This Saturday saw the premiere of the Children’s Dance of Magicians, coinciding with the usual parade of the older folk groups.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna became the stage for an emotive and historic communal gathering, where different generations celebrated the 2025 San Benito Abad Festival together and shared regional traditions that symbolise the culture and heritage of the islands.
The day began at 11:00 with the launch of the Children’s Dance of Magicians, which brought together a large number of children, dressed in their corresponding regional attire, to enjoy a day of leisure and learning about the origins of folk culture, dances, games, and the history of the islands, all facilitated by the host, Güicho Estévez.
The Councillor for Festivals of the La Laguna City Council, Dailos González, explained that “this event originates from the desire to engage younger generations in the San Benito Abad Festival so they can learn about our customs and identity, as they will be responsible for carrying these celebrations forward in the future and ensuring their endurance over time.”
The councillor emphasised “the great atmosphere and the special moment experienced as the folk groups of older generations entered the square, filling this iconic festival space with music and fostering interest among the younger attendees in the lyrics and musical instruments that represent the archipelago.”
The morning’s agenda concluded with the presentation of very special gifts for the participating children, comprising boxes of traditional games such as spinning tops, marbles, a Canarian deck of cards, and the classic elastic band.
Festival 8 Islas
Later that same Saturday, starting at 22:00, it will be the turn of one of the most significant cultural events of the San Benito Festival. The Festival 8 Islas will bring the sounds, popular celebrations, and most characteristic elements of the entire archipelago to the city, with a musical backdrop designed specifically for the occasion.
On the stage of the San Benito church, and with the emblem of these festivities as a faithful witness, artists of the calibre of Javier Hernández, Candelaria González, Manuel Estupiñán, Angélica Casañas, Ciro Corujo, Víctor Bruto, and the University Folk Group will perform.
Throughout this magical evening, the sounds of chácaras and drums will blend with the talcum powder of La Palma, the Rams of El Hierro, and other manifestations from the islands that are highly recognisable to the general public. In short, a musical and visual selection for all audiences that will serve as the perfect prelude to the grand day of the San Benito Festival.
