Ramón y Cajal street in Ingenio transforms into a multicultural stage with the parade of the International Folklore Festival, which brings together groups from six countries, Spain and the Canary Islands.
The historic centre of Ingenio is preparing to host this Wednesday, starting at 20:30, the traditional parade of the International Folklore Festival ‘Solidarity Showcase of the Peoples’. Ramón y Cajal street will cease to be a thoroughfare and become an open stage for the world, with the participation of groups from Asia, Africa, Europe, America, and the Canary Islands.
The route will start in the La Cantonera area and finish at the Plaza de la Candelaria, in front of the Ingenio Town Hall. There, the delegations will showcase some of their traditional expressions, in an event that celebrates its 31st edition and has established itself as one of the most prominent cultural events in the municipality.
The international delegations come from Armenia, Bulgaria, Ivory Coast, Greece, Puerto Rico, and Taiwan. They will be joined by representatives from Spain and the Canary Islands, bringing together eight different cultures in one space.
Eight groups, eight ways of understanding music
Among the participating groups are the Husher Dance Ensemble from Armenia, the Mien Moh Artistic Company from Ivory Coast, the Greek Tradition Cultural Association Alonaki, the Gíbaro group from Puerto Rico, the Kuo-Shin Chuang Pangcah Dance Theater from Taiwan, and the Razvitie formation from Bulgaria. The Spanish representation is provided by the Ronda Choirs and Dances, while the Canary Islands will be represented by the Ingenio Choirs and Dances and other groups from southeastern Gran Canaria, such as Guayadeque de Carrizal, Las Mahoreras, Amigos del Carrizal 7 Islas, and Tacoremi. The Villa de Ingenio Musical Society Band will also participate.
Each group will bring a part of their history: the ceremonial rhythms and warrior dances of Armenia, the traditional songs of Bulgaria, the power of African percussion, the Mediterranean roots of Greece, the Creole heritage of Puerto Rico, or the ancestral dances of Taiwan. The audience will be able to see instruments such as the Doum drums from Ivory Coast, the gajda and tupan from Bulgaria, and choreographies like the Armenian Yarkhushta and Kochari, or the Greek sirtaki and hasapiko.
An event that transcends the parade
The festival is not limited to the parade. The programme includes a second event on Thursday, July 23, in Carrizal, where the groups will share their traditions again. Additionally, during these days, expressions such as Puerto Rican bomba and plena, traditional Taiwanese dances, fandangos, rondeñas, and verdiales from Málaga, or the polkas and isas from the Canary repertoire will be showcased.
For the residents of Ingenio and the rest of Gran Canaria, this event represents a unique opportunity to travel the world without leaving the island. The festival, which was born with a solidarity vocation, has become a reference for international folklore in the Canary Islands, attracting hundreds of people each year who gather in the historic streets to enjoy music and dance.
Admission is free, and access to the Plaza de la Candelaria will be open to the public. It is recommended to arrive early to find a good spot from which to follow the parade.
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