Santa Cruz de Tenerife is set to host its first-ever school pilgrimage. The anticipated event will take place this Thursday, gathering approximately 680 boys and girls who will walk down Castillo Street.
Organized by the Department of Education and Youth of the City Council in collaboration with the Autonomous Organization for Festivals and Recreational Activities (Oafar), this initiative aims to celebrate Canary Islands Day. A total of 16 educational institutions in the capital will participate in the pilgrimage. The walk is scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. from Plaza Weyler, culminating at Plaza de la Candelaria.
Students from various schools including CEIPs El Draguillo, García Escámez, Georgia Martín Hernández, Gesta 25 de Julio, La Rosa, La Salud, Las Delicias, Las Retamas, Los Dragos, Los Menceyes, Los Verodes, Rambla de Santa Cruz, Salamanca, San Andrés, Santa Cruz de California, and Villa Asención will assemble at Weyler Square. They will proceed down Castillo Street towards Plaza de la Candelaria, where they will enjoy a children’s show and showcase performances prepared for Canary Islands Day. Dressed in traditional Canarian attire, the schoolchildren will take centre stage for the festivities.
Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized the significance of the event as “a wonderful opportunity for young families to acquaint themselves with our traditions, ensuring the preservation of our customs through this inaugural children’s pilgrimage in the city centre streets.” Councilor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero, described the activity as a means to “promote the transmission of our culture and Canarian identity, introducing youngsters to our traditions.” Education and Youth Councilor Charín González expressed hope that this maiden pilgrimage will pave the way for future events, stating, “Our goal is to promote our traditions to a wider audience, particularly the younger generation.”
