The Gran Canaria Senior Fair opened its doors at the Plaza de Santiago in Gáldar with a day dedicated to active and healthy aging, bringing together hundreds of seniors from different parts of the island. The initiative is sponsored by the Canary Islands Government's Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports, through ExpoDeca 2026.
The Vice-Minister of Physical Activity and Sports, Ángel Sabroso, highlighted the importance of supporting this fair, calling physical activity a "tool for health, autonomy, and emotional well-being," as well as a way to "combat loneliness." He emphasized the need to "continue generating opportunities for seniors to remain active."
Isabel Mena, Minister of Social Policy for the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, noted that the fair is born "with the intention of staying" and aims to highlight seniors as "an active part of society." Meanwhile, the mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa, stated that the event "will showcase the talent and experience of our seniors," positioning Gáldar as "the epicenter of active aging in the Canary Islands."
The opening day, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, included the reading of a manifesto, music, dance, tasting of Canarian products, and the intergenerational activity "Puentes de Vida." Authorities toured the various spaces set up in the Plaza de Santiago.
The program will continue with the expected arrival of over a thousand seniors from municipalities such as La Aldea de San Nicolás, Santa Lucía, Agüimes, Moya, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. Activities like the "Pasos x la Vida" race and the Canary Islands Neurolimpiadas are planned.
The fair will conclude on Saturday with events such as the "Values in Sport" panel, featuring Daniel Carnevali, Julia Martel, and Julen Pérez, and the "Leyendas Amarillas" encounter, with former Unión Deportiva Las Palmas players Félix Marrero and Noly. There will also be sports activities and theatrical performances.
The Gran Canaria Senior Fair will be open on Friday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission and a program featuring over a hundred activities and more than thirty exhibitors.
