A heartwarming evening unfolded last night at the foot of the Church of Los Dolores in Mancha Blanca, marking the commencement of the festivities in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows.
During a gala featuring a prominent role for the heralds, the CD Tinajo celebrated its 50th anniversary, accompanied by performances from Ciro Corujo (vocals), Adrián Niz (guitar), and Alexis Lemes (timple).
Speeches and Nostalgia
The Councillor for Festivities, Jonathan Pérez Olivero, initiated the speeches by reminiscing about his early days in football, which ultimately led him to the elite, all thanks to CD Tinajo. He expressed his gratitude for the support from his family during his journey as a young boy with a dream and extended his best wishes for the Festivities of Los Dolores to all those present at the proclamation.
Following the words from the parish priest of Tinajo, Francisco José García, it was time for an emotional proclamation from CD Tinajo, delivered by its president, Miguel Ángel Tejera Morales. Supported by members of the club, he provided a touching overview of the club’s fifty-year history.
Tributes to the Past
The mayor of Tinajo began by congratulating the heralds, CD Tinajo, on their fiftieth anniversary, as well as their president, Miguel Ángel Tejera. He acknowledged everyone who has contributed to the club’s success, especially those who have passed away, remembering individuals such as “Mr Bernal, who fought valiantly; Carmelo’s father, if I’m not mistaken, another great who was there; and Abelardo, alongside all the presidents who have served.” He paid special tribute to a coach he had, expressing how unique his coaching style was, adding, “I remember a match in Arrecife where we were all sent off.” He affirmed the Tinajo council’s enduring support for the club: “I hope that all institutions can remain as up-to-date as Tinajo is with its clubs.” He further noted that players emerging from CD Tinajo have made history by reaching Real Madrid.
Machín also conveyed messages to the president of the Cabildo, stating, “Let me begin with the roads, President. You mentioned the shelter project, Oswaldo; I don’t just want the project, I want the shelter built during this legislative term. I understand it’s a substantial investment, but I urge you to allocate and initiate it during this term. Last year, we were fortunate to accompany the Virgin on her descent and ascent, and we witnessed the deplorable state of the road at El Peñón, that little stretch of 100 metres is a disgrace; it needs to be resurfaced.” He highlighted other urgent road improvements and called attention to the need for swift action on the expansion of the walls at La Vegueta, which had been pending for eight to ten years. “There will also be a project for the road from Tinajo, from the roundabout to Mancha Blanca,” he added. Machín reminded the president about the agreement with Haría, stressing the necessity of signing a pact with Tinajo, amounting to nearly 13 million, as the property of the Montaña del Fuego belongs to the town hall. He continued, “I could request a million things. Have you seen the church? We aim to ensure that by next year the bells are functioning, restored, and well placed, as the wood is severely rotted and could fall.”
Celebrating Tradition and Collaboration
Machín also mentioned the upcoming San Roque festivities, emphasising, “We must not lose that culture. Now, I declare the festival officially opened, and I thank everyone who has collaborated: town hall staff, the Cabildo, private companies, the vendors, security forces including the Civil Guard and National Police, local police from all municipalities, and Civil Protection. We welcome this year’s team from Mogán, and the Local Police of Tinajo orchestrates everything, alongside the Canary Islands Health Service and the Government of the Canary Islands; we have requested additional resources for the PMA as we cannot manage it alone. I extend my gratitude to all the Cabildo departments who have assisted us, especially my friend Kiko Aparicio, who always supports us with much care. I invite everyone to participate in the festival events, but most importantly, to do so responsibly, arriving dressed appropriately for the pilgrimage. Everyone is invited to the Festivities. Long live Our Lady of Sorrows!” concluded the mayor of Tinajo.
Emphasising Community Spirit
Oswaldo Betancort, the president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, in his address, recalled the strength of a community that, since 1736, has placed its trust in the protection of the Virgen de Los Dolores, “the Virgin of the Volcanoes who halted the lava and taught us that unity can overcome any adversity.”
Betancort congratulated the Deportivo Tinajo club, this year’s heralds, on their 50th anniversary, recognising their role as a “school of life and an example of effort, respect, and camaraderie.” He emphasised that CD Tinajo is “much more than a football club; it’s a training ground, a shared passion, and it promotes health,” noting how, over five decades, it has been a place where generations have learned the values of perseverance and community both on and off the field. The president extended his gratitude to the players, management, coaches, families, and fans, stating, “this fifty-year story belongs to all the people of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.”
He also highlighted the necessity of confronting the island’s major challenges, such as water availability, environmental protection, housing access, and the preservation of our identity. “Today, more than ever, the message of faith and unity serves as an inspiration for all,” he affirmed, before requesting the Virgin to grant “health, strength, and above all, happiness to our entire community.”
Joining the Cabildo president were Migdalia Machín, the councillor of the Government of the Canary Islands, María Jesús Tovar, the vice-president of the Cabildo, along with various members of the Cabildo, including Domingo Cejas, Aroa Revelo, Juan Monzón, Jacobo Medina, and Samuel Martín, along with other councillors from the Tinajo Town Hall, representatives from other municipalities, the Insular Director of the General State Administration in Lanzarote, Pedro Viera Espinosa, and military authorities. Migdalia Machín and José Montelongo, Director General of the Canary Islands Health and Social Services School (ESSSCAN), and Esther Machín, the Health Area director of Lanzarote, were also present.
