Kickoff to Rosario’s Festivities
Puerto del Rosario welcomed the 2025 Rosario Festivities with an emotive opening speech delivered by the MERACAS Collective.
Emotive Opening Speech by MERACAS
The island’s capital held the inaugural ceremony on Sunday, gathering residents in the Plaza de la Iglesia. The event paid tribute to the origins of the historic 24 Hours of Basketball, a tradition that began in 1983 with the renovation of the Club Oasis court and, a year later, became the Ramón Castañeyra Memorial.
Historical Tribute
During the speech, participants recalled key moments of the youthful, enthusiastic community that gave life to this sporting and festive tradition. Speakers included Guaxara Castañeyra, Belinda de León, the island’s official chronicler Tero Brito, and Janey Castañeyra, who shared anecdotes and memories linked to Club Oasis, the atmosphere of the early large‑scale celebrations, and the legacy of figures such as Ramón Castañeyra and Andrés Valerón.
Mayor’s Statement
“Once again we launch the Our Lady of the Rosario Festivities with a program we have designed participatively, involving collectives, cultural associations, sports clubs and municipal entities. We must thank the MERACAS Collective for their commitment and for keeping alive the spirit of the Ramón Castañeyra Memorial and the 24 Hours of Basketball, a benchmark of sporting activity in Puerto del Rosario.” – Mayor David de Vera
Councilor’s Statement
“We start the festivities with great enthusiasm. I want to congratulate the MERACAS group for being this year’s announcers and, above all, thank all the municipal workers who made this start possible. We wish all residents a happy celebration, to enjoy it with joy and community.” – Councilor Tacoremi Gutiérrez
Traditional Papagüevos Parade and Upcoming Program
The evening also featured the traditional papagüevos parade, adding colour and music to the opening. The festivities will run until 11 October, offering a broad program of cultural, sporting, religious and leisure activities for audiences of all ages.