The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is preparing to celebrate its 548th anniversary of foundation with an extensive Foundational Festivities program, taking place from June 12 to 26. This year, the celebrations hold special significance as they coincide with the city's candidacy to become the European Capital of Culture in 2031.
The inaugural events will commence on Friday, June 12, in Plaza de Santa Ana. The opening speech will be delivered by Lourdes Santana, director of Cadena SER in the Canary Islands. Following the speech, the Gran Canaria Big Band will perform, accompanied by the timple talent of Abraham Ramos and the vocals of Manuel Estupiñán and Beatriz Pérez.
The Foundational Festivities program is rounded out with a diverse offering that includes literary and photographic encounters, historical tours, activities designed for the whole family, chess games, and the traditional Act of Honors and Distinctions of the city.
Among the highlighted events are concerts such as the one by the Municipal Symphonic Band of LPGC with Abraham Cupeiro in the Gardens of the Castillo de la Luz, or the performance by Cristina Ramos with the City Dock Band & Friends in Plaza de Santa Ana. There will also be family shows like 'Borondona' and 'Arigato, cuento que te canto' in Parque Doramas.
The program for the weekend of June 13 and 14 includes music in the heart of Vegueta, with performances in various venues such as the Bar Association and the Casa de Colón, as well as the family show 'Si los peces hablaran' at the Jesús Arencibia Cultural Space.
The week of June 16 to 18 will feature the 29th Ciudad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Poetry Award, a historical Night Walk through Vegueta, '12 Noches de Autor' with Mingo Quintana and José Artiles, and the presentation of the 14th Ciudad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Photography Award at the Castillo de Mata Museum.
The weekend of June 19 to 21 will bring the concert 'La costa de los cantares' with Olga Cerpa y Mestisay, a chess simultaneous exhibition, family concerts like 'La Banda Mocosa' and 'La canción de Adji', a circus show, and the Elepegecé Festival with Morgan and Los Vinagres, in addition to the opera 'Turandot'.
The San Juan Night, on June 23, will be marked by the Act of Honors and Distinctions at the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium, followed by a concert by Álvaro de Luna, fireworks in the Los Muellitos area, and a street party with Tataband and DJ.
The Foundational Festivities will conclude on Friday, June 26, with a concert by the Municipal Symphonic Band of LPGC featuring Fasur Rodríguez in the Gardens of the Castillo de la Luz.
