changing a thing.
Do you feel like you are Joan Mas for the year? If so what has that meant – do you have any official duties?
Yes, I feel like I am Joan Mas until the next votes. I have no duties, it is simply a matter of pride.
Do you have a favourite restaurant here?
Here I have to say my father’s restaurant, Iru, I have spent my entire life inside it.
If I have to choose another, I like Na Ruixa, Corb Mari…
What food does Mallorca do really well?
My favorite Mallorcan food is Arroz brut, although I like everything Mallorcan like fried pork, tumbet, suckling pig, and all kinds of Mallorcan tapas.
What did you eat yesterday, when and who with?
I didn’t have breakfast, I don’t usually, I just had coffee.
For lunch I ate at my mother’s house with my cousin, godmother and my partner; baked chicken with potatoes.
For dinner I had Cauliflower with minced meat and sauce.
Lucy Hawkins is a writer and artist who lives in Mallorca with her husband and two young daughters. She studied Journalism at the University of the Arts in London and worked at Cosmopolitan Magazine and The London Paper in the UK as well as newspapers and magazines around the world. Her original artwork, prints and homewares are sold in stores across Australia and her children’s book, The Salvager’s Quest, is available through online book retailers worldwide.
