The cross displayed by the San Gerardo Neighbourhood Family Association has clinched the top prize in the Natural Floral Crosses Competition during the May 2024 Festivities. The event took place today, Friday the 3rd, in various neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, organised by the Autonomous Organisation of Festivities and Recreational Activities (Oafar).
Securing the second prize was the cross from San Fernando Rey Parish, whilst the Anaga Residential Centre Neighbourhood Association clinched the third prize. The fourth and fifth prizes were awarded to the Real Club Náutico de Tenerife and the El Arcipreste de los Lavaderos Neighbourhood Association, respectively.
This year, the competition featured 15 entries representing different neighbourhood and cultural associations of the city. These entries were evaluated by a jury comprising of the artisan and creator of May crosses, Cristo Rodríguez Torres; designer and artistic director, Frank Romero; and Fine Arts graduate and designer, Ana Seco Durán.
As for the results of the School Crosses Competition and Exhibition, which showcased works made from recycled materials, the first prize in the “Children” category was awarded to the Hispano-English School, with the CEIP San Fernando coming in second.
In the “Primary and Special Education” category, the top honour was bestowed upon CEF Hermano Pedro, while the Colegio Hispano-Inglés secured the second prize. In the “Secondary and Adult Education” section, the CEPA Farola of Santa Cruz bagged the first prize, and Colegio Cervantes was awarded the second.
This year’s panel of judges for the school cross awards comprised of Fine Arts graduate and painter, Patricia Hodgson Ravina; Fine Arts graduate and teacher, Patricia Hodgson González; and painter and crafts instructor, Rosa Suárez Santana.
It is important to note that voting is still open on the Oafar website to choose the best among the 12 crosses presented by various private entities. The voting period will close at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5.
This morning included a tour of the different floral installations adorning the Rambla de Santa Cruz.
The tour commenced at the Plaza de Toros, alongside the Queen of the May Festival, Valery Álvarez, and her honourable entourage, proceeding with the display of crosses made from natural flowers and other materials on the Paseo de las Tinajas, as well as school crosses crafted from recycled materials.
The local councillor emphasised, “Today marks the 530th anniversary of the city, and we celebrate it joyfully by erecting crosses in our neighbourhoods, like the Rambla, elevated by the extraordinary crosses fashioned from recycled materials by schools, and those decorated with natural flowers in collaboration with companies. Subsequently, we have the Fair of Flowers, Plants, and Traditional Canarian Crafts in García Sanabria Park, serving as another compelling reason to visit and relish our city.”
The day concludes with a solemn Eucharist led by the Bishop of Tenerife, Bernardo Álvarez, and co-celebrated by the city’s parish priests at the Mother Parish of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción. Upon conclusion, there will be a procession with the Holy Cross in a religious ceremony attended by the representative of HM the King, Lieutenant General Chief of the Command of the Canary Islands, Mr. Don Julio Salom Herrera, along with civil and military authorities, parading through the streets of Santo Domingo, Calzada, La Noria, and Padre Moore.
