La Palma is set to celebrate one of its significant musical traditions with the 42nd insular music bands meeting, named after Julio Hernández Gómez. Organised by the Cultural Heritage Department of the Cabildo de La Palma, the event will take place on 21 November in Santa Cruz de La Palma, coinciding with the festivities of Santa Cecilia.
Miriam Perestelo, the island's councillor for Culture and Cultural Heritage, emphasised the importance of this event as a chance to recognise the contributions of music bands across various municipalities in La Palma. She noted their role in preserving and transmitting a deeply rooted cultural tradition. The meeting is named in honour of Julio Hernández Gómez, a key figure in the island's musical history and founder of the Municipal Music Band of San Miguel in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
“Music bands are part of the history, culture, and identity of our municipalities. This meeting is an opportunity to celebrate that tradition, acknowledge the efforts of those who keep it alive, and share the talent of our musicians,” said Perestelo.
The event will also serve as a platform for camaraderie among the island's musical groups, highlighting the cultural, educational, and social roles that municipal bands play, particularly in nurturing new generations of musicians.
Diego Arrocha Morales, director of the Municipal Music Band of San Miguel, reiterated the significance of the meeting as a space for fellowship and unity among the island's music groups. He remarked, “The tradition of music bands is fundamental in La Palma, not only for its cultural value but also for the vital sociocultural training we provide in each municipality.” He expressed gratitude to the Cabildo Insular de La Palma for its commitment to organising the event, which helps preserve one of the island's most cherished musical traditions.
Alberto Perdomo, the councillor for Culture in Santa Cruz de La Palma, stated that it is an honour for the municipality to host this meeting, which highlights a musical tradition deeply embedded in the island's culture. He invited the public to enjoy this grand celebration of Palmera music.
The day will commence at 11:00 with a traditional parade starting from La Pérgola, proceeding along Calle Real in the capital. Following this, a concert will be held at Plaza de Santo Domingo at 12:00. This year’s meeting will feature bands from Puntagorda, Breña Baja, Tijarafe, Puntallana, Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso, Tazacorte, and Fuencaliente, as well as the Municipal Music Band of Salvatierra de Garafía, the Municipal Music Band of Tabladitos from Barlovento, the Municipal Music Band of Los Nacientes from San Andrés y Sauces, the Nueva Esperanza Musical Group from Breña Alta, the Jerónimo Saavedra Acevedo Music Classroom Band, and the host band, the Municipal Music Band of San Miguel from Santa Cruz de La Palma.
The 42nd insular music bands meeting ‘Julio Hernández Gómez’ is supported by the public enterprise Sodepal, the Santa Cruz de La Palma City Council, and the Municipal Music Band of San Miguel.
