SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 27th Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Guimerá Theatre will host ‘Vigilia’, an artistic initiative organised by the Socio-Cultural Association Heirs of Chasna, which will portray two significant moments in human existence: birth and death. This will be conveyed through the richness of Canarian traditions, incorporating cultural elements such as songs, dances, chácaras, and drums, all deeply rooted in the customs of the early 20th century.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, expresses his enthusiasm for this event, describing it as “an opportunity to keep our traditions vibrant, reinforce our cultural identity, and pass it down to the younger generation to ensure it does not fade away.”
The Culture Councillor, Santiago Días Mejías, remarks that the Autonomous Organisation of Culture backs such events “as it is crucial to promote and safeguard our folklore.” He adds that “through this performance, we will connect with our recent past to contemplate how Canarian society embraced life and death while honouring their departed loved ones.”
The president of Heirs of Chasna, Susi Barreto, clarifies that the show includes representations of the Birth Wakes, which traditionally lasted a week from birth to baptism to ward off misfortune for the little ones, a customary practice associated with the passing of a newborn.
The musical direction is led by Jacob Gonzalez, while Juan Alfonso Álvarez oversees the dance troupe. With over thirty performers on stage, the repertoire features dances such as the Isa del Cruzado, Folías de Gran Canaria, and Mazurca de El Hierro, among others, highlighting the richness and complexity of Canarian folklore.
Those wishing to attend this performance can acquire tickets via the theatre’s website: www.teatroguimera.es.
