"Ballenero de Honor" Recognition linking Spain and China
On September 11, 2026, the Town Council of Fuentidueña de Tajo (Madrid) named our project founder, Dr. Arch. Álvaro Leonardo-Pérez, as "Ballenero de Honor" (Honorary Citizen) for 2026 during the most important celebration of the year in this singular town in Madrid.
Special thanks go to the mayor, Jose Antonio Dominguez, and his administration team headed by Pilar Carralero for this recognition
The ceremony took place on the Town Hall balcony—standing directly across from the house where Lafuente was born 155 years ago (birthplace document in Leonardo-Perez, 2019, Chapter 1, Annex 01.04 pag. 477) during the opening event of the Patron saint's festivities. This recognition follows another proud milestone for our team, as the town also officially inaugurated the Abelardo Lafuente Promenade earlier in June 2026. It was great to be part of it together with Jiaping Ma, who interviewed Dr. Leonardo-Perez some time ago on her podcast "Hecho en China", and she is a cross-cultural communication and media specialist from Shanghai, currently based in Madrid, linking cultural relationships between China and Spain.
Rescuing Lafuente’s legacy from oblivion and highlighting the cultural bridge connecting Spain and China has been a true labor of love for Alvaro. Knowing this work helps preserve our shared heritage gives profound meaning to every hour spent in the archives of three continents.
Heartfelt thanks to the local government and residents of Fuentidueña for this immense honor. It is a powerful boost to keep searching for Lafuente buildings in Shanghai!
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