La Laguna celebrated "Heritage Night" and the 25th anniversary of its inclusion in the UNESCO list

In La Laguna, yesterday was a celebration – "Heritage Night"! This year, it coincided with the 25th anniversary of the city being added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Festival of Christ.

According to the city hall, thousands of people flooded the city's historic center. Everyone wanted to enjoy the free program, which included about 20 different events. Squares, streets, and famous buildings were transformed into vibrant stages with traditions, art, and memories.

The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, said that this day showed what their city is: a combination of cultures, friendly coexistence, and respect for the past. "This is a city with a soul, which pulsed with special force today. We saw children, the elderly, artists, locals, celebrating together, sharing stories and emotions. This celebration connects us with our roots and leads us into the future," he added.

And the Councilor for Cultural Heritage, Adolfo Cordobés, emphasized that "Heritage Night" confirmed that La Laguna is a city that values its heritage and shares it to preserve it for future generations. "People were delighted, and each event became an opportunity to rediscover the city in a new way through dance, music, and video," he said.

The day began with theatrical performances at noon and lasted almost until night. The program consisted of four parts: "Heritage Stage," "Open Heritage," "Living Heritage," and "Night of Traditions."

The modern choreography of Carlos Carvento, a guest dancer, particularly impressed the audience. He performed in the former Santo Domingo Monastery, which is now one of the city's main cultural centers. Also, theatrical tours from various companies took place through the city's streets and squares.

In addition, important historical buildings, such as the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the Cabrera Pinto Institute of the Canary Islands, and the Museum of Sacred Art of Santa Clara, revealed their secrets during night tours.

Video memories played an important role. The documentary "San Benito. Unknown Heritage, Between History, Disasters, and Traditions" premiered. And filmmaker Daylo Barco presented the Colecta Memoria project, which restores old professional and amateur films. This provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at the history of La Laguna in the 20th century.

One of the most touching moments was a parade in which more than 400 schoolchildren and locals took part. They carried pandorgas and fiery ponies through the streets of the historic center, accompanied by giants, musical groups, and fanfares. This was a reminder of the splendor and brilliance of times past.

Traditional music was played on the "Night of Traditions" in Cristo Square. There, people who contributed to the development of the culture of La Laguna were honored, and musical groups performed.

"Heritage Night" was celebrated simultaneously in 15 Spanish cities that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This strengthens the cultural network in Europe, where heritage is the basis of sustainable development and unity. The organizers emphasized that in La Laguna, this event highlighted the city's role as a cultural center and an example of open heritage management in the Canary Islands.

This celebration of art, heritage, and traditions marked the beginning of the Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna Festival. The day began at 7 a.m. with bells ringing in the city's temples, and at 10:15 a.m. a military-civilian procession with the Royal Banner took place.

In the morning, a solemn mass was held in the cathedral, led by the Bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Eloy Santiago. After that, the holy image was returned to its shrine.

In the afternoon, at 7:00 p.m., a mass was held, accompanied by the Achamán musical group, Jóvenes Sabandeños. After that, Christ once again went out in procession through the main streets of the city, visiting the monasteries of the Clarist and Catalina nuns, and then returned to Cristo Square.