“This evening, all of the Canary Islands welcomes you, Elfidio Alonso,” stated musician Yeray Rodríguez yesterday, who admitted he was unsure of what to express in tribute to the founder of Los Sabandeños, honoured yesterday at the Festival named after the iconic group, one of the most eagerly anticipated events during the Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna.
This year, the festival marked its 46th edition, celebrating an extraordinary musical and human journey that spans over 60 years across all its forms. In a bustling Plaza del Cristo, where attendees queued for up to five hours to secure a spot, the audience was treated to the performance “Canarias con Elfidio,” which acknowledged the professional journey of “a giant of Canarian music,” as described by the mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
Before the concert commenced, the mayor of La Laguna referred to this tribute event as “a just recognition of everything he has contributed and continues to offer us,” emphasising the significance of organising such events “while these representative figures are still with us.”
In turn, Elfidio Alonso clarified that the event was not a recognition of his personal contributions “but rather an acknowledgment of the remarkable collective efforts of the group,” and expressed his gratitude to the mayor and his colleagues for the opportunity of a concert “that holds immense meaning for him.” He also reminisced about notable figures such as Eduardo Falú, Horacio Guaraní, Daniel Viglietti, and Simón Díaz who have graced the Festival. “People have come to understand what the festival signifies and has signified for the Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna and the Canary Islands. They recognised our accomplishments, resulting in this spectacular ribbon,” he added.
Over the course of two hours divided into five segments, Los Sabandeños delivered performances of their repertoire alongside selections from various artists from the islands including Braulio, Chago Melián, Domingo Rodríguez El Colorado, Luis Morera, Valeria Castro, and st. Pedro, with Yeray Rodríguez serving as the master of ceremonies.
