Adorned with natural blooms, paper blossoms, upcycled materials, playthings, candles, vibrant textiles, and meticulously embroidered and smoothed out linens. The aim is to attire the crucifix, the emblem of Los Realejos and Puerto de la Cruz, in its finest garments for all to behold and admire. As a result, 300 crosses in the former municipality and an equal number in the latter were embellished yesterday, May 3, in thoroughfares, chapels, balconies, and private residences.
As per tradition, in the heart of the Holy Cross community, numerous locals opened their doors and courtyards the night before to showcase the household crosses that they reverently keep hidden throughout the year, all while indulging in a glass of wine and rosquetes with their dear ones and guests.
The festivities kicked off early yesterday morning. A multitude of sightseers gathered in that vicinity drawn by the festive tunes, the kebabs, and the jovial ambiance that enveloped the Crusantero Casino.
A similar scene unfolded in Realejo Alto. Post the customary pealing of bells at the parish of the Apostle Santiago, the initial visitors began to arrive, some on foot and others aboard the complimentary transport provided by the local council, to the various stops on the itinerary, with El Sol and El Medio streets being requisite visits that also served as a floral spectacle prior to the pyrotechnic showdown for dominating the night sky, one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights of May 3.
In this setting, the CEIP Pérez Zamora cross garnered attention, enveloped in ashes at its base to symbolise the resilience of the Canarian mountain that reemerged following the forest fire it endured in August of last year, during which Los Realejos bore the brunt of the damage. “There were students and classmates who lived through it, suffered it, and had to be evacuated from their homes; Therefore, we deemed it essential for the cross to embody not only the strength of the mountain but also the urgency to nurture and safeguard it,” remarked its principal, Hermela Hernández.
Just like every year, the day flew by in the blink of an eye for the residents of Realejos. “So much anticipation, and it slips away,” a local lamented.
Even though with lesser zeal, the resort city also celebrated a joyous day centered around the crucifix, the patron saint of all Portuenses, which processed through town following the conclusion of the Mass at the Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia parish, winding through the primary thoroughfares of the municipality.
Right in the vicinity of Plaza de la Iglesia, an exposition of upcycled crosses was on display, with the engagement of all educational institutions, kindergartens, associations, and groups. Nonetheless, the floral tributes were scattered all over town, and for the fourth consecutive year, each neighbourhood boasted an artistic cross.
Yesterday, Puerto de la Cruz once again revelled in a festival brimming with traditions, intertwined with the city’s past, where the crucifix has emerged as a defining emblem of its identity.
