He Town Hall of La Orotava has announced that the Vatican has granted the Canonical Patronage of the Villa de La Orotava to San isidro labrador. This news comes after the issuance of a decree by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacramentsin response to the request made by the Parish Community and the Brotherhood of San Isidro Labrador de La Orotava. This title of patronage has been a venerated tradition in the municipality for the last 400 years and has taken root in the roots of all Orotavans.
Since the year 1700, there are records of the devotion of the farmers in this northern municipality, who celebrate masses and processions in honor of San Isidro Labrador. Throughout the centuries, these cults have been celebrated in different churches, from San Agustín to Calvary. Although some important historical documents on the religious work of the farmers have been lost over time, there are ancient references that describe the festivities and veneration practices of San Isidro in the Villa de La Orotava.
In 1868, Mariano Nouguell Secall mentioned for the first time the tradition of the poles and clothing worn by the farmers during the San Isidro festivities. This tradition has been maintained until today, with farmers who strive to lovingly renovate and preserve their rods, transmitting the tradition from generation to generation. The acts in honor of San Isidro Labrador take place mainly between May and June, with the Day of San Isidro on May 15, followed by the Livestock Fair-Exhibition and the Pilgrimage of San Isidro and Santa María de la Cabeza.
The Brotherhood of Farmers, which has been awarded the Villa de La Orotava Crafts and Heritage prize, plays a fundamental role in these celebrations, taking charge of carrying and guarding the images of the saints, wrapped in their multicolored rods with characteristic ribbons and symbols. . This year, the Brotherhood celebrates its official constitution with statutes, and has also received the news of the canonical recognition of patronage, a fact that strengthens the tradition and devotion to San Isidro Labrador in La Orotava. In addition, in June, the Brotherhood received a relic from the Patron Saint that it delivered to the church for its safekeeping, a treasure of incalculable value for the devotees and the community.
