Former El Rosario Mayor and Media Figure Elías Bacallado Hernández Dies at 93

Tenerife has lost one of its most influential political figures of the last century. Elías Bacallado Hernández, who served as the mayor of El Rosario for over 20 years, passed away this Sunday. His death marks the end of a historic era for the town, which was largely shaped by his long tenure in office.

Bacallado Hernández was known for his ability to navigate Spain’s significant political changes. He began his career in 1962 when he was appointed mayor by the civil governor, becoming the youngest mayor in the country at the time. He successfully transitioned into the democratic era, winning the 1979 election with his "Independientes de El Rosario Unidos" party. Beyond local government, he was a key figure in island politics and a co-founder of the "Agrupación Tinerfeña de Independientes" (ATI).

Outside of politics, Bacallado Hernández was a major figure in the media. According to Diario de Avisos, he played a vital role in the newspaper's 1973 relaunch and later served as the president of its board. His leadership helped the publication navigate economic crises and transition toward modernization, earning him a special mention at the 2015 Taburiente Awards.

His personal life, which included time spent as an emigrant in Venezuela during the 1950s, shaped his approach to public service and his commitment to local identity. As mayor, he was instrumental in promoting traditional symbols like the manta esperancera and facilitating land transfers that supported the growth of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The El Rosario City Council has scheduled funeral services for Monday, April 20. The procession will leave the municipal funeral home at 1:00 p.m. for the Church of Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza. His passing closes a significant chapter in Tenerife’s history, leaving behind a legacy that spans both local governance and the regional press.