Arona Municipal Archives Acquire Personal Papers of Former Mayor Buenaventura Ordóñez Vellar
The Arona municipal archives have acquired the personal papers of former mayor Buenaventura Ordóñez Vellar, offering new historical insights into the town's mid-20th-century transition toward a tourism-based economy.
The Arona municipal archives have recently grown with the addition of Buenaventura Ordóñez Vellar’s personal papers. More than just a simple administrative filing, this collection—managed by the Department of Historical Heritage under Naím Yánez—offers a rare look at the man who served as mayor from 1960 to 1966. The donation, handed over by Dolores Vilalta, includes personal poetry and a handwritten letter from Juan Carlos de Borbón, providing valuable insight into the town’s transition toward its modern tourism-based economy.
Ordóñez Vellar, originally from Torregrosa, played a vital role in the development of Los Cristianos during the late 20th century. He was both a doctor and a politician, focusing his administration on improving healthcare and social infrastructure. His time in office saw several defining moments for Arona, including the 1962 naming of the Santísimo Cristo de la Salud as "Perpetual Mayor," a decision that captured the spirit of the time. He was also instrumental in welcoming the Swedish community, whose arrival helped spark the municipality’s economic growth.
For historians, this archive is a treasure trove of primary sources that help reconstruct Arona’s social history. Councilman Naím Yánez explained that the project has two main goals: to preserve the former mayor’s intellectual legacy and to provide researchers with new material for a deeper study of local history. While a street in Los Cristianos already bears his name, this archive moves his story beyond simple public recognition and into the realm of serious academic study.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the council to protect the region’s documentary heritage. By preserving these manuscripts, the Department of Historical Heritage is ensuring that the story of Arona’s transformation—from a traditional economy to an open, international destination—remains accessible, honoring those like Ordóñez Vellar who shaped the area’s development.