The Veneguera neighborhood will once again become the cultural epicenter of Gran Canaria on October 10th and 11th with the celebration of the 34th Veneguera Gathering, under the motto "Veneguera Viva." Since 1989, this event has established itself as one of the island's most emblematic events, combining music, tradition, and sustainability in a space for community gatherings that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The official presentation took place this Monday at the Gran Canaria Island Library, with the participation of the Mayor of Mogán, Onalia Bueno; the Councilor for Culture of the Island Council, Guacimara Medina; and the Councilor for Culture, Mencey Santana. Bueno emphasized that the gathering "is a space where tradition, music, and community participation coexist, always with sustainability as its main focus," and thanked the associations and residents for their involvement.
A band competition with projection
On Friday, October 10th, the Plaza de Veneguera will host the Band Competition, with Tierra de Fuegos, Tamar Waters, Eclectone, Etcétera, Martana, Autofilia, and Maldito Ramírez participating. The winning group will receive a professional music video recorded in Mogán and an audio master worth €1.000. The event will also feature a special performance by Javier Cedrés. On Saturday, October 11th, the grand musical celebration will feature Julia Rodríguez, Playa Coco, Hiraí Afonso, Aníbal y Lajalada, Gran Canaria Reggae Foundation, Kilombo Improvisado, OM Domínguez & The Village Band, Enak Ska, DJ Kubakanashé, Danienverso, and Ínsula.
Workshops, gastronomy and tradition
Beyond the music, the event offers a full program of activities for all ages. The Veneguera Cultural Center will host a children's playroom with recycling workshops, face painting, inflatables, and educational games, while the plaza will host activities linked to sustainability and Canarian tradition, such as gofio kneading, clay pendant making, and Canarian backpack design. The Food and Crafts Fair will bring together local producers and artisans, expanding the restaurant and dining areas. This year, sustainable merchandising products such as pencils and notebooks that, after use, can be turned into plants, will also be included.
A campsite with sold-out places
The commitment to a sustainable gathering is reinforced with the opening of the camping area at the Veneguera soccer field, which has sold out all its spaces for campers and caravans. "The goal is to bring visitors together so they can comfortably enjoy the entire weekend," said the mayor, who announced that ways to expand capacity are already being explored in light of the resulting waiting list. Today, the Veneguera Gathering is a blend of festival, fair, and neighborhood gathering that, beyond music, celebrates Mogán's cultural identity and its relationship with nature. Three decades after its founding, it remains true to its essence: uniting tradition and modernity under the premise of sustainability.
