Belén María

Belén María is one of the best-known roundabouts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, sitting on the narrow isthmus that links the El Sebadal district with the La Isleta peninsula and the Port of La Luz. For locals it is far more than a traffic junction — it is a memorial tied to a pivotal moment in the island's labour history.

Why does it have this name?

The roundabout is named after Belén María Sánchez Ojeda, a 16-year-old who was killed on 25 July 1980 when she was struck by a vehicle during a tense demonstration by port workers. She had joined the protest with her parents — her father was a dockworker — against the privatisation of the port and in defence of the right to strike. Her funeral drew more than 30,000 people, and her death turned her into a lasting symbol of workers' solidarity in the Canary Islands. The roundabout itself was formally inaugurated on 1 May 1983, International Workers' Day — a date chosen deliberately.

How do you get there?

Belén María sits on the route connecting central Las Palmas with the Port of La Luz and the La Isleta district, right beside Avenida Marítima. It functions as the main gateway for traffic entering and leaving the port terminals, so expect heavy flow at peak hours. City buses running toward La Isleta and the port stop nearby, and there is parking in the surrounding streets for anyone arriving by car. On foot, it works best as a stop along a longer walk from the city centre toward the lighthouse area and Las Canteras beach.

What will you actually see?

The centre of the roundabout historically featured a lighthouse-shaped structure with a niche holding a sculpture dedicated to Belén María, surrounded by maritime-themed decorations — a boat, an anchor and ventilation funnels echoing the port setting. Because of ongoing works to bury Avenida Marítima underground and improve links toward Torre Las Palmas, the monument and its decorative elements have been temporarily removed; port authorities have stated they will be reinstalled once construction finishes. The project has also run into unstable ground conditions beneath the roundabout, which has extended the timeline. Even in its current, transitional state, the site remains a well-known landmark for residents and port workers alike.

When is the best time to visit?

The most meaningful date is 25 July, the anniversary of Belén María's death. On that day, the city council and dockworkers' unions hold a floral tribute at the roundabout, with wreaths sent from port unions in other Spanish cities such as Algeciras, Valencia and Barcelona — a good opportunity to see local memory culture in action. Outside that date, the roundabout is best visited simply as a landmark on the way to the port and La Isleta, ideally in the morning or late afternoon when traffic is lighter.

Frequently asked questions

Is Belén María a tourist attraction? Not in the classic sense — there's no admission and no visitor centre. It's primarily a major traffic junction and a memorial site, worth knowing as a landmark on the way to the port and La Isleta.

Who was Belén María? A 16-year-old resident of Las Palmas killed in 1980 during a port workers' protest. She became a symbol of the dockworkers' struggle for labour rights in the Canary Islands.

Can you still see the monument at the roundabout? Due to the underground tunnel works on Avenida Marítima, the sculpture and decorative elements have been temporarily taken down. Authorities say they will return once construction is complete.

How do you reach the roundabout without a car? The easiest way is by city bus toward La Isleta or the Port of La Luz, or on foot as part of a coastal walk from the city centre.