The Cookies has a historic encounter on the horizon. On Saturday, August 31, at the Paulino Suances Romín Urban Park in The Cookies, a remarkable event is set to occur, one that promises to linger in the memories of attendees. This show, which has been staged very infrequently, will feature Los Sabandeños and Los Gofiones, the two most significant representatives of Canarian folklore, sharing the same platform. The event will commence at 9:00 pm, and entry is free.
This concert is organised by the Culture Board in collaboration with the Festival Department of the Arona Town Hall, bringing together two ensembles with over fifty years of musical history, consisting of numerous songs and performances, and over the course of their illustrious careers, they have produced more than one hundred albums.
The Mayor of Arona, Fátima Lemes, highlighted, “We are poised to experience a magical evening alongside the two most pivotal groups in the realm of Canarian folklore. It is a rare occasion to have them on the same stage, which is why I encourage both locals and visitors to witness this extraordinary performance.”
In support, Javier Baute, the Culture Councillor for the Arona Town Council, remarked that “this concert undoubtedly ranks as one of the most significant activities among our annual offerings. The Culture Board has shown immense commitment and proactivity in preserving our heritage, and this is thoroughly evident in this year’s programming.” “From the moment I took charge of the Culture Board, I aspired to organise this concert to bring these two groups together, so I extend my gratitude to Los Sabandeños and Los Gofiones for choosing Las Galletas for this recital. I am confident that the audience will relish an unforgettable evening,” Javier Baute added.
The bands, currently guided by Elfidio Alonso and Rafael ‘Feluco’ Tejera, are renowned for their distinctive interpretation of traditional Island music. Over the years, they have blended various instruments and styles, which has enabled them to transcend the borders of the Canary Islands and captivate audiences across all five continents.
With nearly 60 years of continuous service, Los Sabandeños have curated a priceless audio archive that embodies part of the traditional cultural legacy, alongside original compositions and adapted versions. They have not only explored various genres within the rich Canarian folklore repertoire, but they have also dedicated efforts to promoting the vibrant Latin American songbook, and more recently, the bolero, which has established itself as a distinct genre within traditional Latin music. The influential journey of the Sabandeños has marked them as a crucial touchstone in the world of traditional music, extending well beyond the Canarian context.
Having performed beyond the Canary Islands, Los Sabandeños have spread their music across the nation and have showcased their talent in Belgium, Italy, Portugal, the United States, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, and Colombia. Their albums have exceeded sales of more than 2,000,000 copies across many of these nations, including Japan. Their contributions have been recognised with prestigious awards from the Autonomous Community, including the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands and the Canary Islands Prize for Popular Culture.
Conversely, Los Gofiones emerged from the vision of musician Totoyo Millares Sall, celebrated as one of the top timple players in the Archipelago. Their efforts in the realm of folkloric roots initiated with research and preservation of Canarian folklore, complemented by the exploration of new musical and stage methodologies. The group’s international performances and the connection between the Canary Islands and Latin America have facilitated an expansion of their repertoire to include music from different regions.
Comprising around forty musicians, the ensemble has toured the Canary Islands, the mainland, and showcased their music in Portugal, France, Germany, Cuba, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Venezuela, among others. Similar to Los Sabandeños, Los Gofiones have been awarded the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands and the Canary Islands Prize for Popular Culture, along with numerous other accolades.
