The Gáldar Consistorial Theater served as the venue for the twinning ceremony between the Mancomunidad de Municipios de Ayuntamientos Gallegos del Camino Francés and the Municipalities of Gáldar and Tejeda. This institutional agreement aims to promote cultural and tourist cooperation between Galicia and the Canary Islands centered around the Camino de Santiago and its Jacobean tradition, concluding a series of prior meetings between the councils.
The event was attended by the mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa; the mayor of Tejeda, Francisco Perera; the President of the Mancomunidad, Begoña Balado; and the Vice President, Xosé Igrexas, accompanied by the Secretary, Alfonso Manuel Alcalá, and technician, Socorro Pernas. The Mancomunidad comprises the Galician municipalities of Arzúa, Melide, Monterroso, O Pino, Palas de Rei, Paradela, Pedrafita do Cebreiro, Portomarín, Samos, Sarria, and Triacastela.
The agreement, approved by the Gáldar Council and previously signed in Galicia on April 11th, aims to foster cultural exchanges through joint events such as exhibitions, music and dance festivals, and gastronomic fairs. It also seeks to boost tourism promotion by highlighting the natural, historical, and cultural attractions of the municipalities and developing joint routes.
The mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa, stated that the agreement represents a "commitment between peoples who believe in their people, their roots, and their capacity to build a more united world." He emphasized the Camino's significance as "encounter and hospitality" and its potential to "generate movement, economy, and opportunities," activating synergies that highlight local products, festivals, trails, heritage, and gastronomy.
For his part, the mayor of Tejeda, Francisco Perera, expressed his pride in being part of this project and encouraged pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago of Gran Canaria, assuring them that in Tejeda they will receive help and encouragement to continue towards Gáldar.
Begoña Balado, President of the Mancomunidad, noted that the institution, composed of 11 Galician municipalities, now expands to include three "Canarian brothers," committing to "hold hands and walk together."
The Galician delegation, which has participated in the main events of the Fiestas Mayores de Santiago de Gáldar, will attend the solemn procession in honor of the Apostle Santiago on Saturday, July 25th. The twinning ceremony featured a musical performance by Aridia Ramos and Alexis Canciano on piano.
