Yesterday’s Cruz Day is marked in red on Los Realejos’ calendar. The most festive municipality in Spain once again showcased its century-old devotion to the Holy Cross, which translates into over 300 adorned wooden crosses spread throughout the town, especially concentrated in the La Cruz Santa area, along with the renowned decoration of frames and fireworks that took place as an offering in the late hours of the night on the streets of El Sol and El Medio Arriba in the vicinity of Realejo Alto, with origins dating back to the second half of the 18th century.
A snapshot from the pyrotechnic exhibition held last night in Los Realejos during the May Festival. / E. D.
At midday, the solemn Eucharist in honour of the venerated Silver Cross that guards the oldest temple in Tenerife, that of Santiago Apóstol, was celebrated, followed by the crowded procession and the subsequent fireworks display. As night fell, right on time, the wooden cross was once again carried on shoulders in a new procession, in the first leg with the carriers of Calle El Sol, accompanied by its unique pyrotechnic show, then passing the Cross to the carriers of Calle El Medio, and their respective contribution to the fireworks display, one of the largest in Europe.
The Aroma of Blooms and Gunpowder Takes Over the Municipality on May 3rd / E. D.
After the fireworks displays, the Cross returned to the temple. In front of its doors, next to the Los Realejos Tourist Office, the countdown clock was reset. And that’s how each Cruz Day in Los Realejos concludes, with eager eyes counting down the days to its next 3rd of May.
The extensive programme of events for the May Festivities does not end here by any means. The traditional Baile de Magos (Mages’ Dance) is one of the most anticipated events of the May celebrations in Los Realejos. This year, it will take place on Saturday the 18th, starting at 22:00, with different areas such as Plaza Viera y Clavijo, Avenida de Los Remedios, and Tenerife Street.
The Aroma of Blooms and Gunpowder Takes Over the Municipality on May 3rd / E. D.
Following this, the bustling Livestock Fair, popularly known as “las reses,” will take place on the 25th, starting at 10:00, at Finca El Llano. On the same day, at 21:00 in Plaza Viera y Clavijo, the XLIX Islands Festival will be celebrated. Next in line is another highlight, the Pilgrimage in honour of San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza, scheduled for Sunday the 26th from 12:00 onwards, following the Eucharist, featuring the Canarian mass performed by Tigaray.
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The people of Los Realejos adorn over 300 crosses throughout the municipality, in a tradition passed down from generation to generation.
