A sad note accompanied yesterday's farewell to the San Roque festivities in Tinajo. A resident of the town, ironically named the same as the town's patron saint, died yesterday, the day the faithful from all over the town took to the streets for the procession of the image of San Roque. According to the mayor of Tinajo, Jesús Machín, the sad coincidence caused the procession to last much less time than usual. The neighbors silently walked around the church, while the usual route ran through several streets of the town.
Otherwise, the procession was followed by dozens of people, according to Machín, who despite the setback wanted to accompany the image on its brief walk around the parish square.
The procession, as such, could be described as solemn, as the participation of the Tinajo Municipal Band was canceled, as well as the traditional firecrackers that are thrown as San Roque passes by.
The mayor of Tinajo himself attended the procession as just another citizen, accompanied by some councilors of the Corporation.
On the other hand, in the afternoon, the V Folkloric Encounter organized by the Volcán de Tiguanfaya Folkloric Group of Tinajo began in the Social Hall of Tinajo.
More than a thousand people, according to the mayor's testimony, attended the musical event and enjoyed the Canarian tradition. And it is that in towns like Tinajo there still survives, fortunately, the deep appreciation for preserving the conejera culture.
The groups of La Peña and Charco de San Ginés acted as guests at the Encounter.
No less spectacular than the folkloric event was the burning of the fireworks. The sky of Tinajo lit up under the surprised gaze of more than a thousand pairs of eyes. People from all the towns of the municipality, as well as other lovers of the San Roque festivities who came from all corners of the Island, did not want to miss the end of the celebrations in honor of the town's patron saint.
Jesús Machín recalled that all the events of these festivities had a surprising attendance from the public. Not even the organizers themselves counted on the success of the various events organized within the framework of the festival program.
The mayor wanted to thank through LA VOZ the participation of all the groups, musical groups, parrandas, associations and in general, all the people committed to the festivities, the grain of sand that each and every one contributed so that this year the San Roque festivities became so popular.
On the other hand, the different performances with the participation of children and young people have been the main events that have been held this weekend at the Tinajo festivities. First, the IX Children's and Youth Song Festival was held. A total of sixteen children between the ages of six and thirteen performed various songs before an enthusiastic audience. The singers Estefanía Pérez and Serafín Morales were invited to the gala. A few days later, the children's playback and the theater were the two events that had the most public. In this case, the young people sang several songs while others staged two small plays. The first was 'La Luchada' which was followed by 'Baco (God of Wine)'. Many people came to see these two performances.
One of the most interesting activities was the talk between the residents of Tinajo and the mayor of the municipality together with a part of his councilors. Up to 50 people came to the place who raised various issues to the mayor, mainly related to the works that will mean various improvements for the town. In this sense, the mayor of Tinajo, Jesús Machín, explained that some of the issues discussed were roads such as those entering and leaving the municipality, the slopes of Tinguatón or citizen security.
On Friday Tinajo hosted the II Dance Festival. It is a party for young people in which several Dj's played the music of fashion. A large number of young people gathered in the Social Hall to enjoy this great party. The day on Saturday began with sports with the 3x3 Basketball tournament being held. Many people came to see the teams to encourage the players. At night, the VII Festival Agrupación Músico Cultural Timbayba took place in which, in addition to the aforementioned group, the Manantial del Vino folk group, from Madrid, and Domingo 'El Colorao' together with his group and the soloist Mariví Cabo participated. In this way, the attendees were able to enjoy the best of traditional music by these groups.
Finally, a great popular verbena was held, enlivened by the Walkinayros orchestra and the Trío Los Conejeros. The party lasted until late at night.
