Dr. Fernando Gómez-Pamo Guerra del Río, director general of Mental Health for the Government of the Canary Islands, delivered the opening speech for the festivities in honour of San Roque 2026, with a message centred on empathy and community support.
The San Roque square in Firgas was filled this Friday to attend the official start of the Patron Saint Festivities in honour of San Roque 2026. The central event, the reading of the opening speech, was given by Dr. Fernando Gómez-Pamo Guerra del Río, director general of Mental Health and Addictions for the Government of the Canary Islands, who delivered a speech that combined personal memories with a reflection on the emotional challenges of today’s society.
The councillor for Festivities, Manuel Báez, was the first to speak, welcoming attendees. He highlighted that these days represent “a moment of gathering” to share conversations, enjoy musical performances, and strengthen coexistence among citizens. He also emphasised the participatory nature of the festive programme, developed thanks to the involvement of neighbours, associations, groups, the parish, and numerous individuals who contribute each year to keep the traditions of Firgas alive.
Gómez-Pamo began his address by recalling how his family fell in love with a plot of land in the Padilla neighbourhood, where what was once a simple barn became a home that is now a meeting point for family and friends. He confessed that this bond with the town made accepting the task of delivering the opening speech a mix of gratitude, happiness, and responsibility.
The speaker drew a parallel between the historical role of San Roque as a protector against epidemics and the invisible challenges faced by society today. “The real battles of our time are chronic fatigue, loneliness, stress, emotional isolation, and mental health issues,” he stated.
He defined Firgas as “a temple, the green balcony of Gran Canaria,” a place where nature invites one to pause, breathe, and reconnect with oneself. He encouraged society to learn “to follow the trail of silence” to detect the suffering of those who lack the strength to ask for help, reminding that many people experience these situations with fear or shame.
One of the most emotional moments came when he advocated for the power of a hug as a symbol of support, closeness, and care. The director general of Mental Health and Addictions for the Government of the Canary Islands highlighted that a sincere hug not only has physical benefits but also conveys trust, security, and the certainty that no one has to face their difficulties alone.
The speaker concluded with a call for technology, haste, or fear of what others might say not to cool personal relationships and proposed turning the Patron Saint Festivities into “the true festival of empathy,” making Firgas a safe space where closeness and mutual support remain the hallmarks of the municipality.
After the speech, the mayor of Firgas, Alexis Henríquez, spoke, highlighting that these festivities are one of the most anticipated moments of the year, as they allow the municipality to reconnect with its traditions, strengthen its identity, and open its doors to visitors. He thanked the speaker for accepting this responsibility and praised his professional career in service of the community, especially in the field of mental health and addictions.
Henríquez reminded that the festivities are much more than a programme of events, as they reflect the history, traditions, and collective effort of those who work for months to make each celebration possible. He expressed his gratitude to the Councillor for Festivities, municipal staff, security forces, emergency services, associations, groups, collaborating companies, local businesses, and especially the residents of Firgas, who are the “true soul of these festivities.”
As is tradition at this inaugural event, the Firgas City Council presented institutional recognitions to individuals and entities that have stood out for their effort and contribution to the municipality. In the educational field, Sara Guerra Angulo and Dayla Pérez Díaz were recognised for achieving the best academic records in 2nd year of Science Baccalaureate; Yamiley de Jesús Marrero Moreno, for the best record in Humanities Baccalaureate; and Marta Perera Barrameda and Samira González de la Fe, for achieving the best records in 4th year of ESO at IES Villa de Firgas.
In the sports field, Adrián José Schwengber Falcón, runner-up in the Canary League of Boccia, and the Women’s Football team of Firgas were recognised for their trajectory and contribution to local sports.
The festivities will continue over the coming days with a wide programme of events that includes musical performances, activities for all audiences, and traditional events. Residents and visitors can consult the complete programme on the official channels of the Firgas City Council to ensure they do not miss any of the scheduled events.
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