The Municipal Theater of Tías registered a full house on the night of this Saturday, April 11, during the institutional act of awarding the title of Illustrious Son, posthumously, to Mamerto Cabrera Medina, one of the most influential businessmen in the recent history of Lanzarote.
The event, held at 8:00 p.m., brought together numerous neighbors, public representatives, and the honoree's family circle, in an event full of emotion and recognition towards the figure of this exemplary southern neighbor. His children and other family members were present at an evening that combined personal remembrance with institutional recognition.
The event, of broad social and cultural content, included the screening of a video about the vital and professional trajectory of Cabrera Medina, as well as various musical performances that enriched the ceremony. On stage participated Benito Cabrera and Domingo Rodríguez “El Colorao”, in addition to the folk group El Pavón, who brought a marked traditional accent to the night.
The Tías City Council approved last February, unanimously in plenary session, the granting of this honorary title in recognition of Mamerto Cabrera's professional career and personal values, highlighting his closeness, simplicity, and commitment to his land.
Born in Mácher in 1925 and deceased in 2003, Cabrera Medina began his working life as a carpenter, opening his own workshop in Arrecife in 1954. However, his business vision led him in 1967 to make a decisive turn after closing his carpentry business and betting on the emerging tourism sector through vehicle rental.
It began with just five Seat brand cars, laying the foundations of what would eventually become a powerful business group with more than 17,000 vehicles and around 1,500 direct employees. Its growth consolidated especially in the 80s, and in 1986 it established the family business Autos Cabrera Medina.
Over the years, the group expanded its presence with the acquisition of CICAR in 1989 and the creation of new firms linked to the automotive sector, contributing decisively to the economic development of the island.
The tribute held this Saturday not only recognized his business success, but also his human legacy and his ability to generate opportunities, in an act that will remain in the collective memory of the municipality of Tías.