Honoring Fishermen at the San Juan Festivities in Antigua
This past weekend, the town of Antigua celebrated a poignant event in the heart of the Fiestas de San Juan. In a tribute to the fishermen of Pozo Negro, a striking mural was unveiled, capturing the essence of the community’s maritime heritage. The mural depicts two men and two women valiantly pulling a traditional fishing boat onto the sandy shores, immortalizing the spirit and dedication of those who relied on the sea for their livelihood.
A Tribute Through Art
Standing at an impressive six by two meters, the mural is a testament to the “project of recognition to our fishermen,” spearheaded by the Economic and Local Development Agency (AEDL) of the Ayuntamiento de Antigua. This artistic endeavor received funds from the Coastal Action Group of Fuerteventura, part of the programming period from 2014 to 2020. This funding is closely tied to the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, the Government of the Canary Islands, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment. Through this project, the town aims to celebrate its fishing heritage and honor those who shaped its maritime history.
Remembering the Community’s Pioneers
The mural serves as a memorial not only to the fishing profession but also to iconic figures from the community—Felix Pérez Pérez, Silvestre Pérez, Basilia Pérez, and Matilde Roger. All four individuals, now deceased, were pivotal members of Pozo Negro, forever linked to its rich fishing tradition. Their contributions form an integral part of the local narrative, connecting past struggles and triumphs to the present day.
A Special Presentation
The recognition ceremony was made even more special with the presentation of a framed photograph to the family of Felix Pérez. Marcelino Pérez Aguilar and Vitoriano Pérez Rodríguez received the homage from the hands of Matías Peña, the mayor of Antigua, and Jonathan Peña, the councilor of Festivities. This gesture symbolized the community’s appreciation and respect for the hard work and sacrifices made by their maritime ancestors.
Acknowledging the Past to Inspire the Future
Mayor Matías Peña articulated the significance of honoring the fishermen, stating, “Recognizing the fishermen of our municipality means recognizing and respecting our history, the stories of many families who toiled hard during challenging years. Their families continue to be connected to the sea and fishing today.” This sentiment underscores the importance of preserving local heritage and ensuring that the contributions of these individuals are not forgotten.
Looking ahead, the mayor mentioned that this recognition will soon extend to Salinas del Carmen, another coastal village steeped in fishing traditions. This initiative reflects the broader commitment of the municipality to celebrate its maritime roots.
Community Voices
During the recognition event, Mela Pérez, a community member from Pozo Negro and spokesperson for one of the honored families, expressed heartfelt gratitude towards the Ayuntamiento de Antigua. Her words resonated with many as she remarked, “With this tribute, we remember those from the sea, those who are no longer with us, and those who continue in this perilous profession.”
Her sentiment echoed the enduring bond between the town and the sea, reinforcing the idea that Pozo Negro is not just a location but a community deeply intertwined with its maritime legacy.
The Legacy of a Seafaring Community
“For centuries, the residents of this town have been dedicated to the sea,” Mela continued, “this is a seafaring village by tradition, one that we must care for, improve, and preserve.” Her remarks encapsulate the essence of Pozo Negro: a community proud of its history and committed to nurturing its future. This recognition of fishermen not only pays homage to those who came before but also inspires current and future generations to honor the spirit of the sea.
