La Laguna is gearing up for ten days of traditions, music and remembrance, with its Finados and Day of the Dead programme running from 29 October to 7 November.
Organised by the town council and the Fundación Canaria México Canarias, the event is now in its fifth year. This edition, titled The Architecture of Memory, brings together Canarian customs and Mexican traditions through altar displays, guided tours, heritage walks, children’s activities and the now well-established Catrina parade.
The idea is to help people understand the history behind both celebrations, including how different cultures remember loved ones who have passed away.
La Laguna’s Heritage councillor, Adolfo Cordobés, said the programme once again makes the town a meeting point for different cultures. He was joined at the presentation by Rural Development councillor Cristina Ledesma.
Mexico’s honorary consul in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, María Ángeles Baca, described the initiative as one of the year’s most important cultural projects, helping people learn more about Canarian traditions and Latin American heritage.
One of this year’s highlights will be the return of the bells at the Tower of La Concepción. Campanero Erick Sacramento will ring them between the night of 31 October and 1 November, including in the run-up to the All Saints’ Day Mass. It’s a reminder of how Finados was traditionally marked, before Halloween costumes and plastic skeletons took over shop windows.
There will also be guided visits to traditional altars organised by the Mexican foundation, as well as places of interest such as the Souls painting at La Concepción church. Tours are planned for both the general public and school groups, with nine local schools already signed up.
Children will also get the chance to learn about Canarian customs linked to remembering the dead through an activity called Are There Little Saints? Pan por Dios.
The programme reaches its big public finale on Saturday 7 November, when the Catrina parade sets off from Plaza Doctor Olivera at 5pm. Anyone keen to join in can take part dressed up or wearing make-up inspired by the iconic Mexican figure.
The parade will be followed by a concert from mariachi band Mencey Azteca and a DJ session featuring traditional Mexican music.
Local organisations are also helping make the programme happen, including Hotel Aguere, the Casino de La Laguna and the Fundación Cristino de Vera-Espacio Cultural CajaCanarias, all of which feature in the altar route.
A free magazine has been published with the full programme and additional content, so there’s plenty to explore for anyone interested in the stories and traditions behind these celebrations.