La Esperanza Soloists Festival to be Renamed in Honor of Ildefonso Benítez Alonso
The 12th annual La Esperanza Soloists Festival will honor the late Ildefonso Benítez Alonso this Sunday by renaming the event in his memory during a tribute concert featuring renowned Canary Islands artists.
The 12th annual La Esperanza Soloists Festival, a staple of the Canary Islands' traditional music scene, will hold a special tribute this Sunday, July 26, in honor of the late Ildefonso Benítez Alonso. Organizers have announced that the festival will be officially renamed in his memory; the local businessman and former El Rosario councilman was instrumental in the event's success and long-term viability before his passing last winter.
The festival, part of the celebrations for Our Lady of Hope, begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Plaza del Adelantado. Directed by Marco del Castillo, the performance will feature a lineup of renowned island artists, including Ciro Corujo, Miriam Cruz, Luis Morera, Almudena Hernández, and Mateo Felipe, with musical accompaniment by timple player Domingo Rodríguez, "El Colorao."
Over the past twelve years, the festival has become a vital platform for preserving the islands' cultural heritage. By showcasing both legendary groups—such as the iconic Los Sabandeños—and celebrated soloists, the event has grown from a local gathering into a cornerstone of the summer cultural calendar. Admission to the festival is free for the public.