Güímar Political Dispute Erupts Over Ribbon Dance Monument Plans

A political dispute has broken out in Güímar over how to honor the town’s traditional ribbon dances. The conflict stems from a disagreement between the local government and the opposition regarding a cultural heritage project.

The controversy centers on a plan originally approved by the Cultural Information Commission in March 2025. That proposal, developed in partnership with folk groups from San Pedro Arriba, San Pedro Abajo, and El Escobonal, aimed to decentralize the recognition of the tradition. It called for individual reliefs to be installed in each of the three neighborhoods, with a central sculpture in the town square to tie them together.

Instead, the municipal government, led by Mayor Luisa Castro (PP), has decided to move forward with a different approach. They have commissioned a single bronze sculpture, funded by 55,000 euros in regional grants, which is set to be unveiled in the Plaza de San Pedro on June 29.

The mayor’s office argues that this single piece simplifies the project by incorporating elements from all three dances into one design. They have also suggested that a figure representing the drummer could be added later, though this has not satisfied critics.

Coalición Canaria (CC), the party behind the original agreement, has accused the government of breaking its promises to the folk groups. Spokesperson Haridian Martín criticized the administration for failing to consult those who actually perform the centuries-old tradition, describing the move as a unilateral decision that ignores previous consensus.

With the local council refusing to debate a motion from CC to return to the original plan, tensions remain high. The situation highlights the challenges of managing local heritage when administrative decisions clash with long-standing community agreements.