The councillor for Fiestas de Santa Cruz, Javier Caraballero, provides an urgent assessment of the initial week of the May festivities, which coincided with the galas for the selection of the adult and junior queens, as well as the shows featuring magicians. Alongside the triumph of the three events and the satisfaction derived from the inaugural edition of the adult queen selection, the responsible mayor for this area stated: “Both García Sanabria Park and the magician’s performance on the 2nd, held in La Noria and its vicinity, were well received.”
Caraballero analysed the occurrence of four consecutive public holidays. “There were two possibilities: either many opted to leave Santa Cruz or, as has transpired, locals and tourists have fully engaged in the events, reaffirming García Sanabria’s status as a hub for artisans.” He noted that there were even shared stalls among creators, acknowledging the importance of participation.
“This year, García Sanabria Park proved too small due to the high number of stalls established, coinciding with the Flower, Plants, Crafts, and Gastronomy Fair along with the book fair. Consequently, this year, stalls were set up nearest to the Rambla de las Tinajas,” the mayor remarked.
Plants Exhibition of García Sanabria Park / Andrés Gutiérrez
“It is evident that García Sanabria offers the finest setting for our fair, as validated by the significant public turnout,” reiterated the festival head, who added, “As the years progress, the park continues to captivate; it serves as the focal point for displays of flowers, plants, gastronomy, and crafts… featuring elements inherited from our history that younger generations enjoy as a fresh experience, for instance, the Gorgoritos.” “In terms of quality and quantity, no fair compares to García Sanabria,” stated the mayor, who leads the innovative public company Empresarial Fiestas de Santa Cruz.
Shortly before midday yesterday, coinciding with the conclusion of the park exhibition, awards were presented to participants in the showcase that commenced on the 30th.
Flower and Plants Contest
Ornamental Plant Awards
Geranios Tenerife Sa claimed the top prize in the ornamental plant category, followed by Iria Cabrera Luis in second place and Peter Bosman in third, who impressed with his African bonsai from the succulent family.
Gardening
The first award in the gardening category went to the display by IES El Sobradillo, while the second award was given to UTE ZZVV Santa Cruz. The third prize in this category remained unawarded.
Floral arrangement
In the floral arrangement segment, Natalia Molina from Floresciendom received the top accolade, with Carlos Javier Dorta in second place; the third prize was unawarded.
Stand presentation
In the stand presentation category, the first prize was awarded to Geranios Tenerife, which also achieved first place in the ornamental plant section, while the second was given to Iria Cabrera Luis and third to Mercy Bouquet.
The panel responsible for evaluating the four categories in the Flowers and Plants Contest included Carlos Morici, a biologist and director of the Palmetum Botanical Garden in Santa Cruz; Zenaido Hernández, an agricultural engineer and well-regarded enthusiast of gardening and landscaping; and Patricia Hogdson Ravina, a Fine Arts graduate, painter, and art curator.
Plants Exhibition of García Sanabria Park / Andrés Gutiérrez
Handicraft Contest
Best Contemporary Artisan Work
In the Traditional Canarian Crafts section, the first prize was awarded to María Triana Lorenzo for her work Embroidered Towels. The second prize was given to Prudence Torres Afonso for her work Leather Bag Combined with Roseta. The third prize went to Jesús Manuel Acosta Pérez for the piece Bucio with Goat Horn.
Contemporary Crafts
In the contemporary craft category, the first prize was conferred upon María José Zárate for her work Jewellery Top. The second prize went to María Julia Castro González for Twins, while the third was awarded for the work Cardboard Recycling Lamp by Manuel Maderuelo Proto. The jury that judged these categories included Ricardo Cólogan Ruiz Benítez de Lugo, manager of the Island of Handicraft of Tenerife; Cristina Rodríguez Mijares, a graduate in plastic arts; and Milagros Amador González, Technician at the Ibero-American Craft Museum of Tenerife.
Drawing Contest
Regarding the drawing contest, the first award in the 3 to 6 years category was claimed by April Núñez Navarro, with Amaya Morales Keadwan receiving the second prize. In the 7 to 12 years category, Alejandro Acosta Felipe secured the first prize, while Biel Núñez Navarro obtained second, and third went to Eva García Gaspar.
In the painting segment for 7 to 12 years, the first prize was awarded to Vera Lantigua Reyes, with Carolly Reyes Alberto receiving the second.
The verdict for the drawing and painting contest was issued by Carlos Morán Rodríguez, a Doctor of Fine Arts and Graphic Design; Luz Sánchez Aguilar, an illustrator and designer; and Ana Seco Durán, a Fine Arts graduate and designer.
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, accompanied by the Councillor for Fiestas, Javier Caraballero, and the Councillor for the Presidency and head of the Central-Iphara District, Dávila Purificación, presented the May 2025 Parties Awards in García Sanabria Park on Sunday, May 4.
