The San Ginés 2024 Festivities kicked off this Friday with an emotional proclamation by international referee Alejandro Hernández, a native of Arrecife, who began by expressing his gratitude and pride for being in charge of inaugurating the most important celebrations of the island's capital.
The event, organized by the Department of Festivities of the Arrecife City Council, under the direction of Deputy Mayor Echedey Eugenio, took place at the Agapito Reyes Viera Football Field in Altavista, and was attended by various political and military authorities, as well as family members of the town crier, among the audience.
In his proclamation, Hernández shared fond memories of his childhood in Arrecife, highlighting how being named town crier has allowed him to reconnect with his roots and relive significant moments in his life.
"Being the town crier of the festivities has meant the opportunity to force myself to remember and put myself back in the shoes of when I was a child and a young teenager. Today I am infinitely happier than when I first sat in front of the computer to write the story that I am now telling you," he said emotionally.
During his speech, the referee also fondly remembered his family, especially his grandparents, with whom he lived moments that were etched in his memory. He described how every corner of Arrecife, from his childhood to the present day, has witnessed his most endearing stories, turning this proclamation into a celebration not only of the festivities, but of life itself in Arrecife.
"Normally we live always looking at the present and the future... we don't stop to look back and, if we do, it's not with enough calm to remember every little detail," he reflected.
The text, full of authenticity and nostalgia, has been a tribute to the identity of Arrecife, a reminder that the San Ginés festivities are not only a celebration, but an opportunity to remember who we are and where we come from.
After the proclamation, a football match was held between Legends of Spain and Legends of the Canary Islands National Team, with Alejandro Hernández as the referee of the match, which culminated with the victory of the Spanish team by 1-4. Gerardo Hernández, father of the town crier and former president of the Lanzarote Referees Association, had the honor of making the initial kick-off.
Before the start of the match, an act of delivery of symbolic details was carried out by the organizing production company, Improyect Internacional, to the mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, and the deputy mayor, Echedey Eugenio, to the representatives of Legends of Spain and the Canary Islands Legends National Team and to Alejandro Hernández himself.
In addition, Yonathan de León and Echedey Eugenio presented the town crier with a jolatero full of Canarian products as a sign of gratitude for his involvement in the festivities; a gesture that underlines the importance of keeping the traditions and culture of the island alive.
The mayor and the deputy mayor, who accompanied Alejandro Hernández during the inaugural act of the patron saint festivities of the capital, encouraged all citizens to participate in the activities scheduled until August 25.
Thus, they stressed that these festivities "are a unique opportunity to enjoy our traditions and culture" and invited the population "to live intensely every moment and to share the joy of being part of Arrecife".
