Sindo Saavedra

Sindo Saavedra, a composer, supporter of popular arts, painter and playwright, was the author of the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival Anthem.

He was born in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and he also died here, very close to the sea and the beach which he loved so dearly, Las Canteras. From a young age he came into contact with the current cultural movements, and he lived in cities such as Malaga, Paris, Chicago and in countries such as Germany and Italy. On his return to Gran Canaria, his work in composition, research and the preservation of music and dance from the Canarian archipelago was recognised at all social and cultural levels.

From his work, one of the best known pieces is the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Carnival Anthem: under the title of Ponte Tu Mejor Disfraz (Put On Your Best Costume) it has been like a letter of introduction to the Gran Canaria capital's most international and best-known fiesta. Sindo used to say that music in the Carnival justified dressing up.

He was hugely fond of his city and of his native land, and his work is steeped through and through with his values regarding freedom, social commitment and the environment.