The municipality of Candelaria welcomes October with the restart of its most popular municipal programs, which will attract over 3,000 participants. The University Popular of Candelaria (UPCAN), the Municipal Sports Schools, and the Sport and Health program are returning to classrooms, sports facilities, and cultural spaces, marking the beginning of a new academic year.
Mayor Mari Brito highlighted the importance of these programs in the daily life of the municipality. "October is the month when Candelaria comes alive with activity again. Thousands of residents of all ages, from the youngest to our elders, are resuming their classes, training sessions, and meeting spaces. These programs are part of the daily lives of many families. That's why we continue to invest in them and improve the conditions under which they are developed," she stated.
The University Popular of Candelaria will commence its 2026/2027 academic year on October 1st and will run until June 30th, 2027. It will offer 34 disciplines in areas such as dance, music, visual arts, crafts, personal well-being, and languages. Last year, over 1,400 people participated in UPCAN, one of the municipality's most established projects, with activities held across the Candelaria Cultural Spaces Network.
The Municipal Sports Schools will also launch their new season in October, featuring a diverse range of modalities for the municipality's children and youth. A key feature of the program is the promotion of traditional Canarian sports such as Canarian wrestling, bola, and lucha del garrote, which will be offered free of charge to introduce young people to the islands' sporting traditions. Other available disciplines include jiu-jitsu, badminton, trampoline, table tennis, and kickboxing.
The Sport and Health program, aimed at seniors, brought together 306 participants last season. This initiative combines bailoterapia (dance therapy) and other active practices with integral support and well-being, establishing itself as a community meeting space where health and active living go hand in hand with social relationships.
The Councilor for Culture and Sports, Manuel González, emphasized the complementary nature of the three programs, stating that "Culture and sport are two pillars of municipal policy that share the same objective: that anyone, regardless of age, finds a space in Candelaria to learn, move, and connect." He highlighted that UPCAN fosters lifelong learning, the Sports Schools instill healthy habits and values in youth, and Sport and Health promotes active and supported aging.
