The Court of Contentious-Administrative Law No. 3 of the Court of First Instance of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has issued a ruling permitting the celebration of Three Kings' Night in Triana. This resolution has brought to light two distinct positions among the neighborhood's residents.
One of the neighborhood associations had requested the event be moved to another location, citing noise disturbances and claiming compensation for moral damages. Their primary concern was the "infringement of acoustic regulations" and the impact on residents' fundamental rights, such as personal and family privacy, and the inviolability of the home.
“"Appealing is a right we have, and we will exercise it."
Conversely, the other neighborhood association, formed two years ago in response to the lawsuit, defended the festival's continuation. This group, along with local merchants, joined the case as interested parties, emphasizing the event's cultural and traditional value.
“"We have managed to keep an event as important as Three Kings' Night in the neighborhood, something that the vast majority of residents and businesses wanted."
Proponents of the celebration noted that measures have already been implemented to mitigate disturbances, such as reduced concert hours, which now end at midnight. They advocate for "adjusting" the festival rather than eliminating it, seeking a balance that benefits residents, merchants, and visitors.
Triana merchants also expressed satisfaction with the ruling, albeit cautiously given the potential appeal. They consider Three Kings' Night a crucial day for the local economy, especially for hospitality and retail, as it is one of the highest-grossing days of the year.
“"An event that takes place once a year does not affect fundamental rights, as these neighbors claim."
The commercial sector has stressed the importance of dialogue with the City Council to adapt the festival to everyone's needs, promoting smaller-scale cultural activities and respecting schedules to avoid disturbing residents' rest.
