Juan Carlos Tacoronte’s Oral Storytelling Series Marks Decade of Success in Icod de los Vinos
Performer Juan Carlos Tacoronte celebrated the tenth anniversary of the Café-Teatro series in Icod de los Vinos with a sold-out show that highlights the enduring cultural significance of traditional storytelling.
The enduring power of oral tradition was on full display this week in Icod de los Vinos, as the Sociedad Centro Icodense hosted the latest installment of its Café-Teatro series. Performer Juan Carlos Tacoronte led the evening, presenting his piece, The Incredible Story of Aquilina Escarcha and Other Tales of Birth and the Born.
Part of the San Marcos Festival, the event was a sell-out, marking a successful milestone for a cultural project now in its tenth year. Supported by the Cabildo, the local city council, and the Institute of Hispanic Studies of the Canary Islands, the series has welcomed over 6,000 attendees across nearly 100 editions, establishing itself as a cornerstone of cultural life in the island's northwest.
Tacoronte’s work is notable for its unique blend of art and anthropology. He crafts his performances by weaving together collective memories, the heritage of farming families, and the distinct character of the local landscape. By taking these stories beyond the local level and onto national and international stages, Tacoronte demonstrates the vital role of storytelling in preserving intangible heritage. In an era where the performing arts are constantly searching for new ways to engage audiences, the success of this series proves that traditional storytelling remains a powerful way to connect people and keep cultural identity alive.