Canary Islands Senior Carnival Honors Elders, Closes Festivities

The "Canary Islands Senior Carnival" celebrates the important role older generations play in keeping the cultural traditions of the islands' most famous festival alive. This event, which also promotes active aging, marked the end of the Carnival 2026 celebrations in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Over a thousand people took part, according to the organizers.

The third annual event, held yesterday afternoon in the Plaza de la Candelaria, was also where the "Carnival, I Love You" awards were presented. These awards honor key figures from each island who have played a vital role in the history of Carnival. From Tenerife, Francisca León Estrada (Paca), María Pérez Cabrera (Maruca), and Antonia Expósito (Toñi) were recognized. They are members of the Chaxiraxi musical group's sewing team and have dedicated decades to making costumes.

Other islanders also received awards: Manuel Rodríguez (Lanzarote), known for his long-standing involvement as a "mascarita" (a traditional masked participant) in Arrecife Carnival; María Luisa Carballo (El Hierro), honored for her skills as a dressmaker, designer, and artisan from Valverde; Carmen María Acosta Merry (La Palma), representing the Tirimara Neighborhood Association of Argual; Ana María Rivero Ani (Gran Canaria), a central figure in the San Fernando Carnival; Manuel Jacinto Herrera (La Gomera), director of the "murga" (carnival singing group) Los Decididos del Calvario; and Pilar Suárez (Fuerteventura), recognized for her dedication to designing costumes for "murgas" and "comparsas" (carnival dance groups).

José Manuel Bermúdez, the mayor of Santa Cruz, emphasized the city's historical gratitude to its older residents. He noted their persistence was vital in preserving the spirit of Carnival, even when it was banned in other parts of Spain. Their dedication, he added, forms the bedrock of today's festivities. Meanwhile, Candelaria Delgado, the Minister of Social Welfare, highlighted the large turnout of seniors from all over the archipelago. She explained that the event is part of the "Maresía plan," an initiative designed to encourage active aging and social involvement.

The program featured performances by artists like Pepe Benavente, Shaila Dúrcal, Jhonny Maquinaria, the "murga" Las Incansables de Icod de los Vinos, and comedian Yanely Hernández, creating a festive and lively end to the Carnival season.