A group of elderly residents from the municipality of Yaiza has participated in a parade to enliven the patronal festivities of Playa Blanca.
A group of elderly residents from the municipality of Yaiza has been the heart of the patronal festivities of Playa Blanca this weekend. Dressed in traditional costumes and with musical instruments, they paraded through the streets of the coastal town, bringing smiles and applause from the locals and tourists in the area.
The initiative, organised by the Yaiza City Council through the departments of Festivities and Social Services, aimed to give visibility to the elderly community and encourage their active participation in the social life of the municipality. According to municipal sources, the activity is part of the active ageing programme promoted by the council.
A Parade that Unites Generations
The route began at 11:00 hours from the Carmen Square and went along the central avenue of Playa Blanca until reaching the main stage of the festivities. The elderly, accompanied by monitors and family members, performed popular Canarian songs while the younger ones joined in the dancing.
The mayor of Yaiza, Gladys Acuña, highlighted the importance of such activities: “Our elderly are a fundamental pillar of the community. Seeing them enjoy and share their joy with all of us is a gift.” The mayor also thanked the social workers who prepared the choreography and the rehearsals beforehand.
More than 50 Volunteer Participants
In total, more than 50 elderly people voluntarily joined the initiative, which has already become a fixed event in the festive calendar of Playa Blanca. Many of them belong to day centres and memory workshops offered in the municipality.
For María Dolores, 78 years old, it was an unforgettable experience: “I have been rehearsing at home for weeks. I love going out into the street and feeling the affection of the people.” María Dolores, a resident of Yaiza, claims that activities like this give her “life and energy.”
The parade concluded with a musical performance in Carmen Square, where the elderly shared a group dance with the audience. The Yaiza City Council has confirmed that they will repeat the experience in the upcoming festivities of other areas of the municipality, such as Las Breñas or Femés.
The residents of Playa Blanca highly value the initiative. “It’s exciting to see our elderly so active and happy. They add a special touch to the festivities,” commented Juan Carlos, a local resident.
The council reminds that the active ageing workshops are open to all elderly residents of the municipality and are held weekly at the socio-cultural centres of Yaiza and Playa Blanca. Registrations can be made at the Social Services department.
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