The Santiago Apóstol and Santa Ana festivals of Tahíche officially began on Friday afternoon with a very special opening speech given by five elders from the town, who, through their memories and experiences, paid homage to the history, traditions, and identity of the town.
The Auditorium of the Santiago el Mayor Sociocultural Center hosted an event full of emotion in which Juan Caraballo, Luciano Pérez, Florencio Duque, Rafaela Morales, and Rafaela Martín became the opening speakers for the festivals. Through a documentary video recorded especially for the occasion, the five shared their memories of childhood, youth, and life in Tahiche, recounting how they have experienced the patron saint festivals over the years, the evolution of the town, and the experiences that have marked several generations of residents.
The event began with a carefully crafted staging that invited the public on a journey through memories. The councilor for the Senior Area of the Teguise City Council, Nereyda González, was in charge of performing "Un beso y una flor" (A Kiss and a Flower), initiating a scenography inspired by the memories and experiences of the town's elders. The recreation of a cozy corner from yesteryear served as the common thread for a different, intimate, and deeply emotional opening speech, which paid homage to those who, with their effort, their values, and their stories, have built the Tahiche we know today.
Before the screening of the audiovisual, the president of the Santiago el Mayor Neighbors Association, Nieves Pérez, and the mayor of Teguise, Olivia Duque, spoke, highlighting the importance of preserving the town's memory and thanking the protagonists for their generosity in sharing their experiences with all attendees.
The emotion continued at the end of the screening, when the five opening speakers and their families received recognition from the Santiago el Mayor Neighbors Association and the Teguise City Council, as a token of gratitude for their contribution to keeping the collective memory of the town alive.
After the opening speech, the celebration moved to the square with a parade led by the comparsa Los Cumbacheros, which made its way to the town's sports court, where the traditional popular meal began, enlivened by the group Alegranza, on a night marked by reunion, coexistence, and a festive atmosphere.
With the proclamation, the programming of the Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol y Santa Ana de Tahíche 2026 is officially inaugurated. During the coming weeks, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a wide program of sports, cultural, musical, religious, and traditional activities. The programming will continue on Saturday night with the Gala for the Election of the Romera Mayor of the Fiestas, one of the most representative events of these celebrations.