There was no Pilgrimage but there was a festive atmosphere in Tegueste that several weeks ago also recovered the smell of toasted seeds with which the panels that make up the exteriors of the cars and carts that yesterday they returned to ‘take’ the main streets on the occasion of the Fiestas de San Marcos.
Simpler in their elaboration than other years, although great work could also be appreciated, they were dedicated to the volcano of La Palma, to the elderly, to the traditions and architectural elements of the Canary Islands, while others made a nod to the local, like the one reproducing the new church bells.
5,000 people enjoyed Tegueste
Some 5,000 people, as confirmed to this newspaper by the Local Police, gathered in the municipality to enjoy the exhibition of cars and carts that, decorated with seeds, rescue, promote and spread the traditions of the Archipelago.
Despite the fact that this year there was no Pilgrimage -as decided by the local government-, neighbors and visitors came dressed in typical clothing. Fourteen folkloric groups participated in the tour that interpreted a couplet dedicated to each of the carts. There were also two of the most characteristic and differentiating elements of the festive and religious culture of the municipality: the Dance of the Flowers and the Boats, representatives of the four neighborhoods (Pedro Álvarez, San Luis, Tegueste and El Socorro) that compete in showiness and spectacularity.
After the solemn Eucharist in the church, the procession with the image of the saint departed from Plaza San Marcos towards La Placeta and returned again to the church.
the mayor, Ana Rosa Mena, valued the large influx of people. “Despite not having a pilgrimage, our traditions have taken to the streets, hoping that next year we can organize it normally,” she declared.
In the same vein, the Councilor for Fiestas, Eladia López, expressed her gratitude for the participation of all the people “who have been part of this special day.”
The exhibition of carts and carts can also be visited today and Tuesday in the surroundings of La Placeta, coinciding with the traditional day of the Carretero, and then it will move to the Plaza de San Marcos.
The festive program will continue in Tegueste until the beginning of May. However, the 30th of this month is one of the most eagerly awaited days because the Dance of the Magi is celebrated, while the popular festival will take place the day before.
