The Government of the Canary Islands, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, Equality, Youth, Childhood, and Families, has organized the Canarian Youth Encounter for the second consecutive year in Agaete. The initiative brings together over 40 teenagers from the eight islands for four days of workshops, leisure activities, and roundtables.
The event, coinciding with the International Youth Day, aims to be a space where young people can express their proposals and build the future they need. The program includes workshops led by youth associations, initiatives focused on the Archipelago's traditions, debates with institutional representatives from the regional executive, musical performances, and collaborative work dynamics.
During the inaugural session, Minister Candelaria Delgado, along with the Director General of Youth, Daniel Morales, and the mayor of Agaete, María del Carmen del Rosario, welcomed the attendees. A key highlight was the debate 'Democrazia con Z,' where young people shared their views on their generation's role in political life and the importance of democratic pillars.
Lizbeth Salazar, an 18-year-old participant from Tenerife, expressed concern over the youth's low political participation, warning that reduced social engagement facilitates the rise of totalitarian governments. She considers dynamics like this to be "deeply necessary" for debating democracy and preventing it from being taken for granted.
The program also strongly emphasizes the promotion of Canarian heritage and identity. Participatory activities have been organized, including workshops on Silbo Gomero, shepherd's leap, Canarian wrestling, and artisanal cheese making. Elena Marrero, a content creator and master of ceremonies, noted a "awakening regarding Canarian identity" among young people, boosted by initiatives that provide access to this information beyond academic circles.
The inaugural day concluded with a solar eclipse observation and a concert for International Youth Day, featuring performances by Nueva Cantera, St. Pedro, and Airam DJ. The encounter's activities continue with a forum theatre, a guided visit to the La Rama Museum, and other collaborative events in Gran Canaria.
