On the upcoming Tuesday, June 23rd, local archer Manuel Franco Ravelo will be the protagonist of a historic moment by igniting Telde's municipal bonfire with a fire arrow. This act, intended to be a major attraction of the festivities, is part of the celebration of the Patron Saint Festivities of San Juan Bautista and the city's 675th anniversary.
At 10:00 PM, Franco Ravelo, an athlete associated with the Club Arcogranc El Tribunal, will shoot an incendiary arrow that will set the bonfire ablaze before thousands of attendees. This initiative marks a significant novelty, replacing traditional methods with a staging designed to surprise and create a visually symbolic event.
The choice of an archer evokes the iconic lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the 1992 Barcelona Games by Antonio Rebollo. More than three decades later, Telde adopts this spirit for one of its most deeply rooted traditions, aiming for a visual and emotional impact.
This edition of the San Juan Bautista Patron Saint Festivities will be the third consecutive year without traditional fireworks. The current municipal government has opted for a more inclusive festive model, replacing conventional pyrotechnics with cold fire shows and other visual resources. This decision aims to protect individuals with noise hypersensitivity, vulnerable groups, and animal welfare, while also optimizing financial resources.
The selection of Manuel Franco Ravelo follows the municipal government's initiative to recognize local athletes and entities. In previous years, the honor fell to the Club de Lucha Castro Morales, Aixay Hernández, and the Unión Deportiva Telde, highlighting values such as effort and self-improvement.
“"When they called me to tell me, I was excited from the first moment. I never imagined I could be part of such an important event for the city. Honestly, it was a huge surprise and an indescribable pride."
“"I feel it as a tribute to all the athletes from Telde. There are so many people who work every day, who compete, who train, and who represent our city. Being there on behalf of all of them is something that fills me with pride."
The act, though brief, requires significant technical and organizational preparation to ensure safety. The arrow will be shot at a specific point on the bonfire structure to allow for a controlled and spectacular spread of fire, coordinating municipal services, Civil Protection, and security forces.
The mayor of Telde, Juan Antonio Peña, highlighted that the proposal aims to enhance traditional events with innovative elements. "We want citizens to enjoy an unforgettable night. The San Juan bonfire is part of our identity, and we believe this proposal adds a visual and emotional component that will make this moment even more special," he stated. He also emphasized the symbolic value of recognizing Manuel Franco Ravelo's effort, perseverance, and humility during the city's 675th anniversary.
The anticipation generated by this novel lighting method makes the night of June 23rd one of the year's major events. The combination of the San Juan bonfire tradition, the symbolism of Telde's founding anniversary, and the spectacle of the fire arrow launch is expected to attract thousands, making this moment one of the most spectacular and memorable in Telde's recent patron saint festivities.
