Tradition, flavor, and Canarian charm come together in El Poblado to celebrate San Fernando and Canary Islands Day.

The village of Maspalomas once again became the heart of the popular celebration on the occasion of the Day of San Fernando and the Day of the Canary Islands , a festive day that brought together thousands of people around devotion, tradition and typical Canarian gastronomy.

 

The day began with a nod to traditions , especially the recreational and sporting activities that form part of the archipelago's cultural heritage. Children and adults alike enjoyed participating in Canarian wrestling, hopscotch, sack races, and shepherd's leap , creating a festive and family-friendly atmosphere deeply rooted in local identity. These activities, organized in collaboration with neighborhood associations and municipal staff, fostered an intergenerational space that highlighted play as a tool for cultural transmission.

 

At midday, the traditional community barbecue took place , where over 1.000 kilos of mackerel from Arguineguín , 120 kilos of wrinkled potatoes , 100 liters of mojo sauce, and 50 kilos of gofio ( a type of flour) were served. All of this was carefully prepared by more than 30 volunteers , residents of the El Poblado neighborhood, who, along with their children, have kept alive this generational legacy that dates back more than forty years.

 

 

From early morning, the aroma of wood smoke and grilled fish filled the air around the San Fernando Primary School, where locals and visitors lined up to enjoy this traditional lunch. The day was marked by high public participation , with more than 2.500 people eager to attend this eagerly awaited event, which grows in popularity each year as one of the most authentic on the town's festive calendar.

 

The Councilor for Festivals and Events of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council, Yilenia Vega , wanted to personally thank “the dedication, commitment, and hospitality with which the volunteers prepare this festival, demonstrating that the strength of our traditions lies in our hands, in our kitchens, in our streets, and above all in the hearts of those who keep them alive.” She also highlighted the role of generational renewal, emphasizing that “the involvement of sons and daughters guarantees the continuity of this intangible heritage.”

 

The councilwoman also remembered the work of Suso Guerra , on the first anniversary of his death, "a much-loved resident of the neighborhood who for decades was a fundamental part in the organization of this celebration."

 

The event also featured a lively open- air dance party led by Paco Guedes , who transformed the surroundings into a large outdoor dance floor, where there was no shortage of traditional music or a desire to party.

 

Before the grand barbecue, as tradition dictates, Mass and a procession were held in honor of Saint Ferdinand "El Chico ," patron saint of Maspalomas. The procession, composed of the images of Saint Ferdinand and Our Lady of Mount Carmel, wound its way through the main streets of El Poblado, accompanied by the Municipal Corporation. The solemnity of the event was enhanced by the music of the Pequeña Estefanía drum and bugle corps and the Banda Isleña, who set the pace for the bearers of the religious images, amidst applause, petals, and prayers.

During the Mass, the Word was commented on by the Archpriest of the South and parish priest of San Nicolás de Bari in Sardina, Samuel Rubio, accompanied in the songs by the Parochial ChoirAt the end of communion, the soprano Judith Pezoa gave an emotional rendition of Ave Maria by William Gómez dedicated to the Virgin, a gesture that was received with great affection by those present and especially appreciated by the Parish of San Fernando.

 

The celebration of this day has a dual purpose : on the one hand, religious devotion to the local patron saint, and on the other, a sense of belonging and identity as Canarian people, coinciding with Canary Islands Day. “It is, without a doubt, a day for neighbors, family, and visitors to reunite, sharing food, music, and memories, strengthening the community bonds that give meaning to these festivities,” concluded Yilenia Vega.