Santa Lucía de Tirajana witnessed a vibrant cultural celebration last Friday with the arrival of the Great Senegalese Magal, an event of great significance for said community.
The Great Magal is a holiday that honors the exile of Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, a pivotal figure in Senegalese history and founder of the Mouride movement. Born in 1853, Bamba was banished by French colonial authorities in 1895 due to his growing influence and resistance to colonization. He was sent to Gabon, where he spent several years in adverse conditions. His return to Senegal in 1902 marked the beginning of a lasting legacy that continues to influence religious and social life in Senegal.
The celebration of the Great Magal in Santa Lucía de Tirajana, to everyone's surprise, included a procession through the main streets with participants dressed in traditional Senegalese costumes. During the event, chants and prayers were held in Wolof, the most spoken language in Senegal. The festival also featured speeches, typical foods such as "thieboudienne" (rice with fish).
The event caught the attention of local residents and took place without incident, with the Gran Magal Senegalese Festival in Santa Lucía de Tirajana standing out with great expectations.
