La Guancha Names Cardiologist José Javier Grillo Pérez as 2026 Festival Town Crier
The La Guancha local council has appointed renowned cardiologist Dr. José Javier Grillo Pérez as the town crier for the 2026 festivals to honor his professional achievements and deep-rooted connection to the community.
The La Guancha local council has named cardiologist José Javier Grillo Pérez as the town crier for the 2026 festivals. This appointment follows a growing trend among Canarian towns to honor local professionals who have achieved great success while maintaining strong emotional ties to their roots. These selections do more than just mark a ceremony; they celebrate the link between a citizen’s professional achievements and the town’s shared history and identity.
Dr. Grillo Pérez is a leading figure at the Nuestra Señora de Candelaria University Hospital, where he heads the Heart Failure and Heart Transplant Unit. Born in 1970 and a graduate of the University of La Laguna, he has made significant contributions to medicine, including serving as president of the Canarian Society of Cardiology from 2019 to 2022. Beyond his impressive medical career, the council chose him for his deep personal connection to La Guancha, where he spent his childhood and youth visiting his maternal family.
The festival’s official opening ceremony will take place on August 13. The festivities will begin a few days earlier, on August 8, with the traditional transfer of the Patron Saint. Mayor Alejandro Herrera and Festivals Councilor Alejandro Hernández noted that choosing Dr. Grillo Pérez is a way to recognize his dedication to public service and his commitment to the local community.
In La Guancha, the opening speech is a long-standing tradition meant to stir collective memory. By selecting a specialist known for his work in hemodynamics and heart care, organizers hope the address will be more than just a formal speech—they want it to be a heartfelt story about belonging and the values that define the town.