The patron saint festivities of Altavista in honor of San Antonio María Claret began this Friday with a heartfelt opening speech by Jesús Toledano Sánchez, a recently retired educator who has dedicated a significant part of his professional career to teaching and has maintained a close connection with the neighborhood for 35 years.
The event, held in Arrecife on October 17, 2026, also served to recognize his commitment to the educational community and his contribution to the social life of the neighborhood and the city. The deputy mayor and councilor for Festivities, Echedey Eugenio, presented him with the insignia accrediting him as Vecino Predilecto de Altavista.
During his speech, Toledano reviewed his professional career, marked by his teaching vocation and his dedication to bringing educational centers closer to families and the social environment. After arriving in Lanzarote in 1988, he obtained his position as a career civil servant in 1991, assigned to CEIP Los Geranios, a school he directed from 2005 until his retirement last June.
The speaker highlighted his commitment to education open to family participation and connected to the neighborhood's reality, materialized in initiatives such as Family Schools, the promotion of reading and writing, and the celebration of Christmas activities with the Padre Claret Neighbors Association. His work was recognized in 2017 with the Viera y Clavijo Mention.
Toledano continues to be involved with the neighborhoods and educational centers of Arrecife through his collaboration with the Más que Barrios program, promoted by singer Rosana Arbelo.
Echedey Eugenio emphasized "the mark that Jesús Toledano has left on both Altavista and Arrecife in general throughout his decades of dedication and work", valuing his commitment to teaching and his ability to strengthen the relationship between schools, families, and society.
Recognition was also given to Mari Carmen Santacruz, president of the Padre Claret Neighbors Association, for her dedication and effort in organizing the festivities.
The evening was presented by broadcaster Francisco José Navarro and featured a performance by singer Iballa González, accompanied on piano by professor Cielo Guzmán.
