For almost 35 years, the association Sonrisa Médica (Medical Smile) has been making the healthcare system in Mallorca and the neighbouring Balearic Islands a more humane place through humour, music, magic and joy, thanks to its professional hospital clowns. The association has received numerous awards for this work, including a Siurell de Plata from the MM publishing house Grupo Serra and the Ramon Llull Prize from the Balearic Islands Government. Today, the team comprises 18 hospital clowns who visit people in hospitals and care facilities.

One of them is Carme Serna. The Mallorcan was born in Palma in 1981. As well as working as a director, actress and writer, she plays the character Valentina Ventolina as a hospital clown in Mallorca. Through her work, she brings smiles to the faces of children.

"The smile on the faces of parents and their children changes everything."

Serna describes her character as dreamy, playful and full of imagination, yet at the same time mischievous and punkish. She is always in costume and as soon as she puts on her red nose, she slips completely into her role. Serna always works alongside a colleague. "We work with improvisation, but also with sketches inspired by everyday life in the hospital that may later prove effective", she explains.