The fifth edition of the Cultural Carnival was unveiled by the La Laguna City Council on Tuesday. This eagerly anticipated event aims to promote and showcase the rich heritage of these festivals in the municipality. The main stages for this year’s celebration will be the Plaza del Cristo, the Teatro Leal, and the Plaza de la Concepción in the historic center of the municipality.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, the mayor of La Laguna, along with Leticia Villegas, the Councilor for Culture and the Autonomous Organization for Musical Activities, unveiled the program of activities. The program is designed for all audiences and includes parades, workshops, performances, and the Great Masquerade Ball.
In his address, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasized that the Cultural Carnival is a commitment to showcasing the history and tradition of the carnival, paying homage to the carnival groups who have made history once again. He also stressed that the aim is to exhibit the rich carnival history of the city and the municipality without the intention of competing with others.
Leticia Villegas highlighted the efforts to maintain the essence of the Cultural Carnival and preserve the historical heritage. She explained that the events are programmed to allow everyone to participate as a family and free of charge.
Gratitude was expressed for the collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare, led by María Leonor Cruz; the Autonomous Sports Organization, under the leadership of Badel Albelo; and the Department of Territorial Planning, Housing and Heritage, overseen by Adolfo Cordobés.
Event Schedule
The carnival will kick off on Friday, February 23, with an inclusive parade starting from Plaza del Adelantado to Plaza del Cristo at 10:00 a.m. This will be followed by the Inclusive Carnival featuring the murga Los Marchosos de Acaymo, murga Resegura2, troupe Joroperos, batucada Los Verodes, En Paralelo Danza, Mi Artefactor, and DJ VV. Additionally, at 8:00 p.m., the plaza of the parish of Santa María Madre de Jesús de El Cardonal will host a gathering organized by the award-winning murga Los Bambones, featuring performances by Las Chaladas and Los Diablos Locos.
The morning of Saturday will witness family carnival activities at Plaza del Cristo. A parade involving various carnival groups will commence at 11:00 a.m., traveling through the center of La Laguna from Plaza de la Concepción to Plaza del Cristo, with the participation of En Paralelo Danza, Los Joroperos, Los Castorcitos, Los Valleiros, Las Marchilongas, and Los Bambones.
A new addition for Saturday afternoon is the first edition of the Cultural Carnival Race, inviting people to participate in costumes. The race will begin from Plaza del Cristo at 6:00 p.m. for children and at 6:30 p.m. for adults.
Concurrently, a festival of rondallas will be held featuring performances by the Masa Coral Tenerifeña, the Rondalla of the Mamel’s Association, Peña del Lunes 1965, Unión Artística El Cabo, Los Aceviños, Las Valkirias, Gran Tinerfe, and the Orfeón La Paz at the main lagoon stage starting at 7:00 p.m., after a parade between the Orfeón La Paz and the Teatro Leal.
To conclude Saturday, the traditional Great Mask Ball will be revived in the municipality, featuring orchestras paying tribute to great artists such as Celia Cruz, Frankie Ruiz, and Juan Luis Guerra. The event will be held at the Leal Theater.
The Cultural Carnival will culminate on Sunday, February 25, with ‘Dancing masks like our elders’ located in the area surrounding the cathedral and La Concepción.
In addition, the old convent of Santo Domingo will house the traditional Canary Islands carnival through Juan Agustín Pérez’s photographic exhibition ‘Tingo’ until March 16, with visiting hours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, as well as from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
