San Matías Residents Stage Dramatized Historical Route Saturday

This Saturday, starting at 6:00 PM, Domingo Cubas square in San Matías will host a unique historical play. This special "dramatized route" will tell the story of this part of San Cristóbal de La Laguna. About 50 local residents will perform in the play, which is supported by the City Council and the University of La Laguna through their 'ParticipaBarrio' scientific project.

The project, called 'History of a neighborhood in struggle', was officially launched this Wednesday. Attending the launch were Badel Albelo, La Laguna's First Deputy Mayor; Fran Hernández, the City Council's Councilor for Citizen Participation; Conchi Casanova, president of the San Matías Mountain Neighborhood Association (AAVV); and ULL professor Vicente Zapata.

Albelo thanked all the groups and organizations involved. He highlighted that the project's best quality is that it's created by and for the community. He called it a great example of shared memory that will honor San Matías's history. He added that this "intangible heritage" should be passed down by the residents themselves, strengthening the municipality's legacy.

Fran Hernández also spoke, praising the performance because it's "created and interpreted by the residents of San Matías themselves to tell their own story – the one they have lived and built over time." He stressed how important it is for residents to take part in preserving the area's identity, strengthening community bonds, and building a stronger neighborhood. He noted the dedication of people who keep their shared history alive through cultural projects started by the community itself.

Conchi Casanova explained that these historical routes are the result of careful research and listening to local stories. All the information gathered will be brought to life by fifty people, aged between 70 and 80, who are involved as actors, extras, and technical staff. She emphasized that the true value of the performance isn't just the show's quality, but the real experiences and feelings shared by its participants. Casanova, whose San Matías Mountain Neighborhood Association organized the event, also thanked funders like Fundación La Caixa.

Finally, Vicente Zapata said that this event is the culmination of a long community effort. He believes it will build on past achievements and help with future goals, especially improving social harmony and strengthening neighborhood bonds. He added that the project helps "weave community and build relationships in a neighborhood that has diversified greatly in the last decade." Zapata also announced that the participants will travel to Madrid at the end of January. There, they will join a national neighborhood gathering to share the results of similar community projects focused on strengthening social cohesion.