The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council hosted the institutional event on July 14, where the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, received an award from the French Consulate for his work in bilateral relations.
The Plenary Hall of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council was once again the setting for the commemoration of France's National Day. The event, held on July 14, brought together civil and military authorities, as well as members of the French community residing on the island, in a day that highlighted the historical ties between the capital of Tenerife and the Gallic nation.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, acted as host and welcomed the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, and the honorary consul of France in the province, Bernard Jean Jacques Lonis. During the ceremony, Lonis presented Clavijo with an award in recognition of his contribution to strengthening relations between France and the Canary Islands, a gesture that the mayor described as "one of the most significant moments."
A Shared Affective Calendar
In his speech, Bermúdez emphasized that "for more than two decades, this day has also been part of the affective, cultural, and institutional calendar of this city." He recalled that July 14 commemorates an event that transformed the history of Europe and the world, but wanted to go further: "Beyond the date, beyond the storming of the Bastille and beyond the symbols, we remember an idea that has been transformative and inspiring: that no society can be built with its back to freedom, equality, and fraternity."
The mayor also congratulated Clavijo on the distinction received and highlighted that "this tribute recognizes a trajectory, but also a way of understanding public action: from dialogue, from cooperation, and from the conviction that the Canary Islands must look to the world with ambition, with its own identity, and with a European vocation." Bermúdez insisted on the idea of "that Canary Islands that does not settle for being on the margins, that wants to occupy the place that belongs to it: as a European territory, as an Atlantic platform, and as a people with an identity and particularities that make it unique."
Clavijo: "An Honour from a Friendly Nation"
Fernando Clavijo expressed his gratitude for the recognition and stated that "it is an honour to participate in the date of France's National Day." He emphasized that the distinction "comes from a friendly nation, with which the Canary Islands share history, bonds of friendship, and common interests." The president wanted to make it clear that he does not receive it personally, but on behalf of an entire government and a society "that has always sought to build bridges where there were distances to overcome, whether physical, cultural, or even ideological."
Clavijo highlighted that "the relationship between the Canary Islands and France has deep roots and finds in Santa Cruz de Tenerife one of its best examples of shared vision, constant cooperation, and mutual trust." He added that "this vocation of being a bridge has specific names and people who, from discretion and perseverance, have dedicated a good part of their lives to strengthening the friendship between our two cultures."
For his part, the honorary consul, Bernard Jean Jacques Lonis, shared his personal experience: "When I arrived in the Canary Islands, I was welcomed with much affection, respect, and enormous generosity; this land opened its doors to me and considered me one of their own. My own life is proof that our roots may be different, but our values, commitments, and actions are what truly unite us." Lonis also emphasized that "people should not be judged by their place of birth or the colour of their skin, but by what they contribute to society."
Music and Symbols to Close the Event
The Municipal Band of Santa Cruz de Tenerife accompanied the ceremony with a carefully chosen repertoire. The event began with the performance of “The Toreadors”, one of the most emblematic compositions from the opera “Carmen” by Georges Bizet. After the institutional speeches and the award presentation, the musical ensemble offered “Paris Montmartre,” arranged by Toshio Mashima, which evoked the Parisian atmosphere and gave the celebration a significant symbolic character.
The closing came with the performance of the Canary Islands Anthem, along with the National Anthem of France and the National Anthem of Spain. This commemoration once again highlighted the close ties between Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the French Republic, resulting from a shared history and cooperation that continues to strengthen in institutional, social, economic, and cultural fields.
For the residents of Santa Cruz, this event is not just a protocol gesture: it is the confirmation that the capital of Tenerife maintains a vibrant relationship with France, from the resident French community to commercial and cultural exchanges. The event, which takes place every July 14, has established itself as a significant date in the city's institutional calendar, and this year left a special taste with the recognition of Clavijo, which values the role of the Canary Islands as an Atlantic bridge.
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