Historian Rubens Ascanio Wins Baldomera García Award as Tacoronte Historical Festival Continues
Historian Rubens Ascanio has been awarded the Baldomera García Historical Research Award for his study of 20th-century social associations in Tacoronte, coinciding with the town's ongoing Historical Novel Festival.
Efforts to preserve democratic memory in the Canary Islands have received a boost with the announcement of the Baldomera García Historical Research Award, which has been granted to historian Rubens Ascanio. The award recognizes Ascanio’s study of local associations in Tacoronte between 1904 and 1973—a period of significant social and political change for the region.
A panel of experts, including Judit Gutiérrez de Armas, José Ramón Cebrián Guimerá, and Ágatha Ayala González, unanimously selected Ascanio’s work for the 2,500-euro prize. His research examines groups like the Círculo Minerva, highlighting how these organizations helped shape the islands' trade union, intellectual, and political leaders throughout the 20th century.
The announcement coincides with the 6th Tacoronte Historical Novel Festival, which concludes this weekend at the Casa de la Cultura and the Auditorio Capitol. As part of the festival, writer María del Mar Rodríguez will receive a literary award for her book La tuerta, which has been adapted into a stage play by Aranza Coello’s company and will be performed tonight at the local auditorium.
The festival offers free admission to a variety of events, including the presentation of fifteen new books by authors such as Rumen Sosa, Mayte Uceda, and Juan Tranche. The program also features writing workshops for all ages, including sessions on the Amazigh language, and concludes on Sunday at 7:00 p.m. with the Tacoronte Express short film awards.
To celebrate local culture and gastronomy, the "Wines with History" event will take place this Sunday in the Plaza del Cristo. Attendees can enjoy local wines paired with tapas made from ingredients sourced at the Farmers' Market. Those wishing to attend theatrical or cinematic events can book their spots through the Auditorio Capitol’s website.