The city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is preparing to celebrate its 548th anniversary with an extensive program of events for the Foundational Festivities. The schedule, presented this Monday by the mayor Carolina Darias and the Councilor for Culture Josué Íñiguez, will kick off this Friday, June 12, with the opening speech by journalist Lourdes Santana, and will run until June 26.
Under the slogan 'Rebellion of Geography,' which supports the city's bid for European Capital of Culture in 2031, the festivities aim to attract all audiences with established events and new additions. Among the latter, a tribute to Dania Dévora, scheduled for Thursday, June 18, stands out.
An essential figure for understanding the cultural evolution of Las Palmas Gran Canaria in recent decades
The mayor described Dévora as a woman "deeply committed to culture, creation, and the international projection" of the city, recalling that she was the opening speaker for the Foundational Festivities in 2019 and received the title of Favorite Daughter for her contribution to placing the city on the international cultural circuits. The tribute, titled 'Music and Verses for Dania Dévora,' will feature musical and scenic performances.
The musical agenda takes center stage, with a concert by the Gran Canaria Big Bang alongside Abraham Ramos and Beatriz Pérez following the opening speech. On the same day, the Symphonic Band will perform at the Castillo de La Luz with a prelude featuring Abraham Cupeiro. On Saturday, June 13, Cristina Ramos will present her show '60 Years of Soul in the Atlantic' at the Plaza de Santa Ana.
The 'Music in the Heart of Vegueta' event will take place on the morning of Sunday, June 14, occupying courtyards of the Casas Consistoriales, Colegio de Abogados, Fundación Mapfre Canarias, Casa de Colón, and squares such as Pilar Nuevo, San Agustín, and the Real Sociedad Económica de Amigos del País de Gran Canaria, with performances by Súbito Koral, Archinautas, 3 Aries, Timple & String Quartet, La Musicleta, Barrio de Tango, and Son x Tres.
On Friday, June 19, Olga Cerpa y Mestisay will present the Sanjuanero concert in Santa Ana. On Saturday, June 20, the newly launched Elepegecé Festival will bring Morgan, Los Vinagres, Good Franco, and Baldosa to Santa Ana, with DJ sets by Aquiles Orquídea. On the same day, the Stagno Square will host 'Opera for All' with a screening of 'Turandot,' the final performance of the 59th Opera Season of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria–Alfredo Kraus.
The program also includes activities for children at Doramas Park on June 13 and 20, and the morning of Sunday, June 21. Additionally, the winners of the 29th City of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Poetry Prize and the 14th Photography Prize will be announced.
On Tuesday, June 23, the institutional act of Honors and Distinctions will take place, awarding eight Gold Medals and naming four Favorite Sons and Daughters and four Adoptive Sons and Daughters. The night before the city's founding, there will be concerts and fireworks from Los Muellitos, with Álvaro de Luna and Tataband performing at the Plaza de la Música.
