Arico Launches "Thousands of Smiles" Christmas Program

Arico City Council officially launched its Christmas season on Tuesday, December 2, by unveiling its poster, "Thousands of Smiles, Arico at Christmas." For the third year running, this slogan marks the start of the festivities, accompanied by a full program of family-friendly activities. The launch event, held in the Plenary Hall, was attended by Mayor Olivia Delgado, Second Deputy Mayor and Festivities Councillor Ariam Álvarez, and Fourth Deputy Mayor and Culture Councillor Agustín Tejera.

Mayor Olivia Delgado emphasized that "today is a very special day as we officially launch our Christmas program, 'Thousands of Smiles, Arico at Christmas.' This program will bring our town to life with activities, gatherings, and shared moments from early December right up to the arrival of the Three Wise Men, including our much-anticipated grand Christmas Fair – a truly magical space for families." She added that the program was designed with a clear goal: "for Christmas to be celebrated with family, out in the streets, and within the community, so that every part of Arico feels the same excitement."

The mayor stressed that this wasn't a last-minute effort. "It's the result of months of listening to families, our seniors, young people, local groups, and businesses. This feedback has helped us create a Christmas full of cultural, sports, festive, and charity events for everyone, from the youngest residents to those who have lived here their whole lives. When we talk about 'Thousands of Smiles,' we mean the joy of a child at a workshop, grandparents dancing, or parents enjoying quality time with their children in a safe, local setting while balancing work and family life."

Second Deputy Mayor and Festivities Councillor Ariam Álvarez highlighted the extensive program, which features the Christmas Fair from December 19 to 28 at the Mario Pestano Sports Center. She explained, "It will offer children's workshops, activities for teens and adults, concerts, carol singing sessions, and a gospel show, which will be announced separately." Álvarez added that the fair's daily schedule, including times and registration details for workshops with limited spaces, will be posted on social media each day to help families plan their visits.

Fourth Deputy Mayor and Culture Councillor Agustín Tejera praised the collaboration between departments to create a comprehensive Christmas experience. He noted, "These festivities offer opportunities for families to connect, for local businesses to thrive, and include everything from craft markets and tapas and wine events to the Christmas fair, which is a major highlight of the program." Tejera also announced that the City Council will run free Christmas camps and playrooms, offering 60 spots across both inland and coastal areas. He explained, "We want to help families balance work and childcare during the school holidays, and registration will open this week."

The festivities kick off this weekend. On Friday, December 5, from 7:00 PM in Porís de Abona, "Sabor(e)arte" will offer a tapas and wine event, showcasing local delicacies in a festive setting. This event is organized by the Local Development and Tourism Agency, led by Third Deputy Mayor Eudelia Pestano. On Saturday, December 6, the La Jaca neighborhood hosts "MerJaca" from 10:00 AM, a craft market with family activities. From 7:00 PM, it will merge with a tapas and wine event featuring live music from Sergio y Elías, Quimbao La Nuit, and DJs. The weekend concludes in La Listada with the "La Listada en Azul" Fair, open from 10:00 AM, in collaboration with the Environment department, led by Councillor Miguel Beby.

From December 19 to 28, the Mario Pestano Sports Center in Arico Viejo will host the Grand Christmas Fair: "Thousands of Smiles, Arico at Christmas." This fair will include a Christmas market with local businesses, attractions, children's workshops, a food area, daily entertainment, and many surprises. The fair officially opens on Friday, December 19, at 6:00 PM. Also on December 19, in Arico Nuevo, the "Acto de las Posadas" will take place at 6:30 PM, performed by A.C. Grupo 70 with catechism children. Later, at 8:30 PM, Grupo 70 will perform Christmas carols, followed by a carol presentation from the Venxamar folklore workshop.

Starting December 21, the Social Welfare department will run a Christmas camp for children, designed to help families during the holidays. On the same day, a carol singing gathering will be held at the Mario Pestano Sports Center, featuring groups like Altos de Arico, A.C. Las Hiedras, Labradores de Nivaria de Abona, and other guest performers.

On Monday, December 22, there will be an excursion to San Cristóbal de La Laguna to see the Christmas lights and Nativity scenes. For details and registration, please contact Arico City Council's Social Welfare department. On December 26, the sports center will host the Christmas Concert by the Abona de Arico Municipal Band. Also, Bodega Cumbres de Abona will host a Grand New Year's Eve celebration for seniors, starting at 1:00 PM.

To close the year, on December 31, the IV San Silvestre de Arico race will take place in Abades, with 5km and 10km distances. This event is organized by the Sports Department, led by First Deputy Mayor Andrés Martínez. Later, at midnight, don't miss the Grand New Year's Eve Dance in Porís de Abona.

The Christmas program concludes on January 3 with the Grand Charity Football Match, held at 12:00 PM at the Francisco Rodríguez de Azero y Salazar municipal field. This is also organized by the Sports department, led by First Deputy Mayor Andrés Martínez. Also on January 3, the Three Wise Men's royal mailbox will tour the municipality to collect any last-minute letters. Then, on January 5, the most magical night for families, especially children, arrives with the Grand Parade of the Three Wise Men in La Villa de Arico, starting at 5:00 PM.

Arico City Council encourages all residents to take part in the activities and to stay updated on any news through official municipal channels.