More than 1,360 people have participated, between January and July of this year, in the activities of the ‘Do Not Forget Our Heritage’ programme, promoted by the Sports Department of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, under the direction of Luis González. This initiative aims to preserve, promote, and bring closer to the public the traditional games and sports of the Archipelago.
In total, the programme has included over 50 activities across all municipalities in Fuerteventura. From workshops on pelotamano or Juego del Palo Canario to exhibitions at patron saint festivals, day centres, or public events such as the Agricultural, Livestock, and Fishing Fair of Fuerteventura (FEAGA), where collaboration with sports federations and the Cabildo of Lanzarote was also involved. During this event, the University of Lleida and the European Association of Traditional Games and Sports conducted a field study on the cultural wealth of these practices.
One of the highlighted milestones was the celebration of the Canary Islands Day, which saw double the activity compared to previous years: if in 2023 there were 9 actions, in 2025, 32 activities have been developed. This evidences the growth and consolidation of the programme.
The school campaign also plays a fundamental role, with the participation of thousands of students and the support of the Island Schools. The project has managed to reach very diverse audiences, including social groups, cultural associations, and socio-health resources, reinforcing its inclusive and educational nature.
For Luis González, “sports are part of our culture, of our identity as a people,” and this line of work aims to “enhance the Canarian idiosyncrasy that identifies us as a people with our own history and customs.”
From the island institution, it is confirmed that the programme will continue to be active throughout the year, in collaboration with local councils and community groups, in order to keep showcasing, transmitting, and dignifying traditional games and sports as a living part of the cultural heritage of the Canary Islands.
