Fantastic news for the historical and public heritage of Tenerife. The Puerto de la Cruz City Council has announced the restoration of one of the island’s iconic cinemas: Chimisay.
The mayor of the island’s tourism hub, Leopold Afonso (Pp), confirmed this Friday that the council has reached an agreement with the owners to acquire the Chimisay cinema.
In this month’s plenary meeting, Afonso outlined a proposal for a budget modification amounting to 5 million euros for the purchase of the premises as well as for the planning expenses of the renovation project and the construction works.
Closure in 2008
The Chimisay cinema, which has entertained numerous generations of Portuenses, ceased operations in October 2008 after 30 years of service. Opened in 1972, it gained prominence as the venue for the Ecological Film and Nature Festival of Puerto de la Cruz and captured the hearts of cinephiles on the island, eventually becoming a well-regarded reference.
This cinema was established to replace the defunct Theater TOPHAM. It reopened in 2009 for the Ecological Film Festival and hosted various events, albeit infrequently.
The City Council has stated that the motivation behind this important initiative for culture in northern Tenerife is that “the municipality lacks suitable spaces for cultural, artistic, educational, and institutional activities.”
The historic Cine Chimisay returns to the port of La Cruz / The day
Multifunctional venue
Therefore, as elaborated by the mayor on Friday, the municipal administration, upon the recommendation of the Heritage Department led by Pedro Antonio Campos, intends to provide Puerto de la Cruz with “a multifunctional venue that represents a strategic investment with significant social, cultural, and economic impact“
The establishment of this new venue will enable a permanent cultural agenda that benefits residents and stimulates the local economy. Access to culture and the arts is a fundamental right that enhances our identity, encourages citizen involvement, and enriches our education.
Chimisay cinema will offer the opportunity for continuous programming of activities such as theatre, film, and literature. Furthermore, it will serve as an ideal setting for hosting congresses, lectures, and workshops, becoming a valuable asset for the municipal education sector. This new venue will also transform into a gathering place for civic and institutional events.
At the inauguration of the Chimisay cinema in Puerto de la Cruz in 1972, Hollywood actor Tom Hernández, originally from Puerto de la Cruz, was present, whose family emigrated and settled permanently in the United States.
The cinema
The Chimisay cinema in Puerto de la Cruz was established by businessman José González Garcia, with the construction work managed by José Manuel Yanes Barreto (1910-1999), who hailed from the Portuense neighbourhood of La Vera.
Establishing this new venue will solidify a permanent cultural agenda that will benefit residents and foster the dynamism of the local economy. Access to culture and the arts is a fundamental right that strengthens our identity, promotes participation, and enhances our education.
Chimisay cinema will provide the chance to continuously host activities like theatre, film, and literature. Additionally, it will be a suitable venue for organising congresses, lectures, and workshops, thus serving as a significant resource for the municipal education sector. This new space will also become a hub for civic and institutional gatherings.
Excitement
The mayor Leopold Afonso expressed: “We are incredibly excited about this acquisition. The Chimisay cinema was, for many years, a cherished place and a gathering point for numerous couples and families. Not only do we hold fond memories of it; it was also the preferred destination for residents of neighbouring municipalities who came to enjoy the latest premieres. The queues to enter would stretch along San Juan Street, making it a reference cinema throughout the northern region. We aim to ensure that this space becomes once again that special place where we can share experiences and strengthen our ties as a society.”
In turn, Pedro Antonio Campos, Councilor for Heritage, added: “The restoration of Chimisay cinema is crucial for safeguarding our heritage. This emblematic building is not only a significant part of our local history but also embodies the spirit we aim to revitalise. Our commitment is to restore this space so that it remains a cultural and heritage reference in Puerto de la Cruz.”
The City Council pledges to work diligently to ensure that the Chimisay cinema becomes a focal point in Puerto de la Cruz, providing a space where all residents can participate in enriching activities.
