“We don’t know how they’re going to arrive, walking, by car, or by helicopter,” joked Javi as he prepares for a night of surprises. What he did reveal is that family members of Cristo and Bea will be coming from Gran Canaria and other islands without them knowing, and a photographer will be capturing the moment with the lights dimmed.
In a special announcement shared exclusively on Radio Insular, Bea will descend from the stage for the first time to sing among the audience. “She feels a bit shy, but I want her to enjoy the night,” her representative admitted. The atmosphere is set to be emotional, with the audience creating a passage for her, resulting in handkerchiefs, tears, and honey rum served in traditional porróns, “just like before,” although this time, the water will be replaced by something merrier.
The following day, Friday, May 1st, is a public holiday, making the Thursday night presentation at eleven p.m. all the more deliberate—ensuring that no one has an excuse to miss it.
26 Years of Tesjuate: From 2001 to 2026, Celebrating Every May
This presentation is part of the Tesjuate Mother’s Day Festival 2026, organized by the Señor del Castillo Neighborhood Association, marking its 26th uninterrupted edition. It all began on May 5, 2001, with the support of the Puerto del Rosario City Council, and has continued without missing a year.
The theme this year, as Javi explained, serves as a tribute. Each flower symbolizes a person who is no longer with us but was part of Tesjuate over the past 26 years. “For me, this is very important. All the people who started in 2001 are present,” he remarked. The event will feature representations of mothers and daughters, the town’s beloved mosquito, the May crosses, and everyone who continues to participate in activities year after year.
Another heartfelt tribute will be the Miss and Mister Momichow Tesjuate 2026 award, in memory of the comedian and friend of the community, Momichow, who passed away in February. He had participated in various Tesjuate galas throughout the years.
Program Overview: Day by Day
Wednesday, April 29 — The day will start with a wellness and self-care session (yoga) in the morning. At 6 p.m., the presentation of 14 projects conducted by the association throughout the year will take place, alongside a fitness maintenance workshop for the entire family (which has previously drawn 92 participants, even during the pandemic).
Thursday, April 30 — Activities include a married vs. single soccer match, a card tournament (Ronda, Envites, and Señas) with trophies from El Invernadero restaurant, a performance by the Laura Cerdeña Dance Academy, a special opening ceremony at 8:45 p.m. —with a tribute to absent pregoneros— and the 14th Cruz de Mayo Singing Festival open to children, youth, and adults (interested individuals can contact Javi). Finally, at 11 p.m., the Gente Nueva album will be launched.
Friday, May 1 (Public Holiday) — The morning will consist of a majorero bread-making workshop led by Ramona Hernández, Diego Saravia, Dominga Cabrera, Carmen Cabrera, and Nina Vera, who have been making bread in Tesjuate for 26 years. There will also be a crafts exhibition featuring works by Virginia González, Conchi Rodríguez, Mercedes Ramos, and Marisma Mata. Additionally, there will be collaboration with Cruz San Crispín, a pastry tasting at 2 p.m., and a demonstration of majorero cheese-making by a local resident. Pepe Benavente will perform at 3 p.m., followed by a flower workshop for the May crosses and a children’s party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. featuring inflatable games, face painting, storytelling, and magician Maggi Molo (sponsored by Transportes Juan Jesús Perdomo). The night will wrap up with a Comedy Gala featuring Isabela I and Montenegro (sponsored by Áridos Alonso) and concluded with DJ Joael Valdivia.
Saturday, May 2 — The day includes a walk in the area and a special crosses decoration event at noon (a new feature: Saturday at midday). This will be followed by afternoon music sessions starting at 4:30 p.m. with Pepito de Tindaya and his wagon, La Pata a Levantar, Los Alicios del Norte, and the Javi Chagón and Rafa duo. Once the sun goes down, a lively party with Gente Nueva will continue until 4 a.m. The evening will feature an emotional moment at midnight when the lights will dim, and a token of appreciation will be given to all women present, whether they are mothers or not.
Sunday, May 3 (Mother’s Day) — A special brunch for 30 women (with a menu crafted by Izaskun Echeverría) will require prior registration, followed by a free soap-making workshop. Afterwards, the 26th Mother’s Day Toast will take place, along with a paella and chícharos prepared by Fefa, Mari Pino, and Virginia, in tribute to Manolo “El Pollo Ronco” Vera, a former president who initiated this tradition. The afternoon will include a 360 photo booth, a historic lyrical performance in Tesjuate featuring soprano Sandra García and tenor Guillermo González, the soloist Mensei (Menka) from Casillas del Ángel, and a closing performance by Gente Nueva without a fixed program, allowing the audience to request songs, including the iconic “collective bachata,” a signature tune that does not appear on the album yet has grown to embody the community.
For Those Who Wish to Attend but Can’t
Javi made an important call that deserves full attention: for elderly individuals wanting to attend any of the events but lacking transportation, they can call 686 14 16 53, and the organizers will endeavor to find a solution. “Today we’re here, and tomorrow we might be somewhere else. We need to be supportive,” he emphasized.
Practical Information
- CD Launch: Thursday, April 30, at 11 p.m., Cultural Center of Tesjuate
- Price: CD €10, USB €15 (sales will be exclusively in person on the day of the presentation; those who miss out can sign up for the next batch)
- Tesjuate Festivals 2026: From Wednesday, April 29 to Sunday, May 3
- Mother’s Day Brunch Registration (30 spots): Please call the numbers provided in the association’s social media
- Information and Transport for Elderly: 686 14 16 53
