The history of Playa Blanca could not be told without talking about three emblematic figures of this town, "artists of the sea", as the president of the Fishermen's Association of Playa Blanca, Cristo Caraballo, acknowledged, to Cipriano Luis Umpiérrez 'El Capitán' (98 years old), Blas Francisco Martín 'Pacheco' (92) and Benigno Caraballo (91), the three most veteran sailors in the town. They all received a heartfelt tribute last Friday in La Aurora for a lifetime dedicated to the sea, for being "true pillars in difficult times" and for their contribution to founding the seafaring soul of the southern town.
"They are a living part of the history of this place," began Raquel Rodríguez, a member of the Festival Committee and presenter of the event organized by the Fishermen's Association with municipal support within the framework of the festivities of their Patron Saint, the Virgen del Carmen, giving brushstrokes about the lives of the honorees before proceeding to the screening of an emotional video in which they shared memories, anecdotes and moments of their life at sea, which ended with a warm ovation from family, friends and lifelong neighbors gathered for the occasion.
"Being a sailor and being brave are words that become one in them," Rodríguez highlighted, and they deserve the affection and recognition, "not only from the Fishermen's Association, but from the entire town of Playa Blanca."
Next, and with emotion on the surface, the "Volcán de Timanfaya" Senior Citizens Association presented a model of a fishing boat to each of them, recognizing Luis Umpiérrez 'El Capitán', originally from Fuerteventura, sailor and later improvised guide of the town with his inseparable sailor's cap, as a "humanitarian fisherman"; as a "hook fisherman" to Benigno Caraballo, a serene man, dedicated to his family and hard work, as well as a promoter of Latin sailing in Playa Blanca; and as a "special fisherman" to Blas Francisco Martín 'Pacheco', a tireless worker at sea since the age of 10, who raised his large family based on perseverance, becoming an endearing figure of the pier and the town.
For its part, the Association presented them with a photograph in which they appeared with some of their catches or elements related to the sea, in large format and framed, a symbolic but meaningful gesture that they proudly displayed.
"Infinite thanks to Don Luis, Don Benigno and Don Francisco, for their example of life and for keeping, in their hearts and memories, the essence of sailing the seas," Rodríguez concluded amid applause.
There was also space to thank those who made these tributes possible, especially Reyes Sepúlveda, secretary and "pillar of the Association," Cristo Caraballo highlighted, who has also been the architect of the murals of photographs that were exhibited during the festivities, and who thanked the recognition by encouraging the public to continue collaborating with more images to enrich the collective memory of the town.
A simple but emotional tribute, full of memory and gratitude towards three men who embody the values, history and identity of what not so long ago was a small and humble fishing village, which ended with all the families and neighbors sharing memories and anecdotes while enjoying a snack and live music in the courtyard of La Aurora. The Councilor for Festivities, Daniel Medina, represented the City Council in this endearing encounter with the seafaring tradition.