The days held to commemorate the centenary of the birth of Eduardo Oramas Alayón, Gold Medal of Arona and Illustrious Son of Tenerife, served to highlight their relevant contribution to the preservation and dissemination of the culture and traditions of the Arón municipality and the Island, as well as to raise awareness about the importance of preserving traditions. This was evident during the last day, in which recognitions were given to the schools participating in the First National and International Meeting of Palo Players.
The mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, thanked “the work carried out by the schools, so that it is essential to transmit this legacy to new generations, along with the incalculable value of the work and legacy left by Eduardo Oramas Alayón.” An initiative to recognize the teacher that transformed into a prolonged and warm applause at the end of the event, in recognition of “the important contribution of Oramas Alayón to our traditional games, his efforts and an entire life dedicated to it. Not only do we remember him through the Civic Center that bears his name, but his memory is evident in the history of our traditions.
Southern Heritage Association
The tribute to this illustrious master of the stick and hand game, who left behind an important ethnographic and cultural legacy, has been organized by the South Heritage Association with the collaboration of the Department of Historical Heritage and the Cultural Board of the Arona City Council. It has included, among other events held at El Fraile, a release of doves, the discovery of a commemorative painting, the screening of a documentary and the unpublished film Don Eduardo, music with its couplets, the presentation of 24 information panels of his personal defense of the stick and hand game, a photography contest and the presentation of the book about this illustrious character.
Featured participants
The municipal government of Arona considered especially notable “the enthusiastic and emotional involvement” of the Punta Rasca folklore group, of which Eduardo Oramas Alayón was its director. This formation presented the hand game anthem, with special mention to the family of Oramas Alayón.
Among these special mentions, the Aron Town Council highlighted the role of the participating folk groups, the Arona Pigeon Pigeon Club and, in addition to family and friends, the large number of alumni of the Escuela del Palo y la Mano de Don Eduardo, as well as of people who have expanded their ethnographic knowledge thanks to this resident of Arona who has left a very deep mark.
The Eduardo Oramas Alayón Civic Center, in El Fraile, hosted three days of a celebration presented by Eva García.