Candelaria Unveils Canary Islands' Largest Public Mural by Pepe Dámaso

Candelaria is now home to the largest public mural in the Canary Islands. Unveiled this Thursday, December 18, the artwork is located at the entrance roundabout to the town and is based on original designs by renowned Canarian artist Pepe Dámaso.

The Town Council spearheaded this project, which is seen as a landmark initiative to boost the town's cultural identity and artistic presence.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by several key figures, including Candelaria's Mayor, Mari Brito; the Deputy Government Delegate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Jesús Javier Plata Vera; and the Director General of Infrastructure, Sustainability and Tourist Quality for the Canary Islands Government, Héctor Mateo Castañeyra. Also present were artists Alejandro Tosco, who served as the project's artistic director, and Irene Morales, who was responsible for painting the mural, alongside other officials and cultural representatives.

During the event, Mayor Mari Brito described the mural as a significant cultural and symbolic achievement for Candelaria. She explained that Pepe Dámaso originally conceived the artwork at the start of this century, but it could only now be brought to life through collaboration between different government bodies and European funding. Brito added that the town can be proud to feature a piece designed by one of the Canary Islands' most important contemporary artists, further strengthening Candelaria's cultural role within the archipelago.

Jesús Javier Plata Vera, the Deputy Government Delegate, commented that Candelaria is a vital location on the island, and this mural enhances its artistic heritage. He stressed that the artwork transforms a public space, showcasing how art can blend with everyday life and become a symbol of identity and community spirit.

Héctor Mateo Castañeyra, the Director General, noted that Candelaria is one of eight Canary Islands destinations receiving support from a special initiative: the Tourism Sustainability and Quality Plan by the Department of Tourism and Employment. He explained that the mural is part of broader efforts to boost tourism competitiveness and create economic opportunities across different sectors. This also helps provide attractions beyond the typical sun-and-beach holidays, appealing to both tourists and local residents.

Project director Alejandro Tosco thanked Pepe Dámaso and the Town Council for driving this initiative forward. He also praised Irene Morales for her excellent work in bringing the mural to life, reminding everyone that, at approximately 1,100 square meters, it is the largest public mural in the Canary Islands.

Muralist Irene Morales shared her satisfaction now that the project is complete. She had been working on it for several months, overcoming challenges like adverse weather conditions, and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome she received in Candelaria throughout the process.

The mural was funded by a European grant, with an investment of 40,638.60 euros. Its impressive size makes it one of the largest public murals connected to Pepe Dámaso's artistic legacy on the island.

The artwork draws inspiration from sketches Dámaso created in 2004. At that time, he envisioned a series of images featuring pilgrimage, fishing, and pottery, specifically for the town's entrance. This original proposal was never realized until now, and the current mural faithfully respects the artist's initial vision. Alejandro Tosco provided the artistic direction, while Irene Morales carried out the painting.

This project is part of the Canary Islands Territorial Plan, managed by the Department of Tourism and Employment of the Canary Islands Government. It received funding from the Next Generation EU Funds and is linked to Investment 1, Component 14 of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. More specifically, it falls under the 'Candelaria Viva' Tourism Sustainability Plan for Destinations, which was approved as part of an agreement by the Sectoral Conference on Tourism of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

Born in Agaete in 1933, Pepe Dámaso is celebrated as one of the most distinguished figures in Canarian art. As a painter, sculptor, filmmaker, and poet, his creations often feature an Atlantic and symbolic style, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands. Throughout his career, Dámaso has consistently explored themes connected to Candelaria, its pilgrimage traditions, and the broader imagery of the archipelago.