The recent municipal activities led by Carolina Darias, Mayor of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, have showcased both recognition of community leaders and the city’s efforts to address residents’ concerns about the upcoming Carnival festivities.
On February 28, 2025, Darias opened the 2025 Atlántico Hoy Leadership Awards ceremony, celebrating individuals and enterprises for their transformative leadership within the community. She emphasized how the awardees have demonstrated their commitment to serving society and contributing to the economic and social development of the Canary Islands.
"Los premiados han demostrado un liderazgo transformador, capaz de poner la innovación al servicio de todos para superar los desafíos actuales,” said Darias, highlighting the significance of the contributions made by the honored individuals.
These awards not only recognize individual achievements but also reflect the broader economic momentum within Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and the rest of the archipelago. Darias spoke to the diversity of sectors represented by the winners, stating, “cuando se premia en las diferentes categorías, estamos valorando a quienes contribuyen al bienestar común.” This perspective reinforces the notion of local innovation as key to collective progress.
Simultaneously, the mayor has been addressing concerns from residents about the upcoming Carnival celebrations, particularly from communities around Puerto, Santa Catalina, and La Isleta. Residents have expressed their hesitation about hosting the events due to noise and disruption. Despite these concerns, Darias remains optimistic about finding common ground.
"El Ayuntamiento está tomando y va a seguir tomando todas las medidas necesarias para hacer compatible el derecho a la fiesta de una ciudad y también, en su caso, los derechos que puedan tener los vecinos,” she stated, indicating her commitment to ensuring Carnival can proceed without infringing on local rights.
While some residents have threatened legal action to halt the celebrations, Darias has reiterated her belief in dialogue with the community to balance tradition with the comfort of residence. During her remarks, she pointed out historic precedents, emphasizing the city's long-standing tradition of Carnival and the economic benefits it brings.
"Creemos que es importante celebrar nuestras tradiciones mientras atendemos las preocupaciones vecinales,” Darias added, signifying her administration's commitment to maintaining cultural heritage alongside addressing civic concerns.
Aside from these initiatives, Darias recently unveiled over half a million euros allocated for upgrading the equipment used by the city’s firefighters. This investment will provide emergency services with five multifunctional door-opening tools, eight shears, and six protective blankets, among other enhancements—aimed at improving response times during emergencies.
“Estos nuevos equipos que presentamos van a facilitar las actuaciones que realizan los Bomberos... permitiendo a los profesionales que puedan actuar con menor esfuerzo y con más facilidad,” explained Darias at the launch event, showcasing the city's commitment to bolstering public safety.
This new equipment is part of the broader budget strategy, which has invested 6.3 million euros over three years to upgrade the fire service capabilities. Such funding ensures firefighters have the necessary resources as they respond to approximately 1,600 service calls annually, including 150 traffic accidents requiring rescue operations.
Addressing the assembly at the Tamaraceite South Park, Darias elaborated on how this modernization process is integral to the safety of the city’s residents, both during emergencies and more routine service calls.
Looking toward the future, Darias and her administration are set to engage with community members on March 13, aiming to clarify any misunderstandings about past Carnival disruptions and to strengthen connections with local residents.
Meanwhile, complications arose during the recent council meeting concerning plans for infrastructure improvements within the San Cristóbal neighborhood. An error during voting led to the approval of a motion presented by the opposition party, which Darias criticized as lacking thorough communication between the local government and the regional administration.
"¿Son ustedes conscientes del despropósito que significa que un partido de la oposición nos dé a conocer la información contenida en un informe que la propia consejería no se ha dignado a enviar?" said Mauricio Roque, the Urban Development Councilor, pointing to the lack of cooperation as the underlying issue affecting community projects.
The mayor has expressed her desire for open communication, emphasizing, “sería inimaginable” such oversight would occur under normal circumstances, reassessing the collaborative responsibilities of different levels of government.
Concluding her remarks, Darias assured residents and leaders alike of her assurance to facilitate progress on projects like improving infrastructure for flood management—proposals which span from enhancing existing structures to large-scale constructions.
Overall, Darias’ balanced approach aimed at respecting community sentiments, celebrating local achievements, and improving public safety resonates throughout the administration's recent endeavors. Her leadership signifies both the celebration of tradition and the commitment to modernize the municipal services of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.