As the afternoon sets in on the eve of the Infraoctave of Corpus Christi or Carpet Thursday in La Orotava, a festive atmosphere fills the air. The Wednesday preceding the grand celebrations (somewhat subdued this year due to the European elections disrupting the magician’s ball, the saint’s rise, and the pilgrimage) has become a must-attend event during the town’s Patron Saint Festivities. Along with the popular wine harvest presentation on Mercedes Pinto Avenue, a yearly event that once again saw tickets quickly selling out.
On this day, more and more visitors arrive to admire the magnificent tapestry laid out in the Town Hall Square, meticulously crafted with volcanic sands sourced from the Teide National Park. While some final touches were still pending, such as adding some letters, refining the heather borders, and incorporating almost imperceptible details that hold significance for the carpet makers, who aim for perfection in their work.
Yesterday, the gathering of people at the town hall steps and its surroundings hinted at the significance of the festivities to follow. Streets were closed to traffic, with diversion signs in place, as neighbours and tourists flocked to witness this ephemeral art form, many of whom were unaware of its existence but left in awe nonetheless.
From four in the afternoon, spectators eagerly positioned themselves on the balconies of the town hall houses to gain a better view of the carpet, this year artistically themed around the ‘gates of heaven’ and masterfully crafted as always by Domingo González Expósito. The intricate design captivated all who laid eyes upon it.
“This year’s display is exquisite, particularly the detail in the man’s eyes is striking. Even last year, despite the rain, it was divine. Just imagine this year,” remarked Yoya García, a local resident who makes it a tradition to witness the world’s largest ephemeral art tapestry every year, a record recognised by the Guinness Book of Records in 2006. However, many tourists visiting Tenerife remain oblivious to this Corpus Christi tradition, like Lucía Calleja and Alonso Canilla from Asturias, who were mesmerised by the display. “We adore this island, but this spectacle is truly remarkable,” they shared.
The pair learned about the tapestry creation at a church in Garachico, where a local suggested they visit La Orotava to witness it for themselves. “Had it not been for him, we would have missed out. In Asturias, similar artworks are made with flowers and salt, but this is on another level,” they emphasised.
Mario Sánchez Martínez from Baza, Granada, who was visiting Tenerife for the first time by chance, also found himself drawn to the carpet. “It is a sight to behold, though I can imagine the challenges involved in its creation. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to others.”
They were not alone in their admiration. Local residents were equally spellbound, such as Yoya García, who reiterated, “This year’s display is exquisite, particularly the detail in the man’s eyes is striking. Even last year, despite the rain, it was divine,” she expressed.
Ausi Pérez and her father, Ramón Pérez Díaz, regular attendees of the festivities, were impressed by “the vividness of the images and the realism infused into them.” “It is stunning, as always, and continues to surprise us every year,” her father remarked.
Sergio López, a young resident of Santa Úrsula, was particularly struck by “the central section, resonating with darker tones and sombre expressions.” He was referring to the heavenly space featuring the trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
This year saw no setbacks. Following the removal of the temporary covering over the square on Tuesday, the favourable weather persisted throughout, facilitating the carpet makers’ work until the final moments, allowing the grand tapestry to be appreciated in all its splendour and grandeur.
By around seven in the evening, members of the Artearena collective successfully completed their creation without any hitches, as a large audience gathered to immortalise ‘The Gates of Heaven’ on their mobile phones. The artwork depicted a celestial sky painted in various hues, watched over by an assortment of angels – some playful and carefree like children, and others solemnly guarding the heavenly expanse.
The vibrant colours will now adorn the main streets of the historic centre, filling the air with the fragrance of heather and broom from early hours. Families, friend groups, associations, and schools will commence the creation of the 35 tapestries and corridos that form part of the procession route of the Blessed Sacrament, eventually leading to the town hall square and marking the conclusion of one of the most anticipated days of the town’s Patron Saint Festivities.
