Jesús Rodríguez Delgado Named Honorary Villero for Cultural Heritage Contributions
The La Orotava City Council has named Jesús Rodríguez Delgado an "Honorary Villero" in recognition of his lifelong dedication to preserving the town's cultural heritage and his instrumental role in elevating the tradition of Corpus Christi carpet-making.
The La Orotava City Council recently named Jesús Rodríguez Delgado an "Honorary Villero," a title that recognizes far more than just his public service. It marks a significant milestone in protecting the Canary Islands' cultural heritage, honoring a man whose lifelong dedication helped transform the ephemeral art of Corpus Christi carpets into a world-renowned tradition.
This award celebrates decades of civic and cultural work. Beyond his efforts to preserve local traditions, Rodríguez Delgado served as a Councilor for Education and Sports from 1987 to 1991. He was also the driving force behind the institutional growth of the carpet-making craft. As president of the Association of Carpet Makers of La Orotava from its founding in 1991 until 2015, he spearheaded key projects, including the creation of the Center for the Interpretation of Ephemeral Art and the first international congress on the subject in 2006.
His leadership helped build cultural bridges far beyond the island. He played a vital role in twinning La Orotava with the town of Ponteareas in Galicia, earning him the title of "Adoptive Son" of that municipality in 2014—a bond highlighted by the presence of Ponteareas Mayor Nava Castro Domínguez at the tribute ceremony. Furthermore, his work as first vice president of the International Steering Committee for Ephemeral Art was essential in sharing knowledge between regions with similar traditions.
Rodríguez Delgado’s influence also extends to the town’s music and literature. He wrote the anthems for the San Isidro Pilgrimage and the Corpus Christi festivities, and he has contributed lyrics to local carnival murgas. His writing, which includes chronicles on the friendship between La Orotava and Ponteareas, shows his belief that heritage is the foundation of a community’s identity.
The ceremony, led by Mayor Francisco Linares with a speech by Leo Rodríguez, concluded with a musical tribute. Artist Chago Melián, accompanied by musicians Juan Pablo Pérez and Marcos del Castillo, performed songs closely tied to Rodríguez Delgado’s career. This honor celebrates not only a remarkable individual but also La Orotava’s ongoing commitment to a legacy that Rodríguez Delgado has helped shape since he first began working on the carpets at age 13.