One of the most awaited days in the festive calendar of The Orotava is the Infraoctave of Corpus Christi, also known as ‘carpet Thursday’ by the villagers. On this day, the streets of the historic centre come alive with thousands of visitors who witness exquisite ephemeral art creations.
The day commenced early with the tolling of bells and a 7:30 am mass attended by carpet makers. The air was filled with the aroma of toasted heather and flowers, the main elements used to craft the carpets and murals that adorn the procession route leading to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
This year, the artisans faced no challenges in sourcing the desired hues for their artworks, with the exception of green and red, for which the association procured flowers for them.
As a result, they worked with a more relaxed attitude, beginning their preparations later than usual but with the same enthusiasm and dedication.
Clad in identifying shirts, each member of the association, family, or group focused on their task, which demands patience and precision but rewards with laughter and anecdotes shared over drinks and snacks throughout the day. Some meticulously followed a posted sketch for the final display, while others provided verbal instructions to their peers.
Boxes and bags of coloured petals passed from hand to hand to fill in the intricate designs. The creations ranged from geometric patterns to floral motifs and even references to technology and migration.
Participants of all ages and genders came together to partake in a tradition spanning over a century and a half. This tradition predates the ephemeral altars, temporary sanctuaries where the procession takes a break before reaching Plaza del Ayuntamiento – a tradition revived after four centuries this year.
Several years ago, historian Lorenzo Santana Rodríguez unearthed notarial records from 1624 depicting what is believed to be an altar of rest for Corpus Christi. This discovery led to the rediscovery of the tradition of ephemeral altars, culminating in the construction of four altars by multiple parishes in La Orotava: Santo Domingo de Guzmán, San Juan Bautista, and San Isidro Labrador.
Daniel Benítez Gómez, a member of the Brotherhood of Calvario, elucidated the significance of the altars to curious spectators, elaborating on the meticulous symbolism embedded in each element like flowers, fruits, patron saints, and religious symbols.
This year marks 400 years, a testament to the four-century-old tradition of ephemeral art celebrated through the creation of altars that, like the floral carpets, vanish after the procession passes through.
The Blessed Sacrament processions conclude at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, blessing the Great Tapestry
Following the Eucharist at La Concepción parish, the procession carrying the Blessed Sacrament traversed the carpeted path from the Monteverde House, where the first carpet was laid, to Plaza del Consistorio, arriving past 9:00 pm for the blessing ceremony. The procession was led by Bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Bernardo Álvarez, accompanied by Monsignor Bernardito Cleopas Auza, various civil, religious, and military dignitaries.
