Icod de los Vinos is set to host the “Cuentos bajo el drago” festival this weekend, a cultural initiative led by the local Tourism Department and Icodtesa alongside the Cultural Association for the Development and Promotion of Reading and Storytelling. The latter has established itself as a key player in promoting Canarian and national culture, notably through the International Storytelling Festival in Los Silos.
The project features a varied programme that will include oral storytelling for families and adults, music-literature performances, theatre, creative workshops, and nature activities.
Councillor Gerardo Rizo stated, “Throughout this legislature, we have aimed to establish the Drago Park as a cultural hub, and this new project seeks to provide a quality cultural event that is inclusive and sustainable, blending art, education, and heritage to positively impact the municipality and cultural tourism.”
The festival will kick off on Friday 4th at 18:00 with an inaugural event at Casa Lorenzo Cáceres, featuring prominent Canarian contemporary author Cecilia Dominguez Luis, known for her poetry, novels, and children’s literature. She received the Canarias Literature Prize in 2015.
During this opening session, an origami exhibition titled “Blancanieves”, led by artist Sara González Quintero, will create a unique blend of literature, plastic arts, and creativity. A participative, intergenerational creative workshop will also be held.
Following this, the local group “Viridiana” will present “El gran libro del Drago”, a musical storytelling performance for children featuring classic songs from authors like Rosa Léon and Mocedades.
As night falls, Japanese storyteller Yoshi Hioki will captivate an adult audience with “La flor que palpita”, blending traditional tales with erotic and poetic nuances in a dynamic performance.
Hioki, an internationally acclaimed storyteller, is noted for his ability to transport audiences to a mythical and poetic Japan through his narratives.
The next day, at 12:30, Hioki will return for “Cuentos para familias”, encouraging both children and adults to enjoy storytelling together, making this a truly inclusive programme.
That afternoon, interactive storytelling workshops led by Barcelona’s Mar González Novel and Xavier Aniceto Marín will offer families engaging activities suitable for all ages.
In the evening, Tenerife’s Laura Escuela will host “Cuentos familiares”, presenting a range of traditional and contemporary tales designed for children but engaging for adults too.
The night will conclude with “Si te hablan de amor”, a music-literature show featuring Ernesto Rodríguez Abad, Diego Expósito, and Javier Linares, exploring love through narrative and live music.
On the festival’s final day, Aarón Rodríguez González will lead a guided walk through the Drago Park at 10:30, combining environmental awareness with storytelling.
At 13:00, festival participants will gather for a Ronda de Narradores, sharing brief tales in a communal setting.
The festival will culminate with a theatrical presentation of “La Casa de las Sombras de Seda” by local actor Lucas Balboa at 21:30 in the Drago Park, exploring themes of beauty, honour, love, and betrayal.
The cast includes Antonia Jaster, Ulises Hernández, Mar Gurierrez, Juan Felipe Villar, Tairuma Méndez, Abel Moral, Lioba Herrera, and Melania Luis.
For more details on the event schedule, visit the official website.
