Barcelona's Gràcia District Plenary Council has approved proposals to name two previously unnamed public spaces in the Vallcarca i Penitents neighbourhood. These new names will honour the iconic comic character Capitán Trueno and the influential singer-songwriter Luis Eduardo Aute.
The decision aims to recognise the lasting cultural contributions of both figures. Residents and visitors will soon see these names officially incorporated into the city's map. The proposals now move to the Nomenclàtor Panel for final evaluation.
Honoring Capitán Trueno
One space, a square opposite the Can Carol neighbourhood centre, will become "Plaça del Capitán Trueno" (Capitán Trueno Square). Councillor Alejandro Monllaó presented and defended this proposal. Capitán Trueno, created by Víctor Mora in the 1950s, embodies universal values. These include solidarity, the defence of justice, and freedom. The location in Vallcarca i Penitents holds historical significance. The building now housing the Centre Cívic el Coll - la Bruguera once served as the headquarters for Editorial Bruguera. This legendary publishing house produced many famous comic characters. All municipal groups unanimously supported this part of the initiative.
Ismael Bayarri, a People's Party (PP) councillor, used the consensus to call for action. He urged accelerating the process to find a physical home for a future interpretation and study centre for illustration and comics. This long-awaited project would safeguard Editorial Bruguera's historical archive of original works.
Luis Eduardo Aute's Legacy
The district will dedicate the gardens on Esteve Terradas street, adjacent to Vallcarca avenue, to Luis Eduardo Aute. This decision highlights Aute's extensive career as a musician, poet, and painter. It also remembers his close connection to Gràcia, where he spent part of his childhood. This proposal, however, generated political debate. It did not receive unanimous approval. The Junts municipal group voted against it.
Marc Ventura, a Junts councillor, justified his group's negative vote. He argued that other local personalities, known for defending the Catalan language, are currently awaiting recognition. Ventura suggested musicians like Jordi Fàbregas or Ovidi Montllor should have priority. He noted that Montllor lived in the La Salut neighbourhood, also within Gràcia, for nineteen years.
Next Steps for Naming Approval
With district plenary council approval secured, the proposals now rest with Barcelona's Nomenclàtor Panel. This body will assess the suitability of both suggestions. If the panel's verdict is favourable, the names will proceed to relevant municipal bodies. These bodies will then grant final approval. This process will officially incorporate the comic hero and the artist into the city's street names. This move reflects Barcelona's ongoing commitment to honouring its cultural heritage.
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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.
