"Roots that Unite", a night to celebrate our traditions in Yaiza

The square of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, in Yaiza, once again became a true temple of our traditions on the occasion of the patron saint festivities in honor of Nuestra Señora de Los Remedios. The family of the Rubicón de Yaiza Folk Group arrived there, on Friday night, to celebrate a new edition of their traditional festival, an event that, year after year, is consolidated as one of the most endearing cultural gatherings in the southern municipality.

At 9:00 PM, under a splendid summer night and with a completely full venue, the public enthusiastically welcomed the members of Rubicón. From the first moment, the attendees showed their affection and admiration for this group, encouraging them to continue with that important work of rescuing, preserving, and disseminating the musical and dance heritage of the Canary Islands.

The festival began with an emotional poetic introduction by Isabel Cabrera Betancort, followed by the popular "Saranda," an agricultural folk piece created by the renowned Lanzarote folklorist and artisan don Juan Brito Martín. The official presentation of the festival then took place, hosted before an expectant and engaged audience.

For this occasion, the Rubicón family chose a title full of meaning: "Roots that Unite Us." A name that perfectly summarized the spirit of a night conceived to bring together on the same stage singers and dancers belonging to different folk groups from Lanzarote.

For a few hours, each one set aside their usual path to meet with other colleagues and share what, ultimately, belongs to everyone; our traditions.

Because our roots are not only what we inherit from our elders. They are also what we keep alive, what we share, and what we pass on to new generations so that it continues to be part of our future.

The development of the festival was very enjoyable and dynamic. The public was able to enjoy a wide repertoire of traditional songs and dances, including the; Isa del Uno, Polcas de Fuerteventura, Folías, Berlina Herreña, Sorondongo, Siote Palmero, and Malagueña, among other pieces that are part of the richness of our folklore.

One of the great attractions of "Roots that Unite Us" was precisely the participation of representatives from different groups on the island. On stage were dance couples from Timbayba of Tinajo, Malpaís of La corona of Haría, Guaguime of Tahíche, Coros y Danzas of Arrecife, and Güerma of Tías.

They were also joined by the participation of outstanding soloists belonging to different formations from Lanzarote, such as La Peña of San Bartolomé, Los Campesinos of Arrecife, Guanapay of Teguise, Gaida of Tías, and Parranda Marinera de Buches.

Without a doubt, the large Rubicón family more than achieved the objective it had set for itself with this innovative initiative. "Roots that Unite Us" was much more than a folk festival; it was a meeting between colleagues, a celebration of our customs, and a demonstration that traditional culture remains alive when there is commitment, enthusiasm, and, above all, a desire to share it.

The audience enjoyed a carefully staged performance, the great musical and vocal quality of the group, under the direction of Professor Roberto Gil, as well as the impressive choreographies of their dances, directed by the group itself.

The dancers filled the stage with movement, color, and elegance, turning each performance into an authentic picture of beauty. Their steps, their costumes, and the coordination of the choreographies were constantly met with applause from an audience that, throughout the evening, showed their affection for all the members of Rubicón and their guests, and for those who made this special night possible.

The Rubicón Folkloric Group of Yaiza was founded in 2001 with the firm purpose of rescuing, conserving, and disseminating the traditional music, playing, and dance of the Canary Islands. A task that its members have carried out all these years with dedication and enthusiasm.

A decade later, in 2011, the group promoted the creation of its own festival, turning it into a dynamic and participatory event in which musicians and dancers always keep the stage in constant motion. 

And so, amidst music, tradition, camaraderie, and emotion, "Roots that Unite Us" came to an end. The farewell could not have been more joyful; one of the most lively and popular pieces of our Canarian folklore, the "Isa Parrandera," put the finishing touch on an evening that will hardly be forgotten by those who had the opportunity to experience it.

Thus, it was experienced in the square of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, patron saint of the municipality of Yaiza; a splendid summer night, with a great atmosphere and with music, dances, and tradition holding hands.

A night in which the roots of our land once again showed that, when shared, they unite us and make us stronger.

And that is, precisely, the essence of "Roots that Unite Us".