Frégoli Salon

Santa Cruz de Tenerife · Category: Memory · Subcategory: Sites of memory · Year: 1902

The Frégoli Salon was one of the most active recreational societies in early 20th-century Santa Cruz. Registered in 1902 by the architect Mariano Estanga, it was presided over two years later by Sergio Lojendio, who gave the association an open and cosmopolitan character lacking in other similar groups of the time. 

From its headquarters at Plaza de la Iglesia number 9, it had extraordinary drive in culturally energising the city. Since its creation it hosted numerous musical evenings, theatrical, circus and varied shows. It was responsible for organising characteristic events such as the Baile de Flores y las Mariposas (Dance of Flowers and Butterflies), held at the Teatro Principal during the May 1905 festivities.  The following year, it played an important role in organising and executing festive acts for the visit of King Alfonso XIII to the city (acrobatics performances, organisation of a regional event in the Plaza de Toros, street rondallas, etc.).

The Frégoli Salon remained active until 1925, when it transformed and gave way, with the same spirit of cultural curiosity but now with aesthetic guidelines suited to the times, to the renowned Círculo de Bellas Artes.

The name of this society was revived in the 1961 Santa Cruz carnivals by the lyrical-musical group Los Fregolinos , as a tribute to the old Frégoli Salon which contributed so much with its music and animation to the old masquerades of that early 20th-century Santa Cruz.

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