Photos: Sergio Betancort
The Arrecife city council, complying with what was approved in plenary session in the month of April of last year, on Saturday morning inaugurated the sculpture dedicated to Heraclio Niz Mesa - Pollo de Arrecife. The sculpture, the work of Rigoberto Camacho, has been made with materials resistant to climate change. It measures 2.30 meters and weighs approximately 1,000 kilos. The event began with an exhibition of a combined Canarian wrestling representative of the eight clubs on the island, including the women's team El Jable from the municipality of Arrecife.
Once the exhibition was over, the deputy mayor and councilor for Culture and Tourism, Rafael Juan González, spoke. Subsequently, his son Heraclio took the floor, who gave an extensive biography of his father in the different stages of his life. First as a father, then as a football fan, in his most recognized stage as a wrestler, municipal police officer of Arrecife and years later as chief of police, actor. He also recalled the distinctions and recognitions received throughout his life. His other two children, Bernardo and Ana Iris, very excited, thanked him for this tribute that was being paid to their father today.
The round of speeches was closed by the mayor, Eva de Anta, who highlighted his great dedication at the head of the Local Police of Arrecife. She recalled one of his most characteristic peculiarities, the kind, mocking and friendly gesture that made him worthy of earning the respect and trust not only of the people of Lanzarote but of all those who visited the island. All those who spoke agreed on what Heraclio Niz Mesa meant for Arrecife and for Lanzarote in the different facets. Special mention to the cinema, when together with the actress Raquel Welch. he participated in the film One Million Years Ago or together with Rocío Durcal in the film More Beautiful than any other, among many others.
After the speeches, the mayor of Arrecife, Eva de Anta, and the deputy mayor, Rafael Juan González, proceeded to unveil the sculpture located very close to the old Casa Cabildo. Place where Heraclio Niz, Pollo de Arrecife, was seen performing his duties as a local police officer. At that precise moment, the notes of the Islas Canarias pasodoble, performed by the Charanga La Única directed by Pepe Artiles, were heard.
Before the end of the event, his widow, accompanied by Santiago Torres on the timple, Pepe Artiles on the accordion and Lorenzo on the guitar, performed an isa that was widely applauded by the numerous public present. Immediately afterwards, the protocolary act of the photographic session was carried out with family members, authorities and friends, thus ending a day that will be part of the history of the city of Arrecife and Lanzarote. Niz died in May 2010 and this Saturday, finally and posthumously, the Arrecife city council has recognized the work carried out by the internationally known Pollo de Arrecife.