“I had a friend and I recognised the dire situation I am in,” states Ricardo Rososzka, overwhelmed by resignation yet demonstrating bravery as he aims to portray the harsh reality he has endured for months in Playa San Juan. This 55-year-old Argentine, who holds Spanish nationality and has devoted his life to the craft of magic, is currently living in less than favourable conditions in an improvised cave serving as his refuge.
On Thursday morning, the situation almost turned tragic: eight large stones broke free from the wall of his makeshift dwelling while he was asleep. One of them grazed his hand, inflicting a superficial cut—just enough to make Ricardo aware of the danger that surrounds him. “I nearly died. I couldn’t fall back asleep after three in the morning,” he shares, still shaken.
For the past two months, Rososzka has been compelled to adjust to a life without a permanent shelter, characterised by makeshift arrangements and unpredictability. Initially, he resided in a tent located in a ravine, but he was forced to vacate it following a warning from the local police regarding the risk of flooding in the area.
Subsequently, he relocated to a nearby cave, a space once occupied by a couple and partially destroyed after a fire ignited by the previous tenants, which, in his view, led to the stones falling.
This predicament has been the breaking point. “This made me aware of my appalling circumstances. Nothing of this nature has ever happened to me before. “I called 112 and realised the severity of the situation,” he admits.
Ricardo has been linked to the entertainment industry for 36 years. Operating under the stage name Riki Rososzka, he has showcased his magic on numerous stages across Argentina and Spain. Nevertheless, his professional experience has not equipped him with the means to secure stability. In Tenerife, he endeavours to survive through street performances that enable him to earn a modest income, while Cáritas provides him with 40 euros monthly.
Recently, he secured a position as a waiter in a tavern in Playa San Juan, but his lack of experience led to the loss of that opportunity. Currently, he continues to seek employment in the vicinity, holding onto hope of returning to work as a magician. “I am ready to start tomorrow if someone offers me a chance,” he proclaims.
Ricardo aspires to something that many take for granted: a home where he can live with dignity. “I need a house. “I cannot remain in this situation,” he asserts decisively. However, reality poses significant challenges. Although he is socially registered within the municipality, the wait for housing is lengthy, and there are no assurances of success.
Precariousness
Ricardo’s narrative sheds light on the fragility of those living on the streets. “There are individuals who lack the capacity to progress in circumstances like this. I have experience in overcoming hurdles, but this is a level of precarity I have never encountered,” he reflects. In the meantime, he hopes that his next appointment with a social worker from the Guía de Isora City Council will provide him with some resolution. However, time is not on his side.
“They informed me that the police intend to seal the cave. “I have no idea where I will go after that,” he laments.
Despite everything, Ricardo maintains his sense of humour and wonder at the small acts of kindness he encounters on his journey. He fondly recalls a child who, after witnessing one of his street performances, remarked: “You have to come every day because you make the children happy.”
