Yesterday afternoon, the Leal Theatre served as the focal point of the events celebrating the 25th anniversary of La Laguna’s recognition as a World Heritage Cultural Asset by UNESCO. This institutional ceremony was designed by the City Council and community members to acknowledge and pay tribute to the numerous individuals who played a pivotal role in securing this unique accolade for the Canary Islands, with their leadership being crucial in preserving its remarkable universal significance, as stated by the local authority.
Chaired by the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez (PSOE), this gathering was a fitting homage to the technical teams, researchers, and city council representatives who helped safeguard 528 years of history and revitalise public spaces in the municipality as venues for social, economic, and cultural development.
The ceremony, filled with emotion, celebrated the dedication and contributions of former mayors Elfidio Alonso Quintero, Ana Oramas González-Moro, Fernando Clavijo Batlle, and José Alberto Díaz Domínguez, alongside former councillors of Culture and Historical Heritage Oswaldo Brito González (posthumously awarded) and Juan Manuel Castañeda Contreras.
The event also honoured Asunción Álvarez Arvelo, who graduated in Art History and served as municipal advisor in Historical Heritage in 1999; Fátima Melián Pacheco, a graduate in History and municipal technician from the Cultural Heritage Department; Jesús Pérez Morera, a doctor in Art History and professor at the University of La Laguna (ULL); and Maisa Navarro Segura, a professor of Art History at the ULL.
On behalf of the entire corporation and the residents of La Laguna, the mayor expressed gratitude to Miguel Ángel Fernández Matrán, honorary president of the International Centre for Heritage Conservation, who played a vital role in establishing international connections that were key to achieving this recognition.
“Preserve and Enhance”
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez emphasised, “The UNESCO title represents a collective triumph for all residents, but it was propelled by a group of men and women whose contributions deserve recognition. They inspire us to maintain our commitment to preserving our heritage and ensuring that La Laguna’s legacy persists for future generations.”
He further remarked, “Through them, we acknowledge the citizens’ affection for this city and the values of peace, freedom, and coexistence it embodies. Today, centuries later, we have the responsibility to preserve and enrich the humanistic spirit with which it was established and to bolster its universal, cosmopolitan nature that is welcoming to the world, a melting pot of cultures, and a hub for agriculture, commerce, and dialogue.”
Presented by journalist Pilar Rumeu, the ceremony featured performances by Pieles and the Kanar Quartet. All honourees received a sculpture crafted by Krijer Hermanos Orfebres specifically for the occasion. This artwork is a totem made from green volcanic stone, topped with a silver Compass Rose, designed in the lagoon baroque style, which encompasses a globe centred on the Canary Islands.
The mayor of La Laguna, along with Francisco García, the rector of the ULL; Mari Brito, the mayor of Candelaria and president of Fecam; Migdalia Machín Tavío, the Minister of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Canary Islands Government; José Carlos Acha, the Minister of Culture and Museums of the Cabildo; Badel Albelo, the first deputy mayor of La Laguna; Adolfo Cordobés, the Councilor for Cultural Heritage; Adrián del Castillo, the councillor for Culture; Margarita Ramos, president of the CajaCanarias Foundation; and Gustavo Matos, deputy and former president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, presented the awards.
