On Friday evening, the residents of the town of Soo gathered at the 'El Buen Lugar' Socio-Cultural Center to begin the festivities in honor of their patron saint, San Juan Bautista.
This year, the commission, mostly made up of women, decided to recognize all those neighbors, men and women, who from the beginning of the town's creation had a vision for the future, risking and investing their small savings by establishing a small store in their own home, which over time became known as 'Oil and Vinegar' stores. For this reason, and as a tribute to all those men and women, the opening speech was dedicated to them, entitled, 'Between Counters and Memories'.
The event was led by the neighbor Inés Rojas de León, who in great detail recounted a broad chronology, taking a tour from one end of the town to the other through some of the neighborhoods such as Juan del Hierro, Los Llanos, La Mareta, La Aldea, Barrio Verde and La Montaña, where from the beginning until now up to a dozen small stores were counted. Over the years they disappeared, some due to the retirement of their owners and others unfortunately due to their death, leaving a total of four at present.
Inés, who also sometimes had to be behind the counter of the store run by her mother, Teresa de León, witnessed how the women of Soo became small businesswomen while the men carried out the tasks of tilling the land, planting and harvesting the fruits that the land gave, such as the famous watermelons of Soo, the sweet potatoes of the jable and also legumes such as lentils, chickpeas or peas. They stayed behind the counter while taking care of their children and maintaining the home, very sacrificing women in order to support the family.
Inés also explained that the stores sometimes became a space for small gatherings where neighbors were informed of the events that happened in the town or surroundings. The stores where "trust was given and received". Currently, and despite the competition from large stores, many citizens still continue to place their trust in these small stores because they are aware that the products they offer, now called organic, are completely trustworthy.
The event featured the musical performance of the timple player Alexis Lemes and the soloist Sara Bermúdez, who offered a repertoire with Canarian airs. The festival committee headed by Nory Machín presented gifts to the women of the stores that are currently still open.
A very emotional night for the beginning of the festivities in honor of San Juan Bautista 2025.
