The inaugural edition of the Canary Islands Senior Carnival is being organized by the Department of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families of the Canary Islands Government and the City Council of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The event is scheduled for next Sunday, the 18th, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the capital of Tenerife.
Taking place on the last day of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, the Plaza de la Candelaria will host this recreational event, attracting about 400 seniors from all the islands. The attendees will enjoy the humor of Maestro Florido and musical performances by the groups La Década Prodigiosa and Orquesta Tenerife, and they will also receive a souvenir to take home.
Candelaria Delgado, the Minister of Social Welfare, emphasizes that “this initiative demonstrates the Canary Islands Government’s commitment to the elderly by energizing this group and promoting healthy aging in line with its objective.”
The minister also highlights the importance of making significant festivals like the Carnival an inclusive event to involve and showcase the participation of the elderly. She adds, “This event is just the beginning and is intended to be held in different parts of the islands in the coming years.” She states, “We need to empower our seniors, which includes involving them in deeply rooted cultural celebrations like the Carnival; hence, we have decided to bring seniors from across the archipelago and celebrate a festive day for them.”
Verónica Meseguer, the general director of Seniors and Active Participation, emphasizes the high priority given to seniors by the Government of the Canary Islands and the ongoing work to address their needs and ensure their voices are heard. “We aim to fulfill the needs of our elderly and help them enjoy their daily lives. Hosting this Carnival event is a positive step in this direction, in addition to other initiatives benefiting their well-being,” she highlights.
Charín González, the Councilor for Social Action of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlights the addition of this new event to the capital’s Carnival, stating, “This Sunday, the elderly will have their own space to enjoy, complementing programs such as Santa Cruz Vital, through which we maintain a close and direct relationship with them throughout the year.”
The Festival Councilor, Javier Caraballero, views this as an opportunity to demonstrate the Carnival’s humane side, providing the elderly with an opportunity to participate in a unique festival. He says, “We are thrilled to welcome seniors to our municipality, not only from the Island but also from the rest of the Archipelago.” Caraballero adds, “The end of the party this Sunday will be a very special moment for all the elderly who will be able to enjoy their own space in the Plaza de la Candelaria.”
Ensuring the quality of life of older people is a top priority for the Department of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Children and Families of the Government of the Canary Islands. To this end, the first General Directorate of Seniors and Active Participation has been established in this legislature with the aim of increasing care resources, developing actions that promote autonomy and well-being, and enhancing their participation and integration in society to improve their quality of life.
