Torres Announces Major “50 Years of Freedom” Event in Fuerteventura
The Minister of Territorial Policy and Democratic Memory, Ángel Víctor Torres, announced on Monday a large‑scale event to be held in Fuerteventura in early 2026, within the series of activities scheduled across the Canary Islands under the “50 Years of Freedom” program.
The event will specifically honour the LGTBI+ victims who were imprisoned at the Agricultural Penitentiary Colony of Tefía during the Franco regime.
“Tefía is a symbol that transcends the Canary Islands. It will be declared a Place of Memory because people from all over Spain were sentenced to forced labour there simply for loving someone of the same sex,” Torres said, underscoring the importance of restoring the community’s rights after the return of democracy.
Torres added that many young people do not believe the stories he tells about how homosexual individuals were forced to break stones and re‑green the arid landscape of Fuerteventura, being labeled as lazy and criminal.
“They need to know what happened so they can appreciate the freedoms they enjoy today,” he emphasized.
According to a Ministry statement, the “50 Years of Freedom” program, which began this year and will continue into 2026 with more than 480 activities, aims to promote democratic values through initiatives coordinated by government delegations.
“There were no battles in the Canary Islands, but everything started here. Many people were imprisoned and killed, and in many cases their remains are still in unmarked graves,” Torres added, stressing the need to preserve this memory to prevent its repetition.
A Total of 50 Events Across the Canary Islands
The scheduled activities include:
- Inter‑generational meetings involving schoolchildren
- Outdoor workshops on LGTBI+ equality and diversity
- Musical performances and exhibitions
- Theatrical productions
- Installation of plaques commemorating the victims’ sacrifice
- Murals, talks, and debates
Materials such as a 2026 agenda highlighting milestones of the “50 Years of Freedom” will be distributed throughout the islands. An audiovisual piece will also be produced to serve as educational and awareness‑raising material for schools and institutions.