Los Realejos, as part of its May Festival, will once again take centre stage as the hub of Canarian folklore with the XLIX edition of the Festival of the Islands. The event is set to take place on Saturday, 25th of May, starting at 9:00 p.m. This celebration is a longstanding tradition that brings together music groups from all eight Canary Islands, making it the oldest event of its kind in the archipelago.
This cultural extravaganza, organised by the Los Realejos Festival Department led by Isabel Socorro, will feature the participation of each of the eight groups in the Pilgrimage honouring San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza the following day, on Sunday, 26th of May.
Mayor of Los Realejos, Adolfo González, highlights that “during the final weekend of the May Festival each year, our town proudly showcases the rich heritage of Canarian folklore. We welcome groups from all the islands, who showcase their traditional attire, songs, and dances. Los Realejos becomes a cultural melting pot during this time.”
Isabel Socorro reveals that “Tenerife will be represented by the Atabara Folk Group from our municipality, with other islands being represented by groups such as Hautacuperche Folk Group (La Gomera), Guayadeque Folk Group (Gran Canaria), Maxorata Folk Group (Fuerteventura), Malpaís de La Corona Folk Group (Lanzarote), Los Toledo Folk Group (La Graciosa), Echentive Folk Group (La Palma), and Sabinosa Folk Group (El Hierro).”
“The presence of these groups makes Los Realejos a unique municipality in the Canary Islands, preserving a folkloric tradition that has been celebrated for almost fifty years. It is a celebration that brings together people in unity through traditional music, showcasing the diverse culture and attire of each island in the Canary archipelago,” Isabel adds.
The councillor also notes that “on the same day, 25th of May, in the morning and afternoon, another major event, the Livestock Fair, will take place in Finca El Llano from 10:00 a.m., featuring various activities centred around the agricultural sector, especially livestock.”
The Rich Heritage of the Festival of the Islands
The inaugural festival honouring the music traditions of the Canary Islands in Los Realejos dates back to 1975. In 2016, the event was cancelled due to rain. The 2020 edition had to be adapted to a virtual format due to the health emergency, while in 2021, despite pandemic restrictions, an in-person event was held. The upcoming edition on Saturday, 25th of May, marks the forty-ninth annual celebration, solidifying its position as the oldest folkloric festival of its kind in the Canary Islands.
This event has garnered regional acclaim, becoming a cornerstone in the annual calendar, paying tribute to and preserving Canarian traditions through music.
As is customary, the festival will conclude with a final “isa” performed by soloists representing each group, followed by traditional dance performances. Attendees will also be treated to samples of gastronomic delights from across the Canary Islands.
As the midnight hour approaches, the festivities will wind down, giving way to participants to rest, before donning their finest traditional attire once again for the Los Realejos Pilgrimage on Sunday, 26th of May.
