Yesterday, the VIII edition of the Imoque Festival was joyously celebrated by the Cultural Association in the charming Plaza de San Sebastián de La Caleta. This event aims to honour and uphold the distinctive characteristics and customs of the Canary Islands, showcasing the rich traditions, folklore, and culture of all the islands. The Imoque Festival has become a well-established event in the collective memory of the southern region, particularly in the municipality of Adeje. The Cultural Association is dedicated to preserving and reviving traditional crafts and images from the past, bringing to life scenes from bygone eras that are now part of the municipality’s ethnographic heritage, illustrating processes that have either disappeared or are fading away. Adeje’s mayor, Jose Miguel Rodríguez Faga, emphasised the importance of such events in “preserving our history.”
The day’s programme kicked off at 11 in the morning with the 9th Presa Canario Costa Adeje Monographic Competition, which, for the first time, took place in this venue. Organised in collaboration with Selecta Adeje, the Spanish Club of Presa Canario, and under the supervision of the Imoque Cultural Association, this competition counted towards the Canary Islands championship, despite being held as a parallel activity. Laureano Álvarez, the judge of the Presa Canaria monographic competition, described the evaluation process: “In this competition, we assess the entire dog, looking at its morphology, movement, and presentation. The dogs that meet the standards most accurately will be positioned favourably.” Álvarez praised this breed as “powerful” with a “distinctive standard.”
A variety of activities filled the day, including workshops on shepherd’s jumps, Gomero whistling, Canarian percussion instruments, traditional pottery for both children and adults, as well as cheese and wine tastings featuring products from the islands. Around the Plaza de San Sebastián, several stalls were set up for a craft fair and local product tastings. The event also hosted the Todo Hobby la Clave bookstore, a renowned establishment in Adeje, which showcased Canarian literature books. The historical researcher and genealogist, Don Nelson Díaz Frías, was present to sign his books and engage with visitors.
Natalia López, the secretary of the Imoque Association, expressed, “We’ve been meticulously planning this entire festival since the beginning of the year, and it’s a great delight for our association to see this day come to fruition. After tirelessly coordinating and working on this event, it’s truly rewarding.” The president affirmed that “this festival is tailored for individuals who appreciate the Canarian identity: traditions, folklore, and native breeds of animals…”
The Festival drew to a close with captivating musical performances by the “Umiaya Cultural Folk Group” of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Gran Canaria, and a mesmerising theatrical and musical performance by the Imoque Cultural Association, providing a perfect finale to a day filled with activities. The event received unwavering support from the Adejero City Council, which has consistently provided logistical and financial assistance for the realisation and execution of this event. The Adeje mayor reiterated the council’s commitment to such initiatives, emphasising their significance in preserving heritage and traditions, which are integral to Adeje’s ethos.
