Today, our graphic support brings us a famous parranda from days gone by, featuring the finest in Lagunero folklore among strings, plectrums, and voices. From left to right: 1.- ?, 2.- Joséito Mentira, 3.- Vicente El Zurdo, 4.- Dacio Ferrera, and 5.- Ito. The sixth? Can you imagine the carol at the end of dinner? Photo courtesy of Fran Hernández.
The annual commotion on the eve of Christ with the sound and parrandas reminded me of an article by Elfidio Alonso, published in “EL DÍA” on 14 September 1965
Today, we present the complete article by Elfidio Alonso, who will, this year and specifically next Sunday, be brought by the twists of life to the main stage in the Plaza del Cristo to receive a tribute with 48,000 watts of sound. At this event, I hope we do not celebrate the 50th anniversary of the article:
Last night, in the Plaza de San Francisco, it was the eve of the celebrations. There was a buzz of excitement, parrandas, and popular merriment at the stalls. It can be said that “The Eve”, within the Christ Festivities, never officially figures as such in the programmes, but the people of La Laguna know it by heart. Year after year, it has become a traditional meeting point. The locals refer to “The Eve” with little importance: “It’s our festival.”
To the square, enveloped last night in those unmistakable aromas of grilled meat and marinated delicacies, came people from all corners of the city. The more affluent families, artisans, and visitors mingled at the tables of the stalls; invitations to the parrandas were extended to the most renowned singers of the island, who never miss “The Eve of Christ”, for therein they always find the best opportunity to showcase their skills.
The lively timple, which is the most portable instrument, an indispensable companion for any spontaneous performer, today found itself competing with that infernal machine of loudspeakers, which contaminates everything and makes it impossible to showcase the good folk expressions of the community. The speaker from the raffles, which give away large and outrageous plastic household items, is poised to deliver the most decisive blow to the parrandas and our traditional songs. Last night, in the Plaza de San Francisco, we could witness it once again.
Electronics Take Over
It can be said that in “The Eve”, we have, within the popular festivities of Christ, the only traditional rite (…) However, with electronics—speakers, “ye-yé” music festivals—traditional festive numbers unique to each locality are increasingly falling behind. Not far off, in the recent festivities of La Palma, a song festival garnered the utmost importance. Here lies another new “trend”. Since the beginning of the San Remo Festival, such events have been emerging here and there. La Laguna also hosted its own. And it must be noted that it was an astounding success in terms of attendance. I have never seen the Teatro Leal so packed. Perhaps the previous visit of the “Dúo Dinámico” is the only comparable instance.
(…) All our town festivals are becoming homogenised. Loudspeakers, fireworks, and electronic music. If a Tenerife resident wishes to see any traditional number, a singular custom typical of a certain locality, they have no alternative but to search with a magnifying glass in the most isolated and remote areas away from the larger cities (…).
“The Eve” is Popular
What is “The Eve of Christ”? It is characterised by improvisation, overwhelming joy, noise, parrandas, stalls, and the aroma of grilled meat. And tradition.
“The Eve” deserves greater recognition; more attention to detail would be beneficial—eliminating the loudspeakers, for instance—though this does not mean “organising” it, as the best popular and traditional numbers are always spontaneous. It would be ideal for the council to set up dedicated stalls or tents for the parrandas and dance groups to perform. I know many are thinking of the Feria de Sevilla. No; it’s certainly not that. What we ask for is a minimum of attention for that night, which is overflowing with Lagunero spirit; a celebration that costs nothing to the organisers, made by the people, regardless of social class.
For me—being a Lagunero and a lover of the popular—“The Eve” has always been an truly admirable festive occasion. The unfortunate reality is that because it has become habitual, something to enjoy and repeat year after year, it is no longer given the importance it deserves. The same applies to many traditional festivities, now half-forgotten, mystified, or disappeared (…) Today, all we can do is ask for a minimum of responsibility from the organisers. That adage that “festivals cost a lot of money” seems misguided.
Efforts to preserve traditions, which ultimately define a community, are neither arduous nor costly for municipal budgets. The example is evident in “The Eve”: it is an “easy”, spontaneous event typical of La Laguna. The people do it. But for how much longer?
