Deep within La Laguna's Anaga area lies Bejía, a picturesque hamlet that, despite its natural beauty and a small population of just over a dozen permanent residents, faces significant challenges. The sight of a man carrying a traditional blanket, accompanied by his dog, a scene reminiscent of a 1940s Tenerife period film, is a reality in 2026 in this enclave near El Batán.
Nérida Pérez González, president of the revived neighborhood association, leads the effort to preserve Bejía's roots. Raised in the neighborhood, where her mother and sister still live, Pérez is deeply committed to safeguarding its heritage. She is not alone; her children and many former residents who return daily to tend their gardens or visit family support her mission.
“"It is important to maintain our roots."
One of the main demands of the neighborhood collective is the repair of the access road to the hamlet, which has not been significantly maintained for over 30 years, and the implementation of public transport. Nérida Pérez explains that for residents like Mari Luz Rojas Marrero, who does not own a car, reaching the bus stop involves a considerable walk. They are seeking an on-demand taxi service, especially for those without personal transportation.
The relationship with the La Laguna City Council is described as positive, although Pérez emphasizes the need for constant advocacy. While she does not believe Bejía is forgotten, she insists that a proactive approach to demands is essential. Communications have improved, streamlining the management of the neighborhood's needs, but many areas still require optimization.
In addition to infrastructure, the neighborhood leader aims to modernize agricultural practices, facilitating access to gardens for small machinery to ease manual labor. Despite the absence of a central square or hermitage, common features in other Tenerife villages and found in nearby El Batán, a strong sense of belonging and love for the land prevails among Bejía's inhabitants.
Tourism has also reached this remote corner, with hikers traversing its paths and a holiday rental property in operation. Despite the lack of basic services such as public transport, a medical center, or a supermarket, the community of Bejía, with its strong sense of identity, demonstrates that the value of a place lies as much in what it possesses as in the deep-seated feeling of belonging among its people.
