The City Council of Puerto del Rosario initiates the process to rename Almirante Fontán Lobé street as Lorenza Machín Alarcón street, in compliance with the Law of Democratic Memory.
The capital of Fuerteventura prepares to pay tribute to one of its most illustrious residents. The City Council of Puerto del Rosario, through the Department of Culture, has given the green light to start the administrative process for the current Almirante Fontán Lobé street to be renamed Lorenza Machín Alarcón street. The decision, announced this Monday, responds both to an act of institutional recognition and to compliance with the Law of Democratic Memory.
Lorenza Machín Alarcón, born in Fuerteventura, has developed an intense career as a writer, actress, and social activist for over six decades, always linked to Puerto del Rosario. Her trajectory has made her a reference in the defence of the rights of the LGTBI+ community, gender equality, and the promotion of a more inclusive society.
The initiative, which already has the support of entities such as Altihay Fuerteventura, the Federation of Women’s Associations Arena and Laurisilva, and the Feminist Network of Fuerteventura, underscores the symbolic value of incorporating her name into the street names of the capital of Fuerteventura. These groups have highlighted that the gesture represents a step forward in the visibility of female figures and defenders of human rights.
The name change is not only a tribute but also a legal obligation. The historical reports included in the process conclude that Jesús Fontán Lobé, the current namesake of the street, had a close connection with the Franco dictatorship, holding trusted positions in propaganda and documentary services of the Presidency of the Government. Law 20/2022, on Democratic Memory, establishes in its article 35 the incompatibility of maintaining names that exalt the military uprising or the dictatorship.
The mayor of Puerto del Rosario, David de Vera, has stated that "this agreement represents an act of justice, memory, and recognition towards a woman who has decisively contributed to the social and cultural development of our municipality. We comply with the Law of Democratic Memory, but we also take this opportunity to incorporate into the street names the name of a person whose values represent freedom, equality, and commitment to society."
For his part, the Councillor for Culture, Juan Manuel Verdugo, added that "Lorenza Machín is part of the cultural and human heritage of Puerto del Rosario. Her legacy transcends the artistic realm and constitutes an example of civic commitment and defence of human rights. This recognition will ensure that her name remains forever linked to the history of our city."
Machín's career has been recognised on several occasions. She was the herald of the Puerto del Rosario Festivities in 2012, received the Exemplary Woman distinction from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura in 2016, and the Meninas Award 2020, granted for her contribution to the fight against gender violence and the defence of equality.
The process will be processed following municipal competencies in urban nomenclature, with all the administrative guarantees provided. It is expected that in the coming months the process will be completed and Lorenza Machín Alarcón street will become a reality in the El Charco neighbourhood, where the street is located.
The news has been received with satisfaction among residents and social groups, who see this change as a step towards a street name system that is more representative of diversity and democratic values. Puerto del Rosario thus adds a new female name to its street names, in a gesture that combines historical memory and recognition of the struggle for equality.
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