A remarkable evening unfolded on Tuesday at the foot of the Church of Los Dolores in Mancha Blanca, marking the beginning of the festivities in honour of Our Lady of Sorrows. The gala, featuring the prominent presence of the heralds, the Deportivo Tinajo Club celebrating its 50th anniversary, was enlivened by the music of Ciro Corujo (vocals), Adrián Niz (guitar), and Alexis Lemes (timple). This traditional event underscored its significance in the community. A charming anecdote from the night included the Cabildo president, Oswaldo Betancort, requesting the Virgin’s assistance in resolving the water crisis and praying for more rain for the fields, which coincidentally began to fall at that moment.
The councillor for Festivals, Jonathan Pérez Olivero, began his speech by reminiscing about his early days in football, which led him to the elite level with CD Tinajo. He expressed gratitude for the support from his family during his journey as a young boy pursuing a grand dream and wished all those present a joyful Fiestas de Los Dolores.
Following the parish priest of Tinajo, Francisco José García, the spotlight turned to the heartfelt proclamation by CD Tinajo’s president, Miguel Ángel Tejera Morales. Accompanied by club members, he delivered an emotional reflection on the club’s five decades of existence.
The Mayor of Tinajo commenced his address by congratulating the heralds, CD Tinajo, on their 50th anniversary and especially its president, Miguel Ángel Tejera. He paid tribute to all those who have contributed to the club’s success, particularly those who are no longer with us, such as “Mr Bernal, who fought tirelessly, the father of Carmelo, if I remember correctly, another great fighter, and Abelardo, along with all the presidents who have served.” He recalled a special coach, “Márquez, rest in peace, who had a unique way of motivating us.” He stated that the municipality has always supported the club and expressed hope that all institutions could maintain the same level of support that Tinajo provides to its clubs.
Machín also directed some remarks to the Cabildo president, stating, “I will start with the roads, president. You talked to me about the hostel project, Oswaldo. I do not want just a plan; I want the hostel built within this legislative term. I realise this is a substantial investment, but I urge that it be initiated promptly. Last year we were fortunate to accompany the Virgin during her descent and ascent, and we witnessed the condition of the road to El Peñón—those 100 metres are a disgrace and need asphalting. The stretch between the petrol station and the roundabout has low curbs, and I have the solution. We will replace the curbs, but the pavements must be changed as well, Oswaldo. I hope the expansion of the walls at La Vegueta in front of the Casa de Villanueva is resolved quickly. We have been waiting on that for about eight to ten years. The project for the road from Tinajo to Mancha Blanca is also going to be addressed. Let’s not forget the agreement with Haría; it is essential to sign the agreement with Tinajo, amounting to nearly 13 million, as the Montaña del Fuego is owned by the municipality. I could list many concerns. Have you seen the church recently? It’s pristine! We aim to ensure the bells are functioning next year, restored and properly placed as the wood is quite rotten and could collapse.”
Machín also mentioned the San Roque festivities: “This culture must not be lost. Now, I declare the festival officially open and extend my gratitude to everyone who has contributed—municipal staff, Cabildo, private companies, and of course, the food stall operators. The security forces, the Civil Guard, National Police, and local police from all municipalities also play a crucial role, supported by Civil Protection. This year we have the local police from Tinajo coordinating everything, along with the Canarian Health Service and the Government of the Canary Islands, for which we have requested reinforcements for the PMA as it is getting overwhelming. Thanks to all the Cabildo departments involved, especially my friend Kiko Aparicio, who always supports us generously. I invite everyone to attend the festival events responsibly, and especially, I encourage everyone to dress as pilgrims on the day of the procession. Everyone is welcome to the festivities. Long live Our Lady of Sorrows!” the Mayor concluded.
During his address, the Cabildo president recalled the strength of a community that, since 1736, has relied on the protection of Our Lady of Sorrows, “the Virgin of the Volcanoes who halted the lava flow and taught us that unity can overcome any adversity.”
Betancort congratulated Deportivo Tinajo, the heralds of this year’s festivities, on their 50th anniversary and acknowledged 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 is a breeding ground, a shared passion, and a source of health,” highlighting that for five decades it has been where generations of residents have learned values of perseverance and collaboration both on and off the field. The president extended his gratitude to players, directors, coaches, families, and fans, noting, “This half-century story belongs to the entire community of Lanzarote and La Graciosa.”
He also accentuated the need to tackle the significant challenges facing the island collectively: water security, environmental protection, access to housing, and the defence of our identity. “Now more than ever, the message of faith and unity serves as an inspiration for everyone,” he stated, before asking the Virgin for “health, strength, and above all, happiness for our community.”
Attending alongside the Cabildo president were Migdalia Machín, a councillor from the Government of the Canary Islands, María Jesús Tovar, the Cabildo’s vice president, island councillors Domingo Cejas, Aroa Revelo, Juan Monzón, Jacobo Medina, and Samuel Martín, as well as other municipal councillors from Tinajo, representatives from other municipalities on the island, the State Administration Director in Lanzarote, Pedro Viera Espinosa, military authorities, and Migdalia Machín from the Government of the Canary Islands, along with José Montelongo, the Director-General of the Canarian Health and Social Services School (ESSSCAN), and Esther Machín, the Director of Health for Lanzarote.
