The city of Santa Cruz recently celebrated the 11th edition of sabiduría fest, an event dedicated to the elderly population of the municipality. Held on 12 November, the festival attracted around 300 participants to the Centro de Arte La Recova, fostering a day of community, engagement, and recognition for this demographic.
Organised by the Social Policies department and the Santa Cruz Vital programme, this year's festival focused on the theme “El Mes de las Personas Mayores” (The Month of Older People), aiming to honour their experiences and highlight their active contributions to society.
The event served as a culmination of various recreational, cultural, and community activities that took place throughout October, allowing seniors to share experiences and enjoy a range of proposals.
José Manuel Bermúdez, the mayor of Santa Cruz, emphasised the importance of creating spaces where seniors can be at the forefront of social and cultural life. He stated, “The sabiduría fest is an opportunity to recognise all that our seniors contribute to Santa Cruz. They possess immense experience, talent, and the ability to continue participating, sharing, and enriching our society. We want them to find spaces where they can connect, enjoy, and feel like active members of the city.”
Charín González, the councillor for Social Policies, praised the participatory nature of the initiative and its role in promoting active ageing. She remarked, “This day reflects everything that is encouraged through Santa Cruz Vital: providing our seniors with opportunities to express themselves, connect, share their experiences, and enjoy activities that keep them active. Behind every performance lies enthusiasm, preparation, and a strong desire to participate.”
This year’s programme featured various choreographic performances by senior groups from the districts of Salud-La Salle, Centro-Ifara, and Ofra-Costa Sur. Performers included the groups Chapatal, Brumas de Taburiente, Jariguo, and Cubo La Galga. The day also included a video presentation and concluded with music and dancing, promoting interaction and camaraderie among attendees.
The sabiduría fest aims to promote a positive image of active ageing, encourage intergenerational encounters, strengthen social relationships, and combat unwanted loneliness by providing opportunities for sharing experiences and forming new connections.
