The Cabildo de Fuerteventura, through its Department of Culture led by Rayco León, is gearing up to host the XXX Memorial Manuel Velázquez Cabrera. This event serves to honor the memory of Manuel Velázquez Cabrera, a pivotal figure in the establishment of modern island councils in the Canary Islands. The commemorative activities will commence on November 7 and continue until November 10, culminating in a special event on November 11, marking the 160th anniversary of Cabrera’s birth.
The celebrations will kick off on the morning of November 7 at the CEIP of Tuineje with an engaging children’s activity titled ‘Busca y aprende con Manuel Velázquez Cabrera,’ facilitated by the PFAE Cultureando. This interactive event emphasizes learning through exploration and aims to introduce young minds to the historical significance of Cabrera. A similar session is scheduled for November 8 at the CEIP of Tiscamanita, ensuring a wide reach among local students.
On November 9, at 7:00 PM, a tribute will take place at the bust of Manuel Velázquez Cabrera located in the Plaza named after him in Tiscamanita. This event involves community members coming together to honor Cabrera’s legacy, reflecting the deep respect he commands as a notable politician and lawyer in the region.
Following the tribute, at 7:30 PM, guests are invited to attend a conference titled ‘La aportación de Manuel Velázquez Cabrera en la creación de los modernos Cabildos Insulares de Canarias: contexto, contenido y efectos.’ This insightful lecture will be delivered by Manuel Jesús Sarmiento Acosta, a distinguished law professor at the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC). Sarmiento Acosta, who has authored over 110 publications, including 14 solo books on related subjects, brings a wealth of knowledge and scholarly insight into the contributions of Cabrera to Canary Islands governance. His work encompasses vital topics such as the competencies of the island councils and reflections on their institutional organization.
After the conference, attendees will be treated to a musical performance titled ‘Maresía,’ featuring an array of talented artists including Iván Quintana, Ayla Rodríguez, Mariví Cabo, Mateo Felipe, Juan Sebastián Ramírez, Abraham Ramon, José María Ramírez, Kevín González, and Acaymo Pérez. This musical segment aims to blend culture and entertainment, enriching the memorial experience.
Finally, on November 10 at 1:30 PM, an institutional event will take place at Cabrera’s bust beside the main entrance of Casa Palacio. This gathering will mark the official end of the memorial activities, reinforcing the community’s commitment to honoring Cabrera’s enduring influence on the island.
The program of events has been organized in collaboration with local partners, including the Ayuntamiento de Tuineje, the Asociación de Vecinos ‘El Tabaibe,’ and the Fundación Canaria Manuel Velázquez Cabrera. Together, these dedicated organizations strive to promote cultural heritage and celebrate the historical figures who shaped the region’s governance.
