Goya Alonso, the "Mayor of Anaga" and recipient of the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands, has died.

Goya Alonso, known to all as the "mayor of Anaga," has passed away. She was a highly respected figure in the Anaga massif and had recently been awarded the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands for 2024. Goya dedicated her life to serving her homeland and its people.

For over half a century, she fought for the rights of the people who lived in the small villages of the area. Her perseverance and closeness to the people made her indispensable to the life of the Rural Park.

Goya was the daughter of Ángel Alonso, the last village head of Afur. She continued her family's work, helping the community. Thanks to her efforts, small rural communities received many important things: a paved road that connected the villages to the capital of Tenerife, an ambulance and a doctor, the same bus fares between Santa Cruz and La Laguna, and a restored road maintenance crew.

She also did much to unite Afur and Roque Negro, defended the nature and culture of the area, and became a member of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve Council.

"The Canary Islands have lost a unique, brave, and generous woman. Goya Alonso, our beloved "mayor of Anaga" and recipient of the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands 2024, dedicated her life to caring for her people and her land. Her legacy will remain forever. My condolences to her family and friends," FC wrote on Twitter.

The Government of the Canary Islands awarded Goya the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands 2024 to recognize her life's work and her role as a leader in Anaga. At the time, everyone spoke of her "heart as big as her dedication." Today, those words sound especially painful.

The farewell to Goya will take place in Hall 8 of the Servisa funeral home, near the North Highway (Ikea area). The funeral will be held this Monday at 12:40.