Lorenza Machín receives the Alexis Ravelo Award to a standing ovation at Fuerteventura Book Fair

The 36th Fuerteventura Book Fair saw one of its most moving moments on Friday with the presentation of the Alexis Ravelo Award to Lorenza Machín. The writer and activist from Fuerteventura received the honour visibly moved, surrounded by an audience who rose to their feet to give her a warm and admiring ovation. It was a show of affection for a woman who has made culture, social commitment and the defence of people’s rights her way of life.

Lola García, president of the Fuerteventura Island Council, praised Machín’s record and, in particular, her courage in firmly standing up for the dignity of the most vulnerable. “I would say the whole planet needs more Lorenzas Machín,” the president emphasised.

García singled out Lorenza Machín’s courage and her defence of freedom and diversity in a society which, she acknowledged, is going through difficult times and needs role models who can champion respect and the dignity of everyone.

“She has not only written books; she has written pages that speak of freedom and courage, but above all of people’s dignity and the dignity of the island of Fuerteventura,” the Island Council president said in her address.

The Island Council’s president also linked the honouree’s career to the theme of this year’s Book Fair, “Reading opens borders”, and recalled the special significance of the Alexis Ravelo Award for the island institution.

In her speech, García highlighted Lorenza Machín’s willingness to stand up publicly for her convictions and to defend everyone’s right to love whoever they choose, without fear of diversity.

“That is the courage we want to recognise here today, and that is why we are presenting this award and honour, Lorenza,” the president said, expressing the hope that her example would help build a more respectful society.

Lorenza Machín, a beautiful heart

For his part, Rayco León, the Island Council’s councillor for culture, praised Lorenza Machín’s work in both activism and culture, while emphasising the love she brings to everything she does.

Her personal commitment was matched by an audience who remained captivated throughout the moving ceremony.

The councillor said the affection with which the award recipient was welcomed reflected the way she relates to others and builds community through culture and social commitment.

With characteristic humility, Lorenza said that “calling myself a writer feels like too much”, referring to the word’s broad scope. But she did acknowledge a life devoted to values and integrity. “That, yes, is something I identify with,” she said proudly.

She thanked everyone who had come, particularly her son, Suso, and the family members present. She also thanked the library team, led by Elsa Quesada, and everyone who had come to the fairground to show her their affection and respect.

She ended the ceremony by reading a few words of gratitude to the island that had welcomed her for 61 years and to which, she said, she owed so much. She also spoke warmly of her move to Gran Canaria alongside the love of her life, her wife Carmen. Carmen could not be there, but was in Lorenza Machín’s heart. Machín has left a deep mark on Fuerteventura society.