[StBernard] Canary Islands Day celebrated in St. Bernard

[Westley Annis]

Canary Islands Day Celebration in St. Bernard Parish

Spanish heritage highlighted in a series of events

 

Los Islenos Heritage and Culture Society, in conjunction with the Government
of the Canary Islands, St. Bernard Parish Government, St. Bernard Parish
School Board and the Consulate General of Spain, sponsored a celebration of
Canary Islands Day Oct. 11-15. The celebration marks the anniversary of the
May 30, 1982 Governmental Elections in the Canaries, the first election for
public office since the dictatorship of Francisco Franco in from 1936 to
1975.  

 

The celebration included public performances of modern ballet and music at
Tulane University, Andrew Jackson Elementary School and Chalmette High
School.

 

Tenerife Danza Lab, a contemporary dance troupe affiliated with the
Auditorium of Tenerife, presented six works featuring the Troupe’s resident
choreographers.  Many of the six works center on the lives of the people of
Tenerife and incorporate the theme of water.  Sofia, a piece focusing on
man’s redirection of bodies of water, often to catastrophic ends, is
particularly poignant to St. Bernard as we continue our recovery.

 

The artistic coordinator of Tenerife Danza Lab is Helena Berthelius, a world
renowned choreographer, whose work was featured in the 1992 opening
ceremonies of the Barcelona Olympic Games. 

 

Tenerife Danza Lab conducted dance classes in St. Bernard Parish for
students attending Andrew Jackson Elementary School and Chalmette High
School and performed at Tulane University and Andrew Jackson Elementary
School.

 

Grupo Jeremias Martin is led by Jeremias Martin, a brilliant young musician
who is a protégé of Benito Cabrera, one of the foremost musicians and
composers in Spain.  Jeremias accompanied by four other musicians, played
Canarian folk music and taught music classes for students attending Trist
Middle School and Chalmette High School.  The Canary Islands Day Celebration
concluded with a concert of Canarian folk music by Grupo Jeremias Martin on
Oct. 15 at Chalmette High School.  

 

This visit was made possible with additional support from the Manuel Molero
Family; El Cabildo de Tenerife; Friends of the Canary Island – San Antonio,
Texas; Canarias Crea; Tulane University and the Canary Islands Descendants
Association.

 

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