Anaga Biofest: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Sustainability in La Laguna

The Anaga Biofest, a hallmark event in La Laguna, recently showcased a lively blend of local crafts, agricultural practices, and musical performances, drawing attention to the region’s rich cultural and ecological heritage.

Festivities and Community Involvement

This year’s Anaga Biofest, affectionately dubbed La Recova del Anaga, was a spectacular celebration that highlighted both tradition and sustainability. The festival reaffirmed the municipality’s dedication to fostering the local economy while promoting ecological preservation. Over twenty local initiatives participated, representing various sectors such as crafts, culture, and agriculture. The event spanned more than ten hours, engaging attendees in a myriad of activities that underscored the significance of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve’s natural and cultural wealth.

Adventurous Routes Through Anaga

Festival-goers gathered at the Plazoleta de Zerolo, conveniently located near La Concepción, where they had the opportunity to explore four distinct routes throughout the day. These routes included “Caminos y saberes de Anaga,” which connected Anaga to La Laguna; “Viticultura heroica en el corazón de Anaga,” focusing on the wine route in El Batán; “Ruta del Agua,” which delved into La Laguna’s historic areas; and “Tapeando por La Laguna,” a culinary journey through local flavors. In addition to these explorations, the festival offered a variety of workshops, including traditional pottery making, floral decoration, and artistic painting. Attendees also participated in sessions dedicated to crafting musical instruments from recycled materials, promoting sustainability through creativity.

Artistic Expression and Community Collaboration

A particularly captivating aspect of the festival was the Collective Mural and ephemeral station titled “Anaga illustrated.” Renowned illustrator Nat de la Croix invited festival participants to contribute to a mural that encapsulated the unique characteristics of the Anaga region. This collaborative artwork began with a base of intricate black lines inspired by local flora and fauna, allowing attendees to infuse their artistic flair using natural colors. Once completed, the mural will be donated to the Anaga Rural Schools Collective (CER Anaga) for permanent display at CEIP Las Carboneras, serving as a lasting testament to community creativity and engagement.

Outdoor Exhibitions and Musical Enrichment

La Recova also served as an outdoor exhibition space, where visitors could admire the breathtaking landscapes of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve through stunning illustrations by Nat de la Croix and Jaime Checa, both of whom created their works during an artistic residency. Additionally, a nature photography collection titled “Anaga con alas,” captured by photographer Juanjo Ramos, showcased twelve striking images of the region’s most notable bird species. The atmosphere was further enhanced by a series of musical performances, featuring Lula Mora, a dynamic duo that harmoniously blends Galician and Canarian influences, and Cristina Mahelo, who infused the event with a vibrant Caribbean flair.

Dedication to Sustainability and Economic Growth

Festival director Javier Tejera expressed that the success of La Recova del Biofest reflects the community’s enthusiasm for discovering and supporting unique local products. He emphasized that the artistic direction of the event fosters a deeper appreciation for the territory and its offerings. Blanca Pérez, Tenerife’s Natural Environment Councillor, echoed this sentiment, stating that the festival not only highlights Anaga as a natural space but also as a community rich in cultural heritage and sustainable economic development.

Domingo Galván, La Laguna’s Councillor for the Environment, remarked that the Anaga Biofest exemplifies how communities can coexist harmoniously with their environment. He pointed out that the festival showcases the ecological wealth of the Anaga Massif and the unwavering dedication of its residents to conservation and responsible development. Galván further emphasized the event’s role in strengthening connections among local producers, artisans, and groups committed to protecting the territory, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Key points

• The Anaga Biofest took place in La Laguna, focusing on sustainability and local culture.
• Over twenty local projects participated, highlighting crafts and agricultural activities.
• Four routes were established for attendees to explore the Anaga region.
• Workshops included traditional pottery and creating instruments from recycled materials.
• A collaborative mural was created to celebrate the essence of the Anaga territory.
• Outdoor exhibitions featured illustrations and nature photography of the Anaga Biosphere Reserve.
• Musical performances included acts that blended various cultural influences.