Nuevo monumento en homenaje a las carreras de barcos en Valle Tabares y Valle Jiménez

Valle Tabares and Valle Jiménez proudly display the sculpture in honor of the traditional boat races starting this Wednesday, one of the most representative symbols of these two Laguneros enclaves. The monument, a work by Ibrahim Hernández, has been placed next to the roundabout of the insular road TF-111, at the entrance of both population centers, in an event attended by the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, members of the municipal Corporation, and numerous residents of the area.

The mayor recalled that this work, promoted by the municipal Culture department, «aims to acknowledge a unique festivity, which is a hallmark of the Valles and all of La Laguna, and responds to the desire of its inhabitants to have a monument that reflects the richness of this festive event,» highlighting in this regard «the claim of the Tajica Typical Boats Association,» which brings together the boats from Valle Tabares, Valle Jiménez, and Los Campitos, as well as congratulating Ibrahim Hernández «for a work that so well reflects the richness of this unique celebration.»

The author of the sculptural work explains that the piece represents «the moment when the boat is still stationary, but is about to set off, with the guayero giving the signal to the yoke to start the race. It is also a symbolic boat, alluding to the different types of boats that are part of this tradition.» The work is made of polyester resin, with metal structures, and patinated in an antique bronze effect.

In 2022, the La Laguna City Council approved an institutional motion to request authorization from the Cabildo to install the sculptural ensemble in its current location. The motion states that «the tradition of the Barcos de Valle Tabares and Valle Jiménez is an event with many years of history, carried out as an offering to the patron saints, the Virgin of the Rosary and the Virgin of Fatima, containing multiple traditional identity values of an agricultural and livestock nature. Boat races are significant due to their uniqueness, where carts in the shape of sailboats and pulled by yokes reach high speeds, directed by the guayeros, managing to evoke emotion and enjoyment in all the residents over the years. Speaking of boat races is speaking of the Valles, of tradition, of history, and of identity.»

Born in 1991, Ibrahim Hernández García lives in Punta del Hidalgo, where he has his workshop. His artistic abilities manifested early on. His skill in wood carving is well-known, which he first perfected on his own and then through studies at the Fernando Estévez School of Art in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He is currently a reference for his work in imagery carving, creating numerous pieces in La Laguna and various parts of the Canary Islands and the peninsula.