The Fit Experience Fest, now in its third edition, scheduled for this Saturday, May 9, at the Parque Marítimo de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has drawn criticism following confirmation that a 'Desokupa' leader will attend. This activist, known for his stance on squatting issues, has expressed on social media his intention to participate in the festival, referring to it as an event hosted by a “friend” organizer.
The Tenerife Tenants' Union has strongly rejected the presence of this figure, urging the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo de Tenerife, and the Santa Cruz City Council to withdraw their support for the festival. They argue that the event has ties to “far-right networks” and that its guise as a “family-friendly and inclusive” event conceals a “propaganda platform for companies that are the economic backbone of the most violent far-right.”
“"While thousands of families on our islands live under the constant threat of eviction and housing precariousness, the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Santa Cruz City Council have decided where to place their priorities: institutionally whitewashing those who profit from intimidation, once again."
In response to this situation, the Tenerife Tenants' Union launched a petition campaign on the Resist.es platform, gathering over 1,500 signatures in just three days to request the withdrawal of institutional support.
The Vice-Ministry of Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands has confirmed its collaboration with the festival through a “sports sponsorship contract amounting to 14,900 euros.” Meanwhile, the Cabildo de Tenerife has declined to comment, and the Santa Cruz City Council has referred to a statement from the organizing company, which denies “any connection with the direction or organization of the event.”
However, the 'Desokupa' leader's social media indicates his intention to attend, stating that although he is not part of the organization, he has been invited and will take the opportunity to “spend a few days in Tenerife.” Furthermore, he has been seen posing with products from the Lifrepro brand, the festival organizer and sponsor of the club led by the activist. It has also been noted that the executive director of the organizing company has encouraged enrollment in the 'Desokupa' club on his social media, and one of its “instructors” is a figure known for his neo-Nazi background, who has previously attended earlier editions of the festival.
