Anaga Biofest Celebrates Cultural Heritage and Environmental Stewardship in La Laguna

The recent Anaga Biofest held in La Laguna was a vibrant celebration that beautifully intertwined cultural expressions, environmental respect, and local economic initiatives. This festival not only showcased the rich heritage of the Macizo de Anaga but also highlighted the community’s commitment to sustainability and the preservation of their unique biosphere.

Diving into Anaga’s Cultural Tapestry

La Laguna provided a lively and picturesque backdrop for the Anaga Biofest, which celebrated the unique flavors, crafts, and music that characterize the Macizo de Anaga region. Over the course of more than ten hours, the festival featured a diverse array of activities and cultural presentations, all emphasizing a strong commitment to sustainability and the local economy. The event also served to promote the significance of the Biosphere Reserve, drawing attention to the delicate balance between human activity and nature.

The Plazoleta de Zerolo, conveniently located near La Concepción, acted as the central hub for the festival. Here, attendees could embark on four thematic routes designed to immerse them in the cultural and natural heritage of the area. These routes included “Caminos y saberes de Anaga,” which explored traditional knowledge, “Viticultura heroica,” focusing on the wine route in El Batán, “Ruta del Agua,” which guided visitors through the historic district, and “Tapeando por La Laguna,” a culinary journey through local flavors.

In addition to these thematic routes, the festival offered a family-friendly program that featured engaging workshops. Participants had the opportunity to learn traditional pottery techniques, create floral decorations, engage in artistic painting, and even craft musical instruments from recycled materials. This hands-on approach not only entertained but also educated attendees about the importance of sustainability and creativity.

Artistic Collaborations and Community Involvement

A standout feature of the festival was the Collective Mural project, aptly titled “Anaga Illustrated,” led by talented illustrator Nat de la Croix. This collaborative effort allowed participants to contribute to a mural that encapsulated the essence of the region through its rich flora, fauna, and cultural symbols. Once completed, this mural will be donated to CER Anaga for permanent display at CEIP Las Carboneras, symbolizing the festival’s dedication to intertwining art with nature and community.

La Recova was transformed into an open-air gallery, showcasing the artistic talents of Nat de la Croix and Jaime Checa. Additionally, a photographic exhibition titled “Anaga with Wings” by naturalist Juanjo Ramos highlighted the area’s most iconic bird species, further enriching the festival’s artistic offerings. Musical performances were also a key component of the event, featuring Lula Mora, who skillfully blended Canarian and Galician influences, and Cristina Mahelo, who infused Caribbean rhythms with local identity, creating a vibrant atmosphere that resonated with attendees.

Fostering Local Economies and Sustainable Practices

Javier Tejera, the director of the Anaga Biofest, expressed his satisfaction with the event’s reception, noting that the return of La Recova reflects the community’s growing interest in unique local products. He emphasized the importance of artistic direction in fostering awareness about the territory and its cultural significance. This sentiment was echoed by Blanca Pérez, the councillor for Natural Environment at the Cabildo de Tenerife, who remarked that Anaga is more than just a natural area; it plays a vital role in sustainable economic development. Local residents are actively involved in this process, ensuring that their traditions and livelihoods are preserved.

Domingo Galván, the councillor for Environment in La Laguna, highlighted the festival’s role in demonstrating that conservation and development can progress together. He asserted that the Anaga Biofest strengthens connections among producers, artisans, and groups dedicated to preserving the territory while promoting a lifestyle in harmony with nature. This collaborative spirit is essential for fostering a sustainable future for the region.

The Anaga Biofest is organized by Ecotouristing Ideas Regenerativas, a group committed to promoting sustainable tourism and local culture. The festival receives support from a variety of entities, including the Government of the Canary Islands, Cabildo de Tenerife, and the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, La Laguna, and Tegueste, along with the CajaCanarias Foundation. This broad support underscores the importance of community collaboration in achieving the festival’s goals.

Key points

• The Anaga Biofest took place in La Laguna, showcasing local culture and sustainability.
• Four thematic routes were offered, exploring the rich heritage of Anaga.
• Workshops included traditional pottery and instrument creation from recycled materials.
• The festival featured a Collective Mural project led by illustrator Nat de la Croix.
• Musical performances included artists blending Canarian and Caribbean influences.
• The event supports local economies and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices.
• Organized by Ecotouristing Ideas Regenerativas, the festival received support from multiple local entities.