Alejandro Marichal: “The tributes to Antonio 'Santalucía' and Pepe 'El Barbero' are a way of thanking those who have contributed for years to the social, sporting, cultural and festive life of the town.”
The Department of Festivals and Events of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council has presented the program for the El Tablero Festival in honor of the Holy Trinity, which will take place from May 7th to 17th. The program combines tradition, historical memory, and new forms of community participation. The presentation, held at the El Tablero Shopping Center, was led by the mayor, Marco Aurelio Pérez, and the first deputy mayor, Alejandro Marichal, who outlined the key aspects of this year's festival, which will highlight the town's shared history.
The mayor emphasized the significance of the chosen location for the presentation, with the neighborhood schools as a backdrop, in keeping with this year's central theme. The opening address will officially kick off the festivities on Thursday, May 7th at 20:30 p.m. Entitled "History of the School Through Its Generations," it offers a journey through the collective memory of El Tablero via its classrooms, "from playground games to the lasting impact of the teachers who shaped entire generations."
From there, Alejandro Marichal focused on what, in his words, defines these festivities: “El Tablero’s ability to recognize itself in its people and continue adding new generations to that shared history.” In that sense, he explained that the program not only maintains the most representative events but also introduces touches that reinforce this collective narrative.
One of the highlights will be the presentation of the Rosemary Staff, which this year will be awarded to Antonio Pérez Vega, better known as 'Antonio Santalucía'. Marichal emphasized that “it is not just an honor, it is a way of saying thank you to those who have contributed for years to the social, cultural, and festive life of the town,” highlighting his long history of involvement in the neighborhood association and the organization of the festivities. The ceremony will take place on Friday the 8th at 20:30 p.m., following the opening parade scheduled for 19:30 p.m. The evening will continue with the Children's Farmers' Gala and the Canary Islands Talent Night, featuring performances by Danti Band, Néstor León, and DJ Rafa.
In keeping with this focus on memory and recognition, the program includes the traditional youth football match, the 'Pepe El Barbero Memorial,' in which CD Tablero faces CD Arguineguín in a sporting event that connects sport with collective remembrance. "With this match, we show the younger generation where we come from, who our role models were, and why they continue to be part of who we are today," he noted.
The pilgrimage, which will take place on Saturday the 9th starting at 18:00 PM, once again occupies a prominent place within the celebrations, enhanced this year by the special participation of the Ribbon Dance from San Pedro Abajo de Güímar. For Marichal, these kinds of additions “not only enrich the festival, but also strengthen cultural ties and keep our traditions alive with an open mind.” Following the pilgrimage and offering, the Grand Pilgrimage Festival will begin at 23:00 PM, featuring the bands Acuarela, Leyenda Joven, and Armonía Show.
The program also brings back events that have already proven their ability to draw crowds. This is the case with the Family Grand Prix, which returns after last year's success with new challenges and increased participation. It will be held on Sunday the 10th at 17:00 PM at El Tablero Football Field. Prior to this, at 11:00 AM, the Stance Union charity car show will take place, with proceeds going to the Kilometers for Smiles Association.
Throughout the week, the program maintains its pace with activities designed for all ages. On Monday the 11th, starting at 17:00 PM, there will be children's entertainment, followed at 18:00 PM by a dance and sports event featuring local groups. On Tuesday the 12th, tradition takes center stage with Canarian games and wrestling starting at 18:00 PM, along with the tortilla-making contest at 20:00 PM.
On Wednesday the 13th, the amusement park will have special prices from 17:00 pm and, at 21:00 pm, the Public Square will host the XXIV Julián Gil Soloists Meeting, organized by the Amigos de la Cucaña Folk Group, with the participation of soloists from the town and Jesús Monzón as the main soloist.
Thursday the 14th will be dedicated to senior citizens, with Senior Citizens' Day at 19:00 PM, a gathering with refreshments and snacks featuring performances by El Mariachi Peleón and Nueva Imagen y su Bandurria. The final stretch brings back the more festive atmosphere. Friday the 15th will begin with children's entertainment at 18:00 PM, followed by Scala en Hi-Fi at 21:00 PM, and will culminate at 23:00 PM with a grand 80s and 90s themed night, featuring DJ J-Marre, a musical performance, and DJ Ardy.
Saturday the 16th will feature a variety of activities throughout the day: the dog show at 11:00 AM in the Plaza Pública, the Bajada de la Rama (Descent of the Branch) with the Banda Isleña at 4:00 PM, the Urban Dance Battle at 5:00 PM in Plaza de El Pilar, and, starting at 9:00 PM, musical performances by Star Music, La Combinación, DJ Yunes, and Idel El Mulatico. The day will conclude at midnight with a fireworks display.
Sunday the 17th, the main day of the festivities, will feature the most symbolic events, with the solemn religious service and procession at 12:00 noon, accompanied by the Banda Pequeña Estefanía; the large popular paella at 14:00 p.m. outside the Municipal Sports Pavilion, with musical accompaniment by the Banda Isleña; the open-air dance from 15:00 p.m. with Paco Guedes and Ochentour; and the closing concert at 21:00 p.m. with Los Cantadores and their show 18 years singing to the Canary Islands.
