The Festival of Ideas and Culture returned to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this past weekend, bringing together hundreds of people to reflect on journalism, democracy, tourism, and human rights. Organised by eldiario.es and Canarias Ahora—which is celebrating its 25th anniversary—the festival was a vibrant space for dialogue, performance, and social critique.
Journalism in the Spotlight
Saturday began with a packed panel discussion featuring well-known journalists Ignacio Escolar, Rosa María Calaf, Olga Rodríguez, and Carlos Sosa. Moderated by presenters Marc Giró and Cathaysa González, the conversation explored the evolving role of journalism.
“We must report facts without needing permission from those in power,” said Escolar.
Calaf warned that journalism loses its way if it fails to serve the public. Rodríguez, meanwhile, raised urgent concerns about Gaza, highlighting the media blackout imposed by authorities: “What would change if international journalists were allowed to report from inside?”
Warning Signs: The Far Right and the Blind Eye
In a segment titled El Rincón de Pensar (“The Thinking Corner”), journalist Pilar del Río and sociologist Ignacio Sánchez-Cuenca discussed the resurgence of far-right ideologies in Europe. “We have been blind to a phenomenon that began in the 1980s,” Sánchez-Cuenca noted. The debate, moderated by Juanlu Sánchez, examined the political, economic, and journalistic responsibilities in confronting extremism.
On Friday, journalist Moha Gerehou presented his book Infiltrado en Vox, recounting how he embedded himself in Spain’s far-right party to expose its racist discourse. In a raw and ironic tone, he described the result as “a manual of Spanish racism.”
That same afternoon, artist and commentator Darío Adanti took the stage to denounce fascism and commemorate 50 years since Franco’s death: “We must celebrate that he’s gone. Franco murdered hundreds of thousands—how can we not celebrate his death? We need to recover the left that made them afraid.”
Rethinking Tourism in the Canary Islands
One of the most resonant panels focused on the Canary Islands’ tourism model. Researchers Carla Izcara, Carmen Ginés de la Nuez, and Jaime Jover joined journalist Toni Ferrera to explore how tourism has reshaped the region. “We’ve stopped building liveable communities and started building tourist destinations,” warned Izcara. Ginés cited gentrification in the Guanarteme neighbourhood as a visible consequence.
Jover added that in many cities around the world, residential housing has been swallowed by the tourist economy, worsening the housing crisis. The panel agreed: “We must reduce tourism and restructure the tourism economy, which is deeply unequal and precarious for local residents.”
Voices for Human Rights
Podcasts and panel discussions on human rights also played a central role. In Un tema al día, hosted by Juanlu Sánchez, journalist Gabriela Sánchez shared the story of a migrant woman who lost her daughter in a recent shipwreck near El Hierro. Natalia G. Vargas recounted the journey of Orlando Acuña, a Canarian forced to migrate, while a panel of experts from humanitarian NGOs discussed the mounting challenges faced by the third sector.
“Crises are worsening, hunger is growing, and displacement is increasing—we need more resources than ever,” said Elisa Bernal of Action Against Hunger. Juan Carlos Lorenzo of CEAR warned about the political influence of far-right narratives. Marta Femia from Anesvad Foundation stressed the importance of global partnerships and long-term strategies.
Drag, Podcasts, and Culture
The festival also celebrated queer culture and artistic resistance. In a Carne Cruda podcast episode, musicologist Carlo Aguiar paid tribute to the transformative power of drag: “Drag is about imagining endless possibilities.”
Catástrofe Ultravioleta made its long-awaited return with a story from Cofete beach in Fuerteventura, while filmmaker Nacho Vigalondo debated artificial intelligence with journalist Javier Zurro. “Flat-Earth conspiracy videos have the same production quality as Freixenet adverts,” joked Vigalondo.
Chef Abraham Ortega brought a taste of Canarian identity to the table with a sweet potato salad, saying, “There is no culture without gastronomy.” During his live cooking session, hosted by Cathaysa González, he championed the fusion of tradition and innovation.
A Festival with a Purpose
Concerts by Santiago Auserón, the Canarian group Melómana, and DJs Sergio Miró and Color provided a festive close to a weekend that stirred critical reflection and celebrated resistance.
The festival also marked the 25th anniversary of Canarias Ahora, the first digital-native newspaper in the archipelago. “For a quarter of a century, we’ve stood up for democracy and published what others wouldn’t,” said the team. “Now, more than ever, we need our readers to ensure 25 more years of committed journalism.”
