Mayor Vanesa Martín defends the event as a cultural and economic engine, announcing projects such as the expansion of the desalination plant and the new library.
The International Folklore Festival of Ingenio, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Canary Islands, now aspires to national recognition. This was announced by the mayor of the municipality, Vanesa Martín, who emphasised that the event transcends music and dance to become a meeting point between cultures.
In an interview on the programme 'Herrera en COPE Gran Canaria', Martín highlighted the massive turnout at the parades and congratulated the organisation of Choirs and Dances for their continuous work throughout the year. "It’s not just music and dance, but something magical: sharing and learning from other peoples," she stated.
The mayor cited the astonishment of a participant from Ivory Coast upon seeing that the mayor did not have a bodyguard or chauffeur, something unthinkable in her country. For Martín, these moments of spontaneous coexistence, when groups from Taiwan, Greece, or Armenia interact without interpreters, are what she loves most about the festival.
"It’s impressive to share these moments behind the scenes with them; you gain incredible social, personal, and cultural wealth," declared the mayor.
Martín defended the investment in the festival against those who consider it an excessive expense, arguing that it "puts Ingenio on the map" and champions world culture. The next goal, she revealed, is to achieve the declaration of a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Key infrastructures for the municipality
In terms of infrastructure, the mayor detailed several strategic projects. The expansion of the southeastern desalination plant, whose first phase will conclude in January, will add 5,000 cubic metres of daily capacity. Martín described the current system as "dangerous" for operating at its limit, consuming 27,000 of the 33,000 cubic metres available.
Another major project underway is the new library in Ingenio, a "mega project" costing 4.6 million euros that will also house an archive and conference rooms. With a completion period of 18 months, the mayor considers it a triumphant project of her term. This is complemented by the expansion of the sports centre, with an investment of 2.3 million, and new paving plans costing 800,000 euros.
The "second pinch", a condition for a pact
When asked about her political future, Martín reflected on the demands of the position, which consumes "24/7" and is "hard on the family", although she has not ruled out re-election. However, she has conditioned a possible pact with Coalición Canaria on the execution of the so-called "second pinch", the second access to El Carrizal.
This access is vital to solve the daily traffic congestion suffered by the only entrance to the municipality and to attract new investments. "I have investors who have sat down with me for major projects and have put it on the table: 'Until the second pinch is done, we’re not coming,'" Martín revealed. According to the mayor, the project is drafted and approved but is stalled at Aena, so she has urged the Canary Islands Government to fulfil its commitment.
The Ingenio City Council continues with its development agenda, combining cultural promotion with investments in basic infrastructures for the municipality.
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