After almost two decades without being celebrated, the Parranda Marinera de Buches once again presented its famous “Buches de Oro”, an award that recognizes the effort of those who keep alive the cultural tradition of Arrecife and all of Lanzarote. The return of this award aroused great interest: more than 300 people attended the renovated Teatro Cuatro Esquinas, headquarters of the association, filling the venue with emotion and a desire to reconnect with a custom that many believed was lost. Not even the limited capacity could contain the expectation, leaving dozens of people with the desire to join a night that remains in the collective memory.
The hour and twenty minute event was supported by the Arrecife City Council. Both the mayor, Yonathan de León, and the councilor for Social Welfare, Maite Corujo, representing the councilor for Culture, Abigail González, highlighted the importance of protecting and appreciating a heritage that not only speaks of the past, but breathes in the present. Their words reminded attendees that these festivals and artistic expressions are an essential part of local identity.
Under the direction of Carmen Delia Reyes, the ceremony began with a message of gratitude and unity from Juan Antonio Machado, president of the association, accompanied by the board of directors: Miguel Herrera (vice president), Juan Jesús Hernández (treasurer), David Machado (secretary) and Leticia Padilla (vocal). In their speeches, a special nod was given to historical former presidents such as Juan Quintana, Paulino García and Juan Carlos Alonso, as well as to all the members, partners and volunteers who have kept the tradition alive, adding hands and hearts.
One of the most applauded moments was the presentation of the new “Habanera para Arrecife”, along with “Chiquilla Mía” and “Querida Lola”. Jaime Quesada, author of the unpublished song, explained its origin, accompanied by David Machado and with arrangements by maestro Roberto Gil. Those melodies transported the public to maritime environments, full of breeze and saltpeter, remembering that their own music is one of the pillars that sustain the island's customs.
The Official Chronicler of the entity, Óscar Torres, offered an extensive tour of the history of Los Buches, showing how their dances, rites and expressions grew over time, adapting to new generations and maintaining their essence. His words brought the public closer to a past that is still present in every step, in every note and in every gesture.
The presentation of the “Buches de Oro” was the culmination. Designed by Evelina Martín and produced in the Taller Bronzo, the first award distinguished Nicolás Martín Placeres, a renowned dancer and businessman, who thanked for an award that recognizes his work to preserve the festive spirit of Arrecife. The second was awarded, posthumously, to César Manrique Cabrera, collaborator of the association. Collected by Don Alfredo Díaz, head of Education of the foundation that cares for his legacy, it served to remember a disappeared mural from the Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz, where Manrique left a mark in the form of a race of Los Buches as a symbol of insular identity.
In addition, tribute was paid to six women who, at the beginning of the 21st century, promoted the recovery of the “Sábanas del Carnaval”. With this gesture, the female contribution to the Canarian traditions was valued. The artist Macarena Nieves Cáceres enriched the moment with a poetic story that vindicated the role of women in the celebrations, providing sensitivity and closeness.
The music did not stop playing: the professionals Adrián Niz, José Vicente and Roberto Gil (musical director of the group) performed several pieces from the traditional repertoire of Los Buches. These notes culminated in a shared version of the “Vals Marinero”, in which musicians and the public joined together to turn the theater into an authentic popular festival.
At the end of the event, there was a reception that prolonged the festive atmosphere. For more than an hour, people enjoyed the musical improvisation and shared joy, linking past, present and future in a single night.
The Parranda Marinera de Buches appreciates the support received and announces upcoming events starting on February 1 in Arrecife. In these future meetings, more relaxed and with a porteño air, the Parranda Marinera and Los Buches, in their role as a buffoon in the Carnival, will continue to spread their energy throughout the island.
With the recovery of the “Buches de Oro”, Arrecife is once again placed on the map of the traditional cultural memory of Lanzarote, ensuring that these traditions do not remain a simple memory, but continue to beat in every note, every dance and every shared story.
Curiosity:
This award, considered the highest recognition of the historical group, is granted to people, entities and associations that have contributed significantly to the preservation and dissemination of three essential traditions: the Parranda Marinera, Los Buches and the Sábanas del Carnaval. Since its creation in 1979, it has been delivered at key moments, building a list of honorees that mixes tradition and modernity.
Among the award winners are names such as Manuel García Sánchez and Manuel Pérez Martín, the first to receive it, followed by the Cuban group Pello el Afrokán in 1980, and Los Sabandeños in 1991. The César Manrique Foundation was on the list of 1993, although it could not finally be awarded. Later, figures such as Manuel Sánchez Quevedo (1999) and the Machín-Pérez marriage together with Juan Quintana Díaz (2006) continued the legacy of this recognition. In 2024, the chosen ones were César Manrique Cabrera and Nicolás Martín Placeres, highlighting the connection between culture, art and heritage.
The curious thing is that it was in 1995 when it was officialized, by means of an act and assembly, that the Buche de Oro would be the supreme insignia of the entity, incorporating a special protocol that turned its delivery into a ceremonial act, characterized by its formality and civil liturgy. But there is more: in 2024 it was decided that these awards will be given every five years, coinciding with relevant celebrations. The next event will be in 2029, when Arrecife commemorates the 230th anniversary of its constitution as a port city, making this award a cultural event that looks to the future without forgetting its roots.
