The San Benito Abad Festivities officially got underway in La Laguna with an emotional opening proclamation delivered by renowned Canarian singer and artist Chago Melián, who reflected on his childhood memories, his lifelong connection with the city, and the importance of preserving the islands’ traditions.
The event, held at the historic San Benito Hermitage, marked the official start of one of Tenerife’s most important traditional celebrations, bringing together local authorities, community groups and residents.
A journey through memory
Throughout his speech, Melián spoke warmly about growing up with a deep affection for La Laguna and how the city helped shape both his artistic career and personal life.
He recalled his time studying at the San Alberto Magno School of Arts and Crafts, where he was taught by master goldsmith Rafael Trujillo, whom he credited as an important influence on his creative development.
The singer also shared fond memories of attending the San Benito Romería with his mother, Anastasia, remembering the traditional carts, folk music, colourful Canarian dress and festive atmosphere that filled the streets each year.
The boats that captured a child’s imagination
Among all those memories, Melián revealed that it wasn’t the music or dancing that fascinated him most as a child.
Instead, he remembered the decorative boats that form part of the Romería procession.
His mother would lift him up so he could watch the parade, where the white-sailed boats appeared to sail through the streets of La Laguna, creating an image that has stayed with him ever since.
He said those childhood memories helped him understand the importance of protecting traditions that continue to define the identity of the Canary Islands.
Celebrating Canarian heritage
Melián used his proclamation to pay tribute to the generations of musicians, dancers, folk groups and volunteers who have kept Canarian traditions alive over the decades.
He described La Laguna as far more than simply a place where he grew up, calling it a constant source of inspiration throughout his life.
A fitting choice for the festivities
Introducing the speaker, La Laguna Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described Chago Melián as one of the Canary Islands’ leading cultural figures, praising both his artistic career and his commitment to preserving Canarian identity and traditions.
The San Benito Abad Festivities will continue over the coming days with a packed programme of cultural events, music, folklore and the island’s famous Romería Regional, one of Tenerife’s largest traditional pilgrimages.