Breña Alta Storytelling Festival Celebrates Mexican Culture and Oral Tradition
The 20th Breña Alta Storytelling Festival begins this Saturday, running through November 15 as a cultural bridge between the Canary Islands and Mexico that explores memory and tradition through performances, workshops, and art.
The 20th Breña Alta Storytelling Festival kicks off this Saturday and runs through November 15, establishing itself as a cultural bridge between the Canary Islands and Mexico. This year, the event highlights the richness of Mexican oral tradition and weaves it into the artistic life of La Palma.
More than just a series of performances, the festival explores how we process memory and grief through the lens of the Day of the Dead. This theme anchors a diverse program that includes music, visual arts, and professional workshops. Highlights include an oral storytelling seminar led by Carolina Rueda, as well as sessions tailored for babies, families, and local schools.
The connection between the two regions is reflected in the festival’s visual identity. Illustrator Mariana Alcántara designed the event’s imagery, blending Mexican botanical symbols—like the cempasúchil flower—with the marine themes of the Canary Islands.
The festival also features three unique exhibitions. The Colmexcan association has organized a traditional Mexican altar for the dead, while a collective exhibition showcases local art inspired by the "Catrinas." Additionally, artist Sara González presents a visual take on classic Grimm’s fairy tales using origami. With storytellers joining from Galicia, Colombia, Mexico, and the islands, the festival continues to serve as a vital hub for international cultural exchange.