Chago Melián Opens Saint Benedict Festivities with Call to Preserve Canarian Heritage

The official opening of the Saint Benedict the Abbot festivities in San Cristóbal de La Laguna was a powerful celebration of Canarian heritage this year. Held at the local hermitage, the event featured musician and visual artist Chago Melián, who moved beyond traditional speeches to focus on the importance of passing cultural identity down to future generations.

The celebration, a major highlight on the La Laguna calendar, brought together local officials and community members. In his address, Melián connected his own life story to the city’s social and urban growth. He emphasized that preserving traditions—from local music groups known as parrandas to traditional crafts—depends on the community’s commitment to its history.

Melián reflected on his early training in the arts, paying tribute to mentors like goldsmith Rafael Trujillo. He also shared nostalgic memories of La Laguna, contrasting the modern city with the sights and sounds of his childhood, such as the clatter of carts and the architecture that shaped his artistic eye. A key moment in his speech was his recollection of attending pilgrimages with his mother; he spoke fondly of his childhood fascination with the boat floats in the parades, which he views as a symbol of the deep emotional bond between the people and their local history.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez praised Melián as a cultural icon who has successfully shared the identity of the Canary Islands with the world. The mayor noted that cultural heritage is not something static, but a living tradition that needs active voices to keep it thriving. With this opening, La Laguna has reaffirmed its role as a center for preserving popular customs and keeping local history at the heart of public life.