October is a special month in the calendar for all of us in Adeje, both recent arrivals and those who are long-term Adeje residents; for those who actually live here and those who carry our town in their hearts, wherever they may be – in the various neighbourhoods and districts of Adeje or anywhere in the world.
This month is filled with the sounds of celebrations, the threads of tradition, and the visible devotion of so many people to the patron saint of the town, La Virgen de la Encarnación, as well as to Santa Úrsula and San Sebastian, so loved and revered as co-patrons of the municipality.
These celebrations, like all fiestas, fulfill a need we share to gather together in moments of harmony and happiness. They help us celebrate unity, improve community spirit, and all that contributes to the positive development of people in happy times.
In Adeje, with a diverse and busy programme of events designed for all, we honour the tradition of the Fiesta Grande, remembering and keeping alive the promise made by our ancestors. We do this with hope and good intentions, as members of an open, respectful, and compassionate society..
And compassion is precisely one of the things our society needs most today. We are living in turbulent times, filled with great challenges for many people across the world – communities that cannot enjoy moments like these, where differences are put aside to celebrate unity and good fellowship.
I think of so many countries in conflict, the plight of migrants; and for us in particular we acknowledge the bond we share with the people of Venezuela, our brothers and sisters in these difficult times. They are always in our thoughts.
For all these reasons, I invite you to ensure that the joy we experience during our celebrations is filled with peace and harmony. Let us keep the flame of our heritage, traditions, culture, and faith alive. Let us do so alongside those we love most, but also thinking of those far away. May this positive spirit extend to those who need it most, wherever they may be.
I would like to thank the parish priests, the groups involved including the Porteadores de la Virgen, Adejeras con la Virgen, Banda de Música del Patronato, Agrupación Musical Las Nieves, the Adeje Folklore school, the Adeje school of music and dance, the Policía Local, and all the collectives, groups, and individuals who contribute to ensuring our fiestas are up to the highest standard.
Thank you, and congratulations to all!
José Miguel Rodríguez Fraga
Mayor of Adeje
