Gala Celebrates Women at Teatro Leal on 14 October
Teatro Leal in La Laguna will host the fourth edition of the “Mujer de Hoy” awards on Wednesday, 14 October. This annual event, organised by the Northeast Tenerife Centre for Initiatives and Tourism (CIT Nordeste), honours twelve women who have made significant contributions across various sectors in Tenerife. This marks the first time La Laguna has played host to the celebration, which will also feature the premiere of the performance, ATLÁNTICA.
Fran Hernández, the acting Tourism Councillor for La Laguna, expressed pride in the initiative. He stated, “It’s gratifying for our municipality to host an event that recognises women who have played a vital role in our communities, often without seeking acknowledgment.” Hernández highlighted the years of dedication and hard work these women have contributed to society.
One notable recipient is Ana María González Hernández from Tejina, who has a significant background in early childhood education. Hernández noted her contributions to the well-being of families, reflecting the work of many women dedicated to nurturing the youngest members of society. He also emphasised the cultural significance of holding this event at Teatro Leal, celebrating identity and female talent.
The awards will recognise eight women from various municipalities affiliated with CIT Nordeste. Alongside Ana María González, honourees include Rocío Rodríguez from Tegueste, Victoria López Fuentes from Tacoronte, and Carla Castro Castellano, the current Carnival Queen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from El Sauzal.
Additional honourees comprise Berta García Rizza, a volleyball player from La Matanza; María Margarita León Toledo for community work in La Victoria; M.ª Jesús Guanche Évora from Santa Úrsula; and María Reyes Benítez, known as “La Comadre,” the first female captain of a bowling team from El Rosario. The event will also feature special recognitions for four exceptional women, including Noemí Padrón Fumero, an environmental economics researcher, and Carmen García Pascual, a councillor for Grupo Montesano.
A highlight of this edition will be the 45-minute show ATLÁNTICA, created and coordinated by Elena López Melián. This performance will narrate the honourees’ stories through a blend of live music from the Folkloric Group Tinixara, dance from the El Sauzal Ballet School, and various photographic and audiovisual elements. Journalist Gracia López will portray the central character.
CIT Nordeste President Mateo Gutiérrez Alonso stated, “Mujer de Hoy was established to highlight extraordinary women who have helped shape our communities without seeking fame. Four editions in, we want to not only honour them but also share their stories as part of our local history.” This year’s theme is “Because one woman can be a wave, but when they come together, they are a powerful tide.”
Hernández underscored the importance of integrating artistic creation into the awards, noting the cultural power of storytelling in connecting with people’s histories. The event will begin at 18:30 with a reception on the “Alfombra Atlántica,” followed by the premiere of ATLÁNTICA at 19:30, and the awards ceremony at 20:15, turning Teatro Leal into a hub of celebration for women’s contributions.
