The island of La Palma commemorates the tenth anniversary of the Isla Bonita Love Festival, which began in 2016 as the first LGTB+ convention in the Canaries. The Orgullo Chiquito in Tazacorte brought together thousands of people this Saturday.
La Palma was once again painted in rainbow colours this Saturday with the celebration of Orgullo Chiquito in Tazacorte, an event that marks ten years since the island hosted the first political and social convention in the Canaries on the rights of the LGTB+ community. That meeting, driven in 2016 under the Isla Bonita Love Festival, marked a turning point in the visibility and defence of affective-sexual diversity in the Archipelago.
The name 'Orgullo Chiquito' does not refer to a matter of size, but to the historic nickname 'París Chiquito' by which Tazacorte is known, a municipality that for decades has been characterised by its openness, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and commitment to culture and coexistence. Since 2016, the town has established itself as the epicentre of LGTB+ activism on the island, hosting a celebration every summer that combines advocacy, music, and reflection.
The seed of this movement was the Isla Bonita Love Festival, which in its early editions managed to attract artists of the calibre of Amaral, Miguel Bosé, Maná, Sebastián Yatra, and Mónica Naranjo. The festival not only offered concerts at the Port of Tazacorte but also integrated from the beginning a Social Agenda with debates and meetings featuring prominent figures from activism and culture, such as Carla Antonelli, Bob Pop, and Topacio Fresh.
Over the years, the musical event grew to become one of the most important summer events in the Canaries, incorporating international names like Martin Garrix, Ricky Martin, Juan Luis Guerra, and Quevedo. At the same time, the Social Agenda expanded, and LOVE TV was born, an audiovisual platform that in the weeks leading up to the festival offered interviews and outreach spaces, extending the message of Love beyond the island.
The project, driven by the Insular Council of La Palma, included a pioneering Strategic Plan that remains in effect, although an update is planned. This plan facilitated the creation of Violetas, the LGTB+ collective of La Palma, which established itself as an independent entity, no longer depending on the Tenerife organisation. The strategy combined the advocacy of rights with education, social development, and economic growth, positioning La Palma as an LGTB+ tourist destination.
However, the celebration of this tenth anniversary has not been without incidents. Two days before Orgullo Chiquito, the 'Orgulloneta', the municipal vehicle used to promote the event, suffered an act of vandalism. Unknown individuals tore down the rainbow flag that adorned the vehicle and broke one of its side mirrors, causing material damage. This episode highlights that the fight for equality, diversity, and respect remains necessary.
The assessment of the decade is positive, according to the organisers. La Palma has managed to turn the defence of diversity into a hallmark, combining advocacy, culture, and territorial promotion. For the residents of Tazacorte and the rest of the island, Orgullo Chiquito has become an unmissable event that reinforces the image of an open and welcoming island.
Looking to the future, the Council plans to update the Strategic Plan to continue promoting policies of equality and visibility. The Isla Bonita Love Festival will continue its musical and social programming, aiming to keep La Palma on the map of diversity and respect.
This Saturday's celebration served to remember the journey taken and the challenges that still lie ahead. La Palma, a pioneer in the debate on diversity in the Canaries, continues to demonstrate that the union of culture, advocacy, and community can transform a society.
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