The Ministry for Heritage, in collaboration with Multilingual Gibraltar, has announced the installation of Gibraltarian street names across Gibraltar, as part of a larger project to preserve and  promote multilingualism, heritage, culture, and identity. 

A statement from the Government follows below:

The Ministry for Heritage, in collaboration with Multilingual Gibraltar is proud to announce the  installation of Gibraltarian street names across Gibraltar, as part of a larger project to preserve and  promote multilingualism, heritage, culture, and identity. This project seeks to revive street names  that were once commonly used up to the 20th century, names that have gradually faded due to the  decline of Spanish and Llanito speakers in Gibraltar. 

Recovering Memory, Restoring Legacy 

Through this initiative, we aim to recover the memory and legacy of our streets - those that our  parents, grandparents, and ancestors once walked and named. By doing so, we honour their  memory, respect our heritage, and celebrate the cultural fabric that defines Gibraltar. Our goal is  to transition these street names from the intangible to the tangible, ensuring that future  generations continue to recognize and appreciate this part of Gibraltar’s history. 

Street names in Gibraltar became official in the 1870s when the first street signs in English were  erected by the police. Before this, streets were often identified by their function or prominent  landmarks. Even after official names were established, Gibraltarians continued to use traditional  Spanish names, which were eventually recorded by Rodolfo Banduryin 1890 and Rev. Stewart  Patterson in his 1884 publication in the scholarly journal Notes and Queries. 

Over the years, local historians such as Dorothy Ellicott, Tito Benady, Manolo Galliano, and Tito  Vallejo have expanded these records. Their invaluable contributions provide essential resources  for recovering these names, many of which have now been selected for the new ceramic street  signs. Each sign has a QR code that links to historical facts. 

Community Involvement and Collaboration 

In creating a definitive list, the Ministry for Heritage, in collaboration with Multilingual Gibraltar  engaged with numerous stakeholders over the past year, including the Gibraltar National Archives,  the University of Cambridge, and focus groups of Gibraltarians. Special thanks go to Manolo  Galliano and Victor Hermida for their contributions through their book A Rocky Labyrinth. We are  also deeply grateful to Justo Canales and his team from Ceramica Rosi in Talavera de la Reina,  Toledo, for their exceptional craftsmanship and dedication in creating these ceramic signs.

Rationale Behind the Choice of Ceramic Signs 

The decision to choose ceramics for the street signs was influenced by several factors. This project  is fundamentally about promoting language, and we wanted to ensure the signs were distinct from  official signage in terms of colour, style, and material—making them both durable and reversible. 

After thorough research and consultation with linguistic experts, we determined that ceramics  would best reflect Gibraltar’s unique identity while respecting its multicultural past. Ceramic  signage is valued for its durability and aesthetic appeal, and its use is not exclusive to the Iberian  Peninsula; it is embraced in various regions with rich cultural histories connected to Mediterranean  influences. 

In Gibraltar, the ceramic street signs feature a red border and typography on a white background,  enhancing readability while subtly referencing Gibraltarian aesthetics. This approach honours  Gibraltar’s British and Mediterranean identities, balancing clarity with cultural references. 

Furthermore, each Gibraltar street sign is crafted from a single tile, offering a uniform and  streamlined appearance. This differs from traditional Iberian ceramic signs, which often consist of  multiple smaller tiles arranged for intricate designs. Our choice reflects a thoughtful balance  between heritage and modernity. 

By choosing ceramics, Gibraltar aligns itself with regions worldwide that value heritage through  this medium, such as Italy, southern France, New Orleans, and Latin America. These ceramic street  names serve as a testament to Gibraltar’s multifaceted heritage, preserving a Mediterranean  tradition while ensuring the signs remain readable, resilient, and culturally significant. 

Sustainable Design and Flexibility 

While these street names reflect a rich historical tradition, we recognize that names can evolve over  time. We remain open to community feedback, acknowledging that different groups may recognize  variations or alternative names. The project has been designed with reversibility in mind, ensuring  that changes can be made if necessary. 

Looking Ahead 

This initiative is just one of the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote Gibraltarian heritage. We  are committed to protecting and preserving Llanito, as outlined in the Government’s 2023  manifesto, by collaborating with academics, educators, and cultural groups to ensure the survival  of Gibraltar’s unique language and cultural identity. 

For further information on the history of these streets, please visit our website:  https://www.ministryforheritage.gi/heritage-and-antiquities/category/street-names-75 

The Minister for Heritage, Prof John Cortes, said: "The streets of Gibraltar have always carried the  stories of our people, our culture, and our identity. This project not only revives the names we have  lost but also reinforces the strong connection between our past and our future. Through the installation of these street names, we celebrate the linguistic and cultural diversity that makes  Gibraltar truly unique. They include almost forgotten names and also well known names still in  everyday use, in Spanish, such as “Calle Real” and “La Laguna”, in English, like “Glacis” and in Llanito,  such as “El Qwari” and “El Rolli”. It is an excellent initiative, which will ensure that future  generations continue to recognize and embrace the rich heritage of our streets."