The Casa de la Cultura Agustín de la Hoz hosted the presentation of the 'Traditional Carnival' by the Parranda Marinera de Buches this Saturday morning. The event was led by Francisco José Navarro, who was in charge of presenting each of the scheduled sections.
The event began with a song entitled 'Pescador', a waltz created by the director Francisco Javier Bravo, composed in 2023. It is a tribute to the life and transcendence of the fisherman in the port community of Arrecife, in which his deep connection with the sea and the land is highlighted.
Following this, the vice president of the parranda, Guacimara Hernández Machín, addressed the public, who completely filled the permitted capacity, thanking them for their attendance and inviting all those who want to learn more about the history of Los Buches or want to be part of it to stop by the headquarters located in Argana Baja where they will be gladly attended and informed.
Next, the president, Juan Antonio Machado Santana, took the floor, visibly moved by the public's response. Machado gave a review of the biography of the Parranda de Buches, formed as a cultural association for 61 years. Navigating through seas of change and challenges, like a boat that stays afloat, thanks to the strength and commitment of its crew, indicating that these carnivals are special, going back to the years 1962 to 1964 where a diverse group of Arrecife residents came together with a firm purpose; to rescue and perpetuate a tradition that is unique in our Canary Archipelago and in the world, paying tribute to the pioneers and founders who left this legacy, a very important cultural heritage.
The event of interventions was closed by the Deputy Mayor of the Arrecife City Council, Roberto Herbón, who congratulated the family of Los Buches for this initiative, encouraging them to continue spreading the unique traditional and maritime culture not only in Arrecife, but in the Canary Islands and the world, because Arrecife would not be the same without the presence of Los Buches, the pride of all Arrecife residents, Gold Medal of the Canary Islands 2023.
At the end of his speech, Roberto Herbón presented a plaque to President Juan Antonio Machado as a souvenir. Next, the president presented the first 'Institutional Medal' of Los Buches, an original creation by the Lanzarote sculptor Chedey Delgado on the occasion of the 225th anniversary of the municipal constitution of Arrecife.
The development of the event continued with many surprises, at which point the public was shown three posters, works of graphic art created by the Lanzarote artist 'Lana Corujo', a resident of San Bartolomé. With this action, the Parranda Marinera de Buches renews its link with the island's graphic art, marking the first time in several decades that Los Buches have their own programming and posters with the aim that each year all those who wish to do so will be added to this initiative. David Machado, a member of Los Buches, described in great detail what each of the exhibited posters represented.
Following this, recognition was given to Juan Medina, 'Charlot de Lanzarote' and Manuel Rodríguez, 'La viejita del Perejil', two characters who continue to participate each year in the traditional carnival.
Later, the public witnessed how a buchero really dresses, when one of the members came down the central staircase of the House of Culture and took off his sailor clothes and with the help of his companions they were placing each of the pieces of traditional clothing worn by a 'Buchero', at which point the parranda performed a habanera dedicated to César Manrique, partner and designer of the mask that Los Buches currently wear.
The little space that was empty was filled with color when the standard-bearer came down the stairs accompanied by two 'Bucheritos' and began to dance to the chords of the parranda. Once finished, Juan Antonio Machado, president of the group, addressed the colleagues for the good work carried out and in turn surprising Francisco José Navarro, thanking him for everything he has done for the parranda Los Buches, "because whenever they have needed him he has been willing to lend a hand, doing the same with each and every one of the cultural groups on the island spreading traditional culture for more than 40 years on the microphones of Radio Lanzarote and currently in La Voz de Lanzarote, where his chronicles reflect the work carried out by the cultural groups" "Because Francisco José is the different voice of our island and essential collaborator, his tireless dedication has been key to preserving and enhancing our traditions for this reason the Parranda Marinera de Buches distinguishes him with the 'Institutional Medal'", said Machado And so the end was put to a day with a carnival atmosphere.
