The vocalist Iván Quintana has publicly displayed his admiration for the town of La Laguna during the announcement of the San Benito Abad celebrations, which took place this Friday, stating that “La Laguna is undoubtedly the place on this island that truly embodies the connection between Tenerife and Gran Canaria.”
The act of delivering the proclamation signifies the initiation of an edition that showcases a special focus on the island of Gran Canaria and will culminate on Sunday, 14th July, with the participation of the image of Virgen del Pino from the hermitage of the same name in the Regional Pilgrimage of San Benito.
“I am particularly thrilled that this year’s San Benito Festival opens its heart to my Gran Canaria,” expressed the town crier, who was born in Carrizal de Ingenio. “At times, unfortunately, we must come together in the face of the unexpected: be it a tragedy like fire, a volcano, or adverse weather… It is wonderful that we also unite in celebration and represent a singular community, a community that sings and dances, that crafts, that prays in accordance with individual beliefs, and that lives life passionately.”
Iván Quintana emphasised the welcoming and inclusive nature of La Laguna, reminiscing that “many individuals from Gran Canaria spent their university years in this city, which was once the hub of Canarian youth” due to its reputation as a university town “that embraces all newcomers with such warmth”.
Earlier, the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, lauded the town crier as “possessing immense sensitivity and artistic talent”, noting that from a young age, he demonstrated his skills as a member of the Guayadeque Folklore Group and later, the group Los Gofiones.
Iván Quintana, as described by the mayor, “embodies the concern and fervour for the Canary Islands. He is enamoured with the folk culture, of which he is an integral part based on his own merits. A vocalist, or canador as he refers to himself, with significant influence, who not only finds his niche in the realm of folklore but in any expression that connects us to the land: from traditional crafts to popular festivities and most importantly, to its people and music.”
The town crier recollected his initial visit to La Laguna in 2011, particularly for a San Benito Pilgrimage, and conveyed his affection for this town inspired by individuals like his parents from La Laguna, Candelaria and Jesús, who imparted “the enchanting intricacies of this town” to him. He also paid tribute to Juan Rodríguez ‘Juaniquillo’, from whom he acquired the art of weaving and developed a greater appreciation for the skills of artisans.
“A pilgrimage like the one of San Benito, which elevates the importance of the livestock that accompanies the festival, is more than fitting to acknowledge the efforts of all the men and women who uphold the agricultural sector, including: the Mesa brothers, Telesforo Rodríguez, and all the promising young talents who promote livestock in this city,” expressed Iván Quintana, who also shared warm words for Pedro Molina, “who contributed significantly to this tradition and remains a constant presence for us who cherish the heritage of the land.” The herald symbolically presented San Benito with a Canarian knife “a representation of the identity of the farmers and ranchers from my homeland.”
Iván Quintana highlighted the many bonds he shares with La Laguna: “for the festival, for the pilgrimage, for the loom, for the livestock, for the faith and Holy Week” (recalling that he has been singing malagueñas to the Christ of La Laguna during the early morning procession of Good Friday for a decade now) “but above all, for its people and its music”.
Particularly in the realm of music, he expressed his admiration for Los Sabandeños, whose melodies “serve as the soundtrack of the Canary Islands, especially the streets of this Laguna, where their presence is indispensable” and he highlighted the significant contributions of figures such as Elfidio Alonso and Olga Ramos, while also performing several verses dedicated to San Benito and the Pilgrimage.
He concluded by expressing his confidence “in the youth of this land (…) a youth that sings, that plays, that believes in its endeavours, that continues to care for the livestock of the land, that continues to cultivate and fish, that refuses to accept these islands as merely a canvas for uncontrolled urban development.” And he concluded his speech with an invitation: “Let us take to the streets of La Laguna to rejoice, to unite as one community, to dance to the same tune and sing in unison. If I have always approached these upcoming days with joy, this year’s celebration will be even more extraordinary.”
From this Friday until 21st July, La Laguna will be hosting a diverse programme of festive and traditional activities in honour of San Benito Abad. This Saturday, the Teatro Leal will present the gala for the appointment of the Romera Mayor, commencing at 8:00 p.m., and on Sunday, at the same venue, the gala for the appointment of the Romera Infantil and the Romera de los Mayores will take place starting at 5:00 p.m., featuring the VI Pedro Molina Memorial dedicated to the trades and elderly individuals of San Benito.
