La Esperanza pays tribute to the stick game and the Los Verga family, who have represented generations of traditional sports in Canarian wrestling and the stick game. This tribute was marked by the unveiling of the book The Canary Stick Game, featuring contributions from Francisco Osorio, alongside the inauguration of the sculptural ensemble Homenaje al Juego del Palo, crafted by sculptor Dácil Travieso, at El Calvario Square. According to the local authorities, this is the first sculpture dedicated to this sport in the western province.
The event was presided over by the president of the Government of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo, and the mayor of El Rosario, Escolásico Gil, who unveiled the bronze sculpture depicting the brothers Elisio and Luciana in their starting stance before a match.
Escolásico Gil remarked that the regional president’s father is the creator of many of the photographs featured in the book, which served as a basis for the sculpture. “Today we pay resounding tribute to a family that has sustained the practice of the stick game, ultimately becoming a symbol of the sporting and cultural identity from La Esperanza across the Canary Islands. Thank you for being part of this homage to the folk wisdom of our people from La Esperanza and ensuring that Los Verga lives on eternally,” the councilor expressed.
Fernando Clavijo emphasised that “the Canarian Government firmly believes that our heritage must reflect our values. Events like these allow us to witness, across time, what we are and help prevent us from losing our way in a future filled with uncertainties.”
The author of the book, who was unable to attend due to health issues, was represented by his son and editor, who expressed gratitude to Escolásico Gil for achieving “this well-deserved recognition” after previous unsuccessful attempts.
Among those in attendance were the president of Fecam, Mari Brito; Carlos Alonso, former head of the Cabildo; former mayor of Rosario Elías Bacallado; vice president of CD Tenerife, Conrado González; and the Adopted Son of El Rosario, Martín García Garzón.
Following the unveiling of the sculpture, several awards were distributed, including one presented to President Fernando Clavijo, who received a copy of the book and a quince stick for playing the stick game; and to Antonio Díaz El Verga, in recognition of his extensive contribution to Canarian wrestling.
The sculpture Homage to the Game of Stick, which received funding from the Department of Tourism and Employment of the Government of the Canary Islands, joins existing pieces such as La Pinochera, La Lechera, and La Manta Esperancera, forming a cultural and tourist route along El Calvario street to the Town Hall and Adelantado squares.
The event concluded with a performance by the Friends of La Esperanza Folkloric Group, alongside a display of the stick game by select members of Los Verga.