El Patrimonio de Fuerteventura, una cuestión de “inteligencia colectiva”
As May rolls around, Fuerteventura springs to life with its vibrant Canarian spirit. With the Día de Canarias (Day of the Canaries) on May 30th looming ahead, the Cabildo—a body governing the island—has set in motion an exciting agenda that weaves together the threads of heritage, culture, and contemporary expression. During a recent interview on Radio Insular’s “La Voz de Fuerteventura,” the island’s Cultural Counselor, Rayco de León, stressed that the essence of Canarian identity isn’t just seasonal; it’s a living experience that pulses throughout the year but finds greater expression during this month.
Celebrating Canarian Heritage
To celebrate this rich cultural tapestry, the Cabildo launched its “Mayo 100% Canarias” initiative, featuring over 40 events designed to highlight the “Alma de la Isla” (Soul of the Island). De León emphasized that this initiative transcends mere slogans and refreshingly updated imagery. “It’s a way of acting and serves as a framework for the development of numerous activities,” he explained.
One of the pivotal aspects of this initiative is improving access to credible information regarding the island’s cultural legacy. A new web portal, patrimoniofortaventura.com.es, will serve as a valuable resource not just for residents, but also for students, teachers, and researchers eager to dive deep into the island’s historical patrimony.
Engaging the Community
Alongside digital resources, the program includes a variety of interactive grassroots activities: guided tours, expert talks, and intergenerational gatherings that encourage conversations between the young and the elderly centered around intangible heritage. De León pointed out that they are undertaking community-led initiatives at two notable sites: the Casa del Inglés and the La Florida surroundings in Tuineje.
The focus is on collaborative mediation, steering away from top-down decision-making. “We are striving to cultivate collective intelligence rather than dictating actions unilaterally,” he shared, emphasizing that such community involvement aims to minimize errors in decision-making processes with limited margins for error.
Highlighting Major Events
May also brings along significant events. Notably, International Museum Day falls on May 18, with engaging activities planned at the Archaeological Museum that promises family-friendly propositions and opportunities for expert interactions. De León previewed an innovative pilot project set to debut on May 20, involving virtual assistants powered by artificial intelligence. “AI is already here; we need to harness it for more enriching visitor experiences,” he proclaimed, hinting at varying depths of engagement offered during museum tours.
Another highlight of the month is the Grand Baile de Taifas, which takes place on the eve of May 30th. This year’s edition aims to create a more comfortable atmosphere at the fairground, allowing for adequate space between tables. With 350 tables set up, the event promises a vibrant tapestry of tradition, gastronomy, and the rhythmic melodies from diverse groups across the islands, all with a focus on community enjoyment and sharing.
The Legacy of Fuerteventura En Música
Rayco de León also took a moment to highlight the milestone of the Festival Fuerteventura En Música (FEM), which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The festival, set to unfold in El Cotillo on July 3rd and 4th, serves as both a commemoration and a reminder of its creator, the late Dania Dévora, who was passionately dedicated to the festival until her recent passing while preparing for this year’s edition.
Her son, Sergio Miró, spoke on-air about the bittersweet feelings of orchestrating the event without his mother. “It’s strange; I’m excited that it’s happening, but there’s a profound sadness because she isn’t here,” he reflected. The FEM started as a vision that took time to materialize, intertwining with themes of the beach and music long before he was born.
Over the last two decades, the FEM has solidified its commitment to the territory and has positioned itself as a platform for advocacy, highlighting community resistance against urbanization and opposition to oil extraction off the coast. De León noted that the festival embodies multiculturalism, viewing culture as a unifying force.
A Musical Feast Ahead
As the festival gets closer, Miró confirmed a lineup that captures the essence of musical diversity, featuring renowned artists like Antonio Carmona, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, and locally celebrated acts such as Marta Umpiérrez and the project Arife. With 20 editions under its belt, the festival stands as a testament to a dream turned into reality by Dania Dévora, promising an unforgettable celebration for attendees in July.
This thoughtful blend of events and initiatives underscores how Fuerteventura is not merely preserving its cultural heritage but actively engaging its community in a dialogue about its future, enriching its identity and fostering a sense of collective intelligence amid the changes of modern life.
