Yilenia Vega: "With this first gofio and mojo competition, we're taking another step toward claiming and sharing the essence of our cuisine."
Alejandro Marichal: "These festivities are a reflection of our history, our traditions, and the pride of belonging to San Bartolomé de Tirajana; a time to reconnect and share with those who visit us."
The capital of Tirajana is preparing for ten days of celebration with the Patron Saint Festival in honor of Saint Bartholomew, from August 14th to 24th, a program that combines tradition, popular culture, and music for all audiences. The kickoff will come on Thursday the 14th with the Santiago Triangular Football Tournament at the Tunte stadium, which will usher in a weekend full of flavor, creativity, and fun.
Among this year's new features is the first edition of the gastronomic competition "El Gusto de Nuestra Tierra," dedicated to the traditional preparation of gofio pella and Canarian mojo sauce. This event, which will take place on Friday, August 15th at 19:00 p.m. in Plaza Santiago, seeks to promote and highlight traditional Canarian cuisine, awarding prizes for the flavor, presentation, originality, and cultural value of each dish. Those interested in participating should register by email. ppgad@pucrs.br.
Beforehand, at 18:00 p.m., the little ones can learn how to make these dishes in a gofio children's workshop; and after the competition, the streets will be filled with laughter and adrenaline with the traditional Cart Race starting at 20:30 p.m.
Councilor Yilenia Vega (CC) emphasized that "with this gofio and mojo competition, we're taking another step toward reclaiming our cuisine as part of our identity. It's an opportunity for residents and visitors to share recipes, techniques, and, above all, the love that goes into cooking in our homes."
On Saturday the 16th, there will be a space for creativity with a crafts workshop and outdoor cinema for the whole family, while on Sunday the 17th, foam will invade the plaza in a lively party at 19:00 p.m. The evening will feature one of the most anticipated musical moments: the Medianías del Timple Concert at 20:30 p.m., featuring the best of Canarian folklore.
The week will continue with children's activities, inflatables, and water games that will liven up the afternoons. On Thursday the 21st, the atmosphere will heat up with Family Bingo at 20:00 p.m., followed by a performance by the group Nueva Cantera at 21:00 p.m., and the now-traditional women's soccer match between singles and married women.
On Friday the 22nd, music will take center stage with the concert "Maldita EGB" at 22:00 p.m., and shortly after midnight, the charisma and voice of Pedro Afonso will bring the day to a musical close.
One of the most emblematic days will be Saturday the 23rd, with the Livestock Fair in the morning and, at 18:00 p.m., the 25th Anniversary of the Carbonero Descent, a tribute to a historic trade accompanied by the Agaete Band. The celebration will continue into the evening with a grand open-air dance from 23:00 p.m., livened up by D'Music, Armonía Show, and a DJ, which will last until dawn.
Sunday the 24th, the main day of the patron saint, will begin with the traditional Diana Floreada at 5:00 a.m., followed by solemn mass and a procession in honor of Saint Bartholomew. At 14:00 p.m., the aroma of Sancocho Canario will fill the plaza, giving way to the Verbena Solajera "Lluvias de Agosto" (August Rains) with Star Music at 15:00 p.m. The afternoon will have a moving moment with a tribute to Clara Mejías Rodríguez (Kuki), and to close, the humor of Matías Alonso and the music of the Trío Bellagio will put the finishing touch to a festivities designed to be enjoyed as a community.
First Deputy Mayor Alejandro Marichal emphasized that "these festivities are a reflection of our history, our traditions, and the pride of belonging to San Bartolomé de Tirajana; a time to reconnect and share the essence of our town with those who visit us, as well as to recognize people like Kuki who, with their lives and dedication, embody the spirit and essence of our municipality."
For her part, Councilor Yilenia Vega emphasized that this year's program is the result of neighborhood participation and seeks to keep traditions alive, incorporating activities that enrich the celebration. "The Department of Festivities and Events invites residents and visitors to enjoy these days with joy, respect, and pride, in a celebration that is a symbol of identity for the entire municipality," Vega concluded.
