The Borough Council of La Laguna honours Don Dionisio Santana González with the naming of a street after him in the vicinity of San Miguel de Geneto. This ceremony seeks to acknowledge the selfless contributions that this distinguished individual has made throughout his remarkable life, ensuring that his legacy is eternally etched in the memory and streets of the municipality.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, had the honour of unveiling the commemorative plaque, accompanied by the central figure of this tribute, as well as numerous family members who wished to partake in this significant occasion.
The Mayor recalled that this accolade traces back to a decision made by the Borough Council 22 years prior, when a route bearing the name of Don Dionisio was approved. Unfortunately, that same path was soon erased from the municipal map. “Today, the Borough Council of La Laguna wishes to restore Don Dionisio’s street and the recognition he rightfully deserves. This event serves as an act of justice and a historical redress that may have come late, but has finally arrived, so that his children, and their children, may feel the same pride that we all do today as we stand with him on this memorable day,” he remarked.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez expressed gratitude for Don Dionisio’s dedication to his community, “where he taught individuals to read and write in the school he established, instilling both education and values in men and women who forged their paths across various professional disciplines.” “Engaged with the challenges and needs of his community, he was perpetually involved in the neighbourhood initiatives striving for improvements in Geneto, recognising that the greatness of a place lies in the strength of its people,” stated the Mayor of La Laguna.
Speaking on behalf of Dionisio Santana and his family was Julio Rodríguez, who expressed “his heartfelt appreciation for this honorary recognition,” recalling that the initiative “originated from the Union Cultural Neighbourhood Association in 2002, acknowledging that up to that point, Don Dionisio exhibited a profound commitment to community service in several leadership roles.”
“The recognition granted today is further enriched by taking place during Don Dionisio’s lifetime, which the Mayor has rightly identified as an act of justice, for it reflects the gratitude of the community back to Don Dionisio for his unwavering dedication,” expressed Julio Rodríguez, emphasising that “the extensive life story of Don Dionisio, who will celebrate 94 years this October, is firmly rooted in three unshakeable principles: the remembrance of the people’s history, their traditions and customs, community solidarity, and familial unity.”
Julio Rodríguez recounted the lengthy journey of Don Dionisio, closely tied to the residents of Geneto, where he “actively participated in various restorations of the local hermitage and spearheaded the initiative to restore the image of San José, promoted the revival of the pilgrimage, the journeys to Candelaria, the Union of San Miguel de Geneto, among numerous other voluntary efforts. Even in his absence, others will carry on his legacy and safeguard the identity and cultural, material, and immaterial heritage of San Miguel de Geneto,” he concluded.
