Tributes Paid to Jorge Díaz Cutillas, Advocate of Canarian Folklore
A Significant Loss
The Cultural Department of the Gran Canaria Cabildo and the Fundación Canaria Nanino Díaz Cutillas, led by its president, Guacimara Medina, have expressed their condolences and sorrow over the recent passing of Jorge Díaz Cutillas. He was the brother of the celebrated folklorist and director of the popular television programme, ‘Tenderete’.
Jorge Díaz Cutillas passed away on Sunday, 7th September, at the age of 75, just as the 73rd edition of the bustling Romería-Ofrenda in honour of the Virgen del Pino was taking place in Teror. This event was one that his brother consistently advocated during numerous live broadcasts on Televisión Española in the Canary Islands from the Villa Mariana. Jorge Díaz was the principal representative of the Díaz Cutillas family in the organisation of the Foundation named after his brother, who died in 1988. This foundation was established by the Gran Canaria Cabildo in 2006 to promote the legacy of the former ‘Tenderete’ presenter.
Preserving a Rich Legacy
The son of María del Carmen Cutillas and Lugo and Luis Díaz Navarro, Jorge Díaz Cutillas played a pivotal role in discussions with the Gran Canaria Cabildo regarding the donation of Nanino’s extensive and diverse collection. This collection encompasses over 1,400 items, which were donated by his relatives in 2006 and are dispersed across Gran Canaria and Tenerife. It is worth noting that a year later, in 2007, the Gran Canaria Cabildo established the Foundation with the purpose of enhancing knowledge of Canarian traditions through the preservation, cataloguing, and safeguarding of his brother’s artistic and intellectual legacy. To date, the inventory work has allowed for the recording of over 4,000 objects of various natures that form the bulk of the collection.
A Committed Advocate
Jorge participated in countless events on behalf of the Díaz Cutillas family, becoming a passionate promoter of his brother’s figure and legacy. He consistently shared memories and reflections on Nanino’s contributions to the shaping of Canarian identity.
During his speech at the conclusion of the Romería-Ofrenda on 7th September, Antonio Morales, the President of the Gran Canaria Cabildo, took a moment to pay tribute to Jorge Díaz Cutillas.
