The Rancho de Pascuas de Yaiza, custodian of one of the most deeply rooted popular traditions in the Canary Islands, has celebrated its 55 years of history by narrating its musical chronicle during the opening speech for the patron saint festivities of the Virgen de Los Remedios. The group, which keeps alive the Christmas spirit of Lanzarote's popular culture, shared its story of friendship and commitment to its land in the Plaza de Los Remedios.
Currently, twenty-five members make up the Rancho, including two of its founders from 1971, known as ‘Los Pedros’: Pedro Santana and ‘Perico’ Cabrera. The group recalled its beginnings in the church of Los Remedios and the public gathering places of Yaiza, emphasizing how the essence of their voices has endured through generations.
The mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, highlighted that the Rancho symbolizes not only the arrival of Christmas but also the unity and community strength of the town, defining it as a large Yaiza family.
The opening speech revived the memory of the group's first phase (1971-1975), encouraged by the parish priest Antonio Parrilla. The founders recounted the initial steps, including anecdotes such as rehearsals to the rhythm of the contradanza around the priest's cistern and an initial repertoire of three songs.
“"We keep alive the purest and simplest Christmas spirit of Lanzarote's popular culture."
Amusing anecdotes were shared, such as that of a member who hit the wrong note and the performance in Arrecife in 1972, which earned them 3,000 pesetas and a lavish meal.
The joy was overshadowed by the tragic death of Jaime Cedrés Feo, son of one of the founders, in 1979. This event marked a period of silence for the group, but the church of Los Remedios spurred its resurgence that same year with new voices and instruments, maintaining faith in their tradition.
From this second phase, the names of Benito Rodríguez, Magdalena Cáceres, and Miguel Ángel Tavío were highlighted as key drivers of the Rancho's revival. It was recalled how they learned to play instruments with Antonio José ‘El Canario’ and how, due to a lack of instruments, they used their mouths for the melody.
“"He taught us little by little how to play instruments, and the group grew until the Christmas of 1979."
The romantic relationship between Magdalena Cáceres and Miguel Díaz, both current members, also began during this period. An anecdote was recalled where the parish priest Manuel Merchán tried to prevent them from drinking by locking them in the sacristy, unsuccessfully.
Even the mayor Óscar Noda, a former member of the group, was the subject of a prank during the opening speech, having to play the water whistle at the surprise request of the speakers.
The opening speech was a journey into the past that helped understand the town's identity. The Rancho de Pascuas is a school of life, whose value lies in the generosity of its people and the guarantee of the future represented by the youth learning its songs.
The Councilor for Festivities, Daniel Medina, thanked the Rancho de Pascuas for its trajectory and for offering an emotional account of local history. He also extended his gratitude to the Fiesta Committee, municipal workers, collectives, associations, and security and emergency services for making the celebrations possible.
