La Laguna Approves Budget for New Canarian Gypsy Sociocultural Center

The La Laguna City Council has officially moved forward with plans to build the new Canarian Gypsy Sociocultural Center, fulfilling a long-standing goal for the island’s Romani community. The local government has approved a budget of 343,440 euros (excluding taxes) to begin the design and management process for the new facility.

The center will be located on Rector José Escobedo y González Alberu Street in the La Candelaria neighborhood—an area with a deep-rooted history for local Gypsy families. The project is expected to take eight months to complete, with three months dedicated to the initial design and five months for the final planning.

Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described the center as a vital space for cultural exchange, while Public Works head Ángel Chinea noted that the building is designed to be an open, welcoming hub for all community groups. The project was developed in close collaboration with the Romi Kamela Nakerar Gypsy Women's Association, which helped outline the need for specialized support services, administrative offices, and multipurpose event spaces.

By providing this dedicated infrastructure, the City Council aims to improve access to public services, preserve cultural identity, and bridge social gaps. The launch of the bidding process marks a significant step in creating a space where Gypsy tradition and Canarian society can come together.