SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 6 Jul. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The singer Iván Quintana has publicly expressed his admiration for the town of La Laguna in the speech announcing the San Benito Abad festivities, held this Friday, stating that “if any place on this island understands the bond between Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it is undoubtedly La Laguna.”
The reading of the proclamation marks the beginning of an edition that focuses on the island of Gran Canaria and culminates on Sunday, 14th July, with the procession of the Virgen del Pino from the hermitage of the same name in the Regional Pilgrimage of San Benito.
“I am particularly moved by the fact that this year’s Fiesta de San Benito opens its heart to my Gran Canaria,” said the town crier, a native of Carrizal de Ingenio. “Sometimes, unfortunately, we must come together in the face of the unexpected: like the tragedy of fire, a volcano, adverse weather… It is beautiful that we also gather to celebrate and show unity as one people, a people that sings, dances, weaves, prays according to each one’s beliefs, and lives life with passion.”
Iván Quintana highlighted the welcoming and hospitable nature of La Laguna, recalling that “many Gran Canarians spent their university years in this city which was once the hub of Canarian youth” due to its role as a university town “that warmly embraces all who come here.”
Before this, the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, lauded the town crier as “endowed with great sensitivity and artistic talent”, who showcased his skills from a young age as a member of the Guayadeque Folklore Group and later, the group Los Gofiones.
Iván Quintana, as per the mayor, “embodies the concern and love for the Canary Islands. He is passionate about the popular culture, in which he is now an integral part due to his talents. A versatile singer, or canador, as he describes himself, with a broad reach, finding his place not only in folklore but in any expression that connects us with the land: from crafts to traditional festivals and, above all, its people and music.”
The town crier recounted his initial visit to La Laguna in 2011, precisely for a San Benito Pilgrimage, expressing his affection for this town instilled by individuals like his parents from La Laguna, Candelaria and Jesús, who imparted “the wonderful secrets of this town”. He also remembered Juan Rodríguez ‘Juaniquillo’, who taught him the art of weaving and deepened his appreciation for the craftsmanship.
“A pilgrimage like the one during San Benito, which places great emphasis on the livestock that participate in the festivities, is the perfect occasion to acknowledge the hard work of all the men and women who support the agricultural sector, including the Mesa brothers, Telesforo Rodríguez, and all the promising young talents promoting livestock in this town,” mentioned Iván Quintana, who also expressed heartfelt sentiments for Pedro Molina, “who contributed significantly to this tradition and remains a vivid presence for those of us who cherish the farming heritage.” The herald made a symbolic gesture by presenting San Benito with a Canarian knife “a symbol of identity for the farmers and ranchers of my homeland.”
Iván Quintana portrayed the numerous connections he has with La Laguna: “for the festivities, for the pilgrimage, for the loom, for the livestock, for the faith and Holy Week” (recalling that he has been singing malagueñas to the Christ of La Laguna during the early morning procession on Good Friday for a decade now) “but above all, for its people and its music.”
Specifically in the realm of music, he expressed his admiration for Los Sabandeños, whose songs “compose the soundtrack of the Canary Islands, especially the streets of this Laguna would be incomplete without them” and emphasised the pivotal roles of individuals such as Elfidio Alonso and Olga Ramos, along with performing various verses dedicated to San Benito and his Pilgrimage.
He concluded by expressing his faith “in the youth of this region (…) a youth that sings, plays, believes in its work, continues to care for our farmland, continues to sow and fish, is not resigned to see these islands merely as a concrete-filled plot of land.” He ended his address with an invitation: “Let’s take to the streets of La Laguna to celebrate, to unite as one community, dance to the same tune and sing in unison. If I always awaited these upcoming days with joy, this year will hold even more significance.”
GALA FOR THE ELECTION OF THE ROMERA MAYOR
From this Friday until 21st July, La Laguna is filled with a diverse programme of festive and traditional events in honour of San Benito Abad. This Saturday, the Teatro Leal will be home to the gala for the selection of the Romera Mayor starting at 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, at the same venue, the gala for the selection of the Romera Infantil and the Romera de los Mayores will take place, starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring the VI Pedro Molina Memorial honouring the trades and elders of San Benito.
