SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 28th April. (EUROPA PRESS) –
This Sunday, around 10,000 individuals joined the LVI Pilgrimage in Tegueste in honour of San Marcos Evangelista. This event marks the beginning of the major pilgrimage festivals in the Canary Islands. The activities commenced at 11:30 a.m. with the celebration of the Solemn Eucharist, followed by a procession after the departure of San Marcos.
The pilgrimage procession, led by the mayor Ana Mena and accompanied by the president of the Tenerife Cabildo Rosa Dávila, local Corporation members, and other officials, commenced after the image of San Marcos.
The pilgrimage route covered streets such as La Audiencia, El Carmen, Nueva, Prebendado Pacheco, Plaza San Marcos, El Pinar, and La Placeta. The celebration featured carts, boats, the Flower Dance, livestock, and folkloric groups from the islands.
Among the various participants in the procession, there were folk groups, livestock, and dancers. The Tegueste pilgrim procession included boats from Tegueste, San Luis, and El Socorro, as well as carts from Pedro Álvarez, Las Canteras, El Gamonal, El Murgaño, Los Binchenis, and more, along with various schools and groups.
The LVI Pilgrimage of San Marcos this year had extensive security and transportation measures in place, with around 260 personnel including Local Police officers from Villa de Tegueste (9), La Laguna (20), Canarian Police (20), and Civil Guard (120) ensuring the smooth running of the festivities.
Following the procession, the mayor emphasised that the Tegueste Pilgrimage highlights the vibrancy of traditions, thanks to the dedication of cart drivers, the beauty of the carts, the dances, and the boats.
The mayor expressed pride in the cultural heritage of Tegueste and the importance of preserving traditions, acknowledging the community’s commitment to maintaining their roots and festivities for future generations.
The municipal corporation extended gratitude to all those involved in ensuring the safety and success of the festival.
Tomorrow, on Monday, the Day of the Cartwright will be celebrated on La Audiencia Street starting at 2:00 p.m., where cart drivers will showcase the carts from the Pilgrimage of San Marcos Evangelista.
