The town of Arguayo, located in the municipality of Santiago del Teide, and the town of San Isidro, in Granadilla de Abona, celebrated their annual Pilgrimage yesterday in tribute to San Isidro Labrador. Both southern towns upheld a tradition that has been observed for several decades.
SAN ISIDRO
The festivities commenced at 1:00 p.m. with a mass, followed by a fair at the fairgrounds. This event, rich in traditions and folklore, marked its 44th year and was part of a series of celebrations that started with the Route of the Senses on April 26 and will culminate on May 15.
As per custom, midway along the route, participating groups and floats made offerings to San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza, in front of the ancient hermitage, recognised as a Cultural Interest Asset (BIC), dating back to 1675. From 4:30 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., the Festival Commission organised a celebration at the fairgrounds with performances by the Nueva Ilusión, Ideales, and Wamampy orchestras.
On the eve of the patron saint’s day, there will be a liturgy at 7:00 p.m., followed by a traditional procession through the streets, concluding with a fireworks display. Additionally, on the following Wednesday, alongside children’s activities in the afternoon, there will be another mass at 7:00 p.m. and a subsequent procession, featuring a shorter route and a display of pyrotechnics.
ARGUAYO
At 1:15 p.m., the Eucharist honouring San Isidro commenced, led by the town’s parish priest, Víctor Manuel Fernández, accompanied by musical renditions from the Abruncos group and a performance by Herreños del Hierro.
Following this, the traditional pilgrimage began along its customary path, with various carts, groups, and revellers making their way to Las Eras park.
Upon reaching the park, musical performances were given by the participating groups, and the image of San Isidro was then paraded to the town’s cultural centre. This was followed by lively dancing to the tunes of the Wamampy and Sabrosa orchestras.