A demonstration once again roamed the streets of the capital of Tenerife after the massive one on April 20 against the economic and tourist model of the islands. It was nothing like that, it was an island in an ocean but also not a failure. About 700 people – National Police sources reduce the number to 150 – responded to the call of that powerful megaphone that is social media to reject illegal immigration and the smuggling mafias because “Canarias has a limit and can’t take it anymore“. A fierce criticism of the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, was slipped in.
Symbols
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More or less ingenious posters – “Sánchez, Canarias is the EU’s IDC” – and all the flags, plus a T-shirt of CD Tenerife. Any symbol works for the case on this summer morning in Santa Cruz. They were wrapped in the Spanish flag – the patriotic feeling grows as the football team advances in the Eurocup. United, shoulder to shoulder with those who defend the independence flag with seven stars or the official flag of the Canary Islands. Heirs of those who called to arms against the conquistadors with the sound of the conch shell alongside descendants, biological and ideological, of the Castilians of the 15th century who passed through here before heading to America. Different flags, different stances and varied speeches. Whether it’s right or left or the flag one brings from home to support the cause. An example: a protester with the Spanish flag greets another collecting signatures with a Canary Islands flag, without seven stars, but with an eloquent “Up Spain”. So, up, let’s see if we can beat France.
Motives
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In all of this, one small detail is missing: why they were demonstrating. There, almost everyone has their own reason, even if the motive was to reject illegal immigration and combat the mafias, showing that Canarias “can’t take it anymore”. Two ideas: one, the “nos” to human trafficking and more deaths at sea; two, the imitations of the 20A slogan such as “Santa Úrsula is not for sale, Santa Úrsula is defended.” Discomfort, indignation, and anger are the words that best define the feelings of those who take to the streets “from towns and neighborhoods” where the message resonates.
Manifesto
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Before the march begins, there is a (lengthy) reading of the manifesto agreed upon by the organizing forces, including criticism of the groups and lawyers who tried to stop it in recent days. In addition to a signature collection to commemorate July 6 as a day of struggle, to support the “rebellious guanches” of Canarias, as well as raise two monuments (guanches) for this reason, one in Gran Canaria and another in Tenerife.
Slogans
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The slogans define the event well. The most chanted one is “Pedro Sanchez, resign” and to a lesser extent “Clavijo resign”. Then from “it’s not immigration, it’s an invasion” to “neither by boat nor by plane, stop immigration”. The excitement rises as more people join and the shadow provides some relief from the heat at noon. In the hardcore nucleus, located on the steps of the Blood and Hemotherapy Institute, tension is palpable but decreases with the arrival of more people, who increase satisfaction despite the feeling that “many say they are coming and then they don’t show up and they don’t show their faces”. A matter of hiding behind X, Instagram or WhatsApp.
Comments
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“You can’t even walk down the street anymore,” someone says. “Or rent a house,” another replies. “Or…”. The list would be too long – mostly with immigrants collectively blamed for all evils – although there is some humour amid all the heat, like someone asking what time the parade starts. There are repeated references to how the Canary Islanders are struggling, worse off than the immigrants, even though the appearance of the people does not suggest that most of those present are in a dire social situation. But looks can be deceiving, the procession is always inside and manifests outwardly. More a matter of guts than brains.
Activists
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Some professional activist, mixed among fans, runs the show. Respect for the press and their work is requested over the megaphone. There was some skirmish with “those compulsive liars paid by the system” that “I don’t want anything to do with” or “I know all the politicians and I know what they’re up to”. Amid cries for freedom in general, and for expression in particular. Things didn’t escalate further thanks to the intervention of the speaker and owner of the megaphone. A minute of silence is requested for all the deaths and for David, who was beaten on the Peninsula. An emotional touch to which the crowd responds with a “you’re not alone.”
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Freedom
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At last, well past twelve-thirty, the demonstration sets off. It is led by a large banner, with the slogan: “From solidarity to deceived”. Among messages like “Canarias has a limit”, “Enough is enough”, “Repatriation of immigrants”, “NGOs are mafias” or the repeated “Freedom, freedom” without further additions. Oh, and for the Navy to patrol the Canarian route with all available means. As the march moves away along Méndez Núñez Street and the municipal cleaning service workers of Santa Cruz do their job, the voice of Los Sabandeños sings to freedom, amidst flags of Spain. Or were they from Canarias?
