The 31st International Folklore Festival 'Solidarity Showcase of the Peoples' kicks off tomorrow with a parade along Ramón y Cajal street in Ingenio. Groups from eight countries and several local ensembles will participate.
The heart of Ingenio is preparing for an explosion of colour and rhythm. Tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd July, at 20:30, Ramón y Cajal street will become the stage for the multicultural parade that inaugurates the 31st edition of the International Folklore Festival 'Solidarity Showcase of the Peoples'. This event, which has become a tradition in the municipality, will bring together groups from eight countries and numerous local formations.
A Journey Full of Dances and Traditions
The parade will start from the La Cantonera area and will end at the Plaza de la Candelaria, in front of the Town Hall. There, attendees will be able to enjoy performances from international groups: the Husher Dance Ensemble from Armenia, the Mien Moh company from Ivory Coast, the Greek Cultural Association Alonaki, the Gíbaro group from Puerto Rico, the Kuo-Shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theater from Taiwan, and the Razvitie formation from Bulgaria. They will be joined by the Coros y Danzas de Ronda and Coros y Danzas de Ingenio groups, the Band of the Villa de Ingenio Musical Society, and folklore groups from the southeast such as Guayadeque de Carrizal, Las Mahoreras, Amigos del Carrizal 7 Islas, and Tacoremi.
The event, declared a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Canary Islands, is a showcase of cultural diversity. The residents of Ingenio are already preparing to fill the sidewalks and enjoy a spectacle that combines Armenian warrior dances like the Yarkhushta, Bulgarian polyphonic singing to the sound of the gajda, the acrobatics and drums of Ivory Coast, and the traditional Greek sirtaki. Puerto Rican bomba and plena, Taiwanese aboriginal dances, Malagueño verdiales, and Canarian polkas and isas will also be featured.
Two Days of Celebration in the Municipality
The parade does not stay in the town centre. On Thursday 23rd July, at 20:30, the celebration will move to Carrizal, where the route will start from El Toril to the Plaza del Buen Suceso. Thus, the festival manages to bring music and dance to two key points in the municipality, involving the entire population.
The mayor of Ingenio, Vanesa Martín, has highlighted that the festival, recognised by UNESCO as a cultural reference in the Mid-Atlantic, “turns the municipality into a meeting space where music, dance, and traditions bring us closer to different cultures of the world to celebrate the richness of their cultural diversity.” This event, now in its 31st edition, is made possible thanks to the work of the Cultural Association of Coros y Danzas de Ingenio, with the collaboration of the Town Hall and the sponsorship of the Cabildo of Gran Canaria.
A Festival that Unites Cultures
The 'Solidarity Showcase of the Peoples' is not only a festive event but also a space for exchange. The international groups live together in the municipality for several days, sharing their traditions with the locals. For the residents of Ingenio, it is a unique opportunity to travel without leaving home, to learn about rhythms and costumes from far-off places like Taiwan or Ivory Coast.
The festival also includes performances at other locations on the island, but the Ingenio parade is the main event due to its popular and participatory nature. Attendees will be able to see the choreographies up close and, if they feel inspired, join in the dance. After all, music knows no borders.
For those who are late to the party, there is still time to join in. On Wednesday, at 20:30, Ramón y Cajal street awaits. And on Thursday, Carrizal. No passport is needed, just a desire to enjoy.
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