The municipality of Guía begins this Friday, July 31, its La Virgen 2026 patronal festivities, with an opening speech by the official chronicler Sergio Aguiar and the geographer and writer Javier Estévez, in an edition that coincides with the 500th anniversary of the city's foundation.
The municipality of Guía celebrates this Friday, July 31, the start of its La Virgen 2026 patronal festivities, an edition that takes on a historic character as it is framed within the commemoration of the 500 years since the city's foundation. The central event, the opening speech, will take place at 21:00 in the Plaza Grande and will be delivered by the official chronicler and Gold Medal of the city, Sergio Aguiar, and the municipal geographer and writer Javier Estévez.
The mayor of Guía, Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira, has highlighted that this is "a very special occasion because both speakers represent two complementary perspectives that are deeply committed to our municipality, and they have abundantly demonstrated their pride and love for it and for everything that it means to be from Guía." The mayor has invited all citizens to attend this event with "two key figures of local culture, admired and respected by all, which will serve as a perfect introduction to such significant festivities as those of this year."
Sergio Aguiar Castellano, born in Guía de Gran Canaria in 1966, was unanimously appointed Official Chronicler of the municipality by the municipal corporation in October 2024. He holds a degree in Spanish Philology from the University of La Laguna, is a specialist in Archival Science, and has developed an intense research activity that has materialised in the publication of fifteen books since 2007, focused on local history and biographies of illustrious figures from the northern region. In 2022, the City Council awarded him the Gold Medal of the City in recognition of his contribution to the rescue and preservation of the municipality's documentary heritage.
On the other hand, Javier Estévez Domínguez combines his work as a geographer in the Urbanism, Architecture and Housing department of the Guía City Council with a prolific literary and dramatic career. He is the author of the novel 'Días de paso' and the essay 'Azulmadre', and has excelled in Canary Island theatre with works such as 'Yo soy Jessie Etchells' (2018), 'Tránsitos' —a municipal commission for the centenary of poet Manuel González Sosa— and 'Más alto que el cielo, nosotros', which addresses the Civil War in Guía. He is currently preparing 'Canción breve para la eternidad', about the last days of sculptor José Luján Pérez, the most universal figure from Guía. His work 'Ojos de ola' won the 2019 Theatre Writing Laboratory of Canarias Escribe Teatro, and in 2026 he premiered 'Las estrellas fugitivas'.
The opening speech this Friday marks the start of festivities that, according to municipal sources, are expected to be particularly participative due to the context of the fifth centenary. The Plaza Grande will be the setting for an event that will combine historical memory with literary creation, in an evening that promises to be emotional for the locals. The organisation has arranged a security and accessibility plan to ensure the smooth running of the event.
The La Virgen festivities are one of the most significant dates on Guía's festive calendar, and this year they take on an extraordinary dimension as they coincide with the foundational anniversary. The City Council has prepared a programme of events that will extend over the coming days, with cultural, religious, and recreational activities for all audiences. Residents are encouraged to participate and enjoy celebrations that "highlight our history and our identity," in the words of the mayor.
The event is at 21:00 in the Plaza Grande, with free entry. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot, given the expected turnout.
You may also like
