The Costa Teguise festivals kicked off on Saturday night, June 27, with an emotional inaugural ceremony that, for the first time, is being held on new dates. The opening speech was given by local businesswoman Inma Vilar, who offered a speech full of memories, experiences, and affection for a town she has been a part of for years.
The inauguration also featured a performance by the Costa Teguise senior group and a heartfelt tribute to those who have contributed to building the identity of the tourist hub over the decades. A recognition of the generations who have seen the town grow and who continue to be a fundamental part of its history.
However, the start of the festivals also made evident "the existing discontent due to the scarce institutional involvement". "Costa Teguise, with nearly 9,500 inhabitants, continues to celebrate festivals that, according to numerous residents and members of the organizing committee, do not receive the attention that one of the most populated towns in the municipality deserves," points out a resident of the coastal town of Teguise.
"The Festival Commission has practically taken on the organization of the program single-handedly, even carrying out the design and creation of the posters due to a lack of resources. In addition, some of the participating groups still do not have their contracts formalized with the City Council, making it even difficult for them to officially promote their performances," he adds.
The organization also regrets that "the festivals have been overshadowed by the celebration of the White Night of La Villa de Teguise, with both events coinciding on the same dates and detracting from the visibility of popular festivals that represent thousands of residents."
The first night of celebrations also left images that "raise concerns regarding security." According to him, "during the development of the events, there was no police presence regulating traffic, allowing vehicles to pass through parking areas near the festival grounds while numerous attendees, including minors, were moving through the area. A situation that many consider incompatible with the minimum guarantees required for an event of this nature."
Despite the difficulties, the neighborhood response once again showed that Costa Teguise keeps the spirit of its festivals alive thanks to the selfless effort of the Festival Commission, volunteers, groups, and residents, who continue working to carry out a celebration that they consider the heritage of the entire town.
The residents now trust "that the administrations will take note of the shortcomings detected and grant in future editions the institutional support, promotion, and resources that festivals for a town of almost 10,000 inhabitants deserve".