The arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Gran Canaria generated notable anticipation, visible in images from Arguineguín, Vegueta, and Siete Palmas, key points of his visit. However, traffic diversions and class suspensions raised questions about activity in areas not directly linked to the event.
At Las Canteras Beach, despite the 30-degree temperatures, attendance was lower than usual. The festive day, though anticipated by the youth, did not translate into crowded streets. An almost 80-year-old resident, Obdulia, regretted not being able to attend the mass due to mobility issues but planned to follow the event on television.
Obdulia's granddaughter, Hanin, expressed surprise at the extensive security deployment, deeming it excessive given the economic situation in Spain and the Canary Islands, suggesting efforts should focus on the housing crisis.
David, an ONCE lottery ticket vendor, described the day as "any other Thursday," with no significant increase in foot traffic or sales along the promenade. His regular customer, Ithaisa, showed indifference, considering it just another day with fewer people on the streets and public transport.
Bonifacio, co-owner of Bazar Mallorca, reported a faster-than-usual service at a medical appointment at the Doctor Negrín Hospital, attributing it to fewer patients due to traffic disruptions. While he respects the papal visit as a potential unifying instrument, he doubts its significant positive economic impact.
His son, Eduardo, held a more critical stance, expressing a desire for the visit to conclude and questioning the allocation of two million euros from the Government of the Canary Islands, plus one million each from the Cabildo of Gran Canaria and the Cabildo of Tenerife, for such a brief visit, contrasting it with the lack of investment in dependency services and healthcare.
In contrast to the focus on the papal visit, Raquel's family prioritized celebrating her nephew Adriel's twelfth birthday, who had not visited the island in three years. The family gathering on a rooftop, with food and drinks, highlighted the importance of family ties, facilitated by the proximity of relatives and their lack of traffic issues.
