Torrelavega is hosting today’s Gala Floral one of the highlights of the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande. The parade starts at 6 pm on Avenida de España. Nine floats are due to take part. This year’s special feature is the return of a locally made float after 25 years: “Transmítelo” of the Asociación de Danzas Virgen de las Nieves de Tanos is taking part as a guest outside the competition. The mayor, Javier López Estrada, highlighted the local contribution as a notable feature of the programme.
The float “Transmítelo” is dedicated to the city's folklore and specifically to the Danzas de Tanos It marks the centenary of the first photograph of the dance group. The float was designed by Querol; according to the organisers, around 70 people took part in building it. The vehicle is about 16 metres long and six metres high, and incorporates typical elements of regional tradition such as hand drums and castanets.
Alongside Torrelavega’s carroza, two floats by the manufacturer Francis2 will take part, measuring between 20 and 25 metres in length, as well as six more floats by the company Quintana measuring around 15 metres. As usual, the procession will be accompanied by the Banda Municipal de Música and several charangas; the route runs along Avenida de España.
For decades, the Gala Floral has been a fixture of the Fiestas de la Virgen Grande and one of the most popular events in the city's festival calendar. The participation this year of a float built in Torrelavega again marks a bridge between local cultural associations and the main festival parade. The city council says that “Transmítelo” is taking part as an honorary guest outside the competition. The rest of the parade, which is contested, therefore remains unchanged, while the local contribution puts the Danzas de Tanos centenary centre stage.
According to the authorities, traffic and safety measures are planned for the event, as in previous years. The organisers expect large crowds along Avenida de España in the afternoon. The event will follow the established format of recent editions; no changes to it have been announced.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).