Over 500 residents gather for Pepa's proclamation, launching Antigua's festivities

Weekend of Verbena, Children’s Parties and the Brotherhood Meal This Sunday at Noon

A detailed, historic, nostalgic, emotive and committed proclamation—befitting a town crier like Pepa Hernández Jordán—was delivered, echoing the inscription presented by Mayor Matías Peña:

“Thank you for always sharing the path and leaving a mark on your town.”

Over 500 neighbors, family members and friends gathered to hear the proclamation that launches the Fiestas de Antigua. Pepa was accompanied on stage by timpanist Víctor Estárico and pianist Domingo Saavedra, as well as performances from the charanga and parade El Campillo and the presence of the Los Cachivaches murga troupe.

The festivities began with a magnificent evening, highlighted not only by the communal applause but also by the attendance of the island’s top security officials, the insular president Lola García, the Government delegate María Jesús De la Cruz, Senator Paloma Hernández, and other representatives. United in a single voice, they chanted the refrain “Viva Nuestra Señora de La Antigua,” whose image adorned the entrance arch of the century‑old church throughout the ceremony.

The Fiestas de Antigua continue with a weekend of verbena, children’s parties, and a Brotherhood Meal scheduled for Saturday at noon. Mayor Matías Peña highlighted the Commission of Fiestas de Antigua for its dedication, commitment, and meticulous work—ranging from event planning and chair deployment to venue decoration and countless other details essential to each celebration. He added:

“I repeat what I always say publicly, apologizing for not mentioning this during the night of the proclamation, given the emotion of such a significant evening, which surely left many more things unsaid.”