Once again, the streets of the quaint municipality of Tegueste transported visitors back in time to embrace Canarian folk traditions during its annual pilgrimage. Thousands of attendees, clad in traditional costumes from various parts of the island, kick-started the pilgrimage season in Tenerife this Sunday.
The 56th edition of the festival in honour of San Marcos Evangelista featured a procession of 19 carts, four boats, and five cars parading through the town’s main streets. Alongside, goats, sheep, and oxen could be seen, while locals distributed wine, potatoes, and gofio pellets.
Preparations for the pilgrimage commenced four months ago, as per the City Council, with residents dedicating their time to embellish the floats with intricate seed drawings meticulously placed by hand in various hues.
The day was threatened by rain, in contrast to the scorching heat of the previous edition, but fortunately, the downpour did not mar the devotees’ creations. They joyfully welcomed a glass of wine from compassionate passersby atop the floats, savoring their fortune.
The procession, accompanied by participants donned in traditional attire known as “magos y las magas”, moved to the tune of guitars and chácaras behind the carts. They elegantly sang classic folk songs from the islands’ history as they advanced at a slow, graceful pace.
The Tegueste pilgrimage stands as one of the grandest popular celebrations in Tenerife, gathering over 30,000 attendees annually in a municipality primarily focused on agriculture, housing just about 11,000 residents for the rest of the year.
Among this year’s participants was Pablo Oramas, a loyal follower of the event, who expressed his anticipation of donning his traditional costume, dancing to songs taught by his grandparents, and relishing a barbecue with friends each year.
Victoria Venegas, a recent Chilean transplant to the island, also marvelled at the joyous atmosphere permeating the streets of Tegueste. She pointed excitedly to a group of goats tended to by a young shepherd, captivated by the lively scene.
As the tour concluded back at the church of San Marcos, the rain briefly dampened the festivities, prompting attendees to seek shelter. However, the spirit of celebration persevered, with the crowd continuing to revel late into the night. The event marked the commencement of pilgrimages across the island.
