Around 5,000 individuals with varying disabilities took part in the Inclusive Sardine Parade today. The parade commenced at 11:00 a.m. along Francisco La Roche Avenue and concluded an hour later at the Carnival stage on the same street. The event featured a range of adapted activities aimed at enabling participation for individuals with diverse abilities, including a batucada, reading of a manifesto, fanfare, and a festival where people with disabilities from across Tenerife and other islands danced to the rhythm of the La Sabrosa orchestra.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez highlighted the evolving nature of the Carnival, stating that it is open to all who wish to participate. He emphasized the provision of necessary means to ensure that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can fully enjoy the festivities.
Councilor for Social Action, Education and Youth, Charín González, praised Santa Cruz for pioneering the world’s first Inclusive Carnival experience. She noted the provision of adapted services at the Orange Point, including sign language interpreters, mediators for deafblind individuals, sensitive backpacks, anti-noise systems, and magnetic loop services for those with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
González emphasized the importance of providing support for individuals with reduced mobility, visual impairments, cognitive disabilities, and other forms of disability. She outlined the Carnival’s inclusive features, including rest and shade areas, a raised platform for wheelchair dancing, and inclusive signage at the main events and contests.
Javier Caraballero underscored the collaboration between the Social Action and Festivals departments in making the Inclusive Carnival a reality. He outlined the existing commitments, such as areas for People with Reduced Mobility, Spanish sign language interpreters, noise-free zones, and pictograms at various events.
José Juan Cruz, the driving force behind the Inclusive Sardine initiative, expressed gratitude to the Santa Cruz corporation for allowing over 5,000 individuals from different centers and associations to participate. He emphasized that true inclusion means creating the conditions for equal participation for all.
Cruz highlighted the coordinated effort to enable individuals from occupational and educational centers, including access to adapted transport, sign language interpreters, and support teachers to ensure equal participation for all.
