Tenerife’s Güímar Dances Set for Gold Medal Recognition
The Cabildo de Tenerife has unanimously agreed to begin the process of awarding the Gold Medal of Tenerife to the Güímar Dances, recognising their significant role in preserving and promoting the island’s cultural heritage.
This decision marks the start of an official procedure to honour one of Tenerife’s oldest and most distinctive cultural expressions, deeply tied to the identity and traditions of Güímar and the wider island. The Güímar Dances, which include the Dances of San Pedro Arriba, San Pedro Abajo, and El Escobonal, boast over two centuries of history, documented as far back as June 1788 with the founding of the Dance of San Pedro.
These performances have survived generations due to the commitment of local dancers, musicians, and families dedicated to preserving this unique tradition, characterised by its vibrant musical and choreographic elements, including the use of pipes, drums, and brightly coloured ribbons wrapped around a central pole.
Rosa Dávila, the president of the Cabildo, highlighted the importance of recognising such a cherished tradition. She stated, “Today marks an important step in honouring one of our most valuable traditions. The Güímar Dances embody our roots, the value of intergenerational transmission, and our ability to keep alive a legacy that is part of our identity.”
Dávila added that safeguarding and recognising cultural heritage is vital to protecting their identity. She believes that Tenerife’s traditions represent one of its greatest strengths.
The Güímar Dances have played a significant role beyond their local community, participating in various festivals and traditional events across Tenerife and the Canary Islands, helping to uphold and share local customs.
These upcoming awards add to previous recognitions, including the Silver Medal from the Güímar Town Hall and the recently awarded Gold Medal of the Canary Islands for 2026, celebrating their contributions to Canarian culture and identity.
With this recognition, the Cabildo de Tenerife reaffirms its commitment to protecting and valuing the island’s cultural heritage, highlighting the vital role these traditions play in the collective history of Tenerife.
