The arrival of summer has highlighted the scarcity of shaded areas in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, a recurring demand in the Guanarteme neighborhood. This Monday, the complaint materialized in a colorful collective action in Plaza del Pilar, where local residents used 700 kilos of salt dyed with acrylic ink to create a large fried egg-shaped carpet. The objective was to denounce concerns about climate change, denialism, and high temperatures.
Children, adults, and seniors actively participated in the creation of the artwork. After outlining the egg shape on a plastic sheet fixed to the ground, participants spread and flattened the colored salt, blending the protest with a touch of humor. The activity included a table under an awning offering watermelon, cold water, and fried egg-shaped candies, referencing viral trends of cooking eggs outdoors during heatwaves.
Alberto Darias, one of the coordinators, explained that this initiative is part of the 'Rincones con Arte' project and the 'Indistritamente' program, which aim to foster citizen participation and neighborhood cohesion through sociocultural interventions. "What we want with all this is to bring the neighborhood together, to get people out of their homes, and for neighbors to gather around something positive," he stated.
Pepi González Perera, president of the Guanarteme neighborhood association, recalled that the demand for pergolas to provide shade in Plaza del Pilar dates back to its inauguration in 2005. Despite promises made to various administrations, the lack of shade and green spaces remains a problem for the neighborhood, often forcing residents to seek refuge in terraces to escape the extreme heat.
