Santa Lucía de Tirajana, the only Starlight Municipality in Gran Canaria, seeks to maintain this distinction through citizen awareness campaigns about sky protection. As part of this initiative, the council has launched a night photography contest, now in its third edition, which also includes a photography course.
Mayor Francisco García highlighted the importance of this initiative within the framework of promoting sustainable tourism that values nature. "We want to continue working to remain a Starlight Municipality, and to highlight this, we are organizing this photography contest and, in addition, we will hold a Photography Course," he stated.
For his part, the Councilor for Tourism, Julio Ojeda, emphasized the commitment to "intelligent tourism" that balances economic development with respect for the environment. He noted that contest participants will "turn our sky into the protagonist of their images." Ojeda also announced that on August 12, an eclipse observation event will be held at the Salinas de Tenefé, with details on registration to be announced on the municipal website.
Alejandro Rodríguez, president of the Gran Canaria Astronomical Association, acknowledged the City Council's efforts to control light pollution. He recalled that Santa Lucía is the only municipality in Gran Canaria with Starlight status and that a new comprehensive report is required this year to extend this recognition.
Photographs for the contest can be submitted until September 15 to santaluciastarlight@gmail.com. The full contest rules are available on the municipal website. Additionally, a nature photography course will take place on August 13 and 14.
