Puerto del Rosario Renames Street After Prominent Activist
The Puerto del Rosario Town Hall has approved plans to rename Calle Almirante Fontán Lobé to Calle Lorenza Machín Alarcón, honouring a key figure in Fuerteventura’s recent history. The decision is part of an initiative to recognise Machín’s significant contributions to culture, equality, and human rights.
Lorenza Machín, connected to Puerto del Rosario for over sixty years, has made her mark as a writer, actress, and social activist. She is celebrated for her efforts in advocating for LGTBI+ rights, gender equality, and promoting a more inclusive society.
Machín’s work has earned her several accolades, including being the guest of honour at the Puerto del Rosario Festivities in 2012. She also received the Exemplary Woman Award from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura in 2016 and the Meninas Award in 2020 for her efforts against gender-based violence.
The proposal has garnered support from various organisations, including Altihay Fuerteventura and the Network of Feminist Women of Fuerteventura, who emphasise the symbolic importance of honouring Machín in the capital city’s street naming.
The name change also aligns with the provisions of Law 20/2022 on Democratic Memory. Historical reports included in the proposal highlighted Fontán Lobé’s ties to the Franco dictatorship, noting his roles in propaganda and government documentation, which rendered the street name incompatible with the law.
David de Vera, the Mayor of Puerto del Rosario, called the decision “an act of justice and recognition” for Machín’s role in local cultural and social development. He emphasized that this change not only adheres to the law but also celebrates values of freedom and equality.
Cultural Councillor Juan Manuel Verdugo added that Machín’s legacy is an integral part of the town’s cultural heritage and this recognition will ensure her name remains a permanent link to the city’s history. The administrative process for the name change will follow the relevant municipal regulations.
