La Laguna Celebrates Mexican Day of the Dead and Canary Island Traditions
The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is hosting its fifth "Architecture of Memory" program from October 29 to November 7, celebrating cultural ties between the Canary Islands and Mexico through traditional Day of the Dead and All Souls' Night festivities.
The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is strengthening cultural ties between the Canary Islands and Mexico with the fifth edition of its annual commemorative program. Running from October 29 to November 7, the initiative, titled "The Architecture of Memory," blends the local "Noche de Finados" (All Souls' Night) traditions with the iconic imagery of the Mexican Day of the Dead.
Supported by the Mexico-Canary Islands Foundation, the project aims to preserve intangible heritage by honoring the islands' history and ancestral traditions. The program features guided tours, educational workshops, and traditional altars displayed at key locations in the historic center, including the Casino de La Laguna, the Hotel Aguere, and the Cristino de Vera Foundation-CajaCanarias Cultural Space.
A highlight of this year’s event is the return of traditional bell-ringing at the Tower of La Concepción. Bell ringer Erick Sacramento will perform this duty from the night of October 31 through November 1, marking the transition from All Saints' Eve to the feast day. Education also plays a central role, with nine local schools participating in the "Pan por Dios" initiative, which teaches children about island customs associated with these dates.
Adolfo Cordobés, the Councilor for Heritage, noted that La Laguna continues to serve as a vital hub for cultural, academic, and scientific exchange. María Ángeles Baca, the Honorary Consul of Mexico in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and Yolanda Cordobés, director of the Mexico-Canary Islands Foundation, both emphasized the program's importance in celebrating the Latin American roots present throughout the archipelago.
The festivities will conclude on November 7 with a Catrina parade, starting at 5:00 p.m. from Doctor Olivera Square. The event will close with a musical performance featuring the Mencey Azteca mariachi band and traditional Mexican music. To help the public follow the schedule, the City Council has released a free guide containing event details and background information on these traditions.