Today, the traditional Livestock Fair is taking place at the Las Dehesas site, one of the most awaited events of the Patron Saint Festivals in La Orotava. This edition is set to showcase approximately 1,200 livestock animals: around a thousand goats and sheep, along with cattle, horses, mules, black pigs, and free-range animals.
In the morning, visitors can enjoy horse shows and kids can participate in a milking workshop. Various stands related to the agricultural-livestock industry, handicrafts, and the La Orotava Farmer’s Market will also be available.
Animal reception starts at 08:00, and the venue opens at 09:00. At 11:00 a.m., the fair will kick off with the traditional pigeon release, followed by the arrival of the patron saints for a holy mass, accompanied by the singing of the Parranda San Miguel Folkloric Group, and the subsequent blessing of the showcased livestock.
Farmers participating in the exhibition, where a calf will be raffled, will vie for awards in different categories for the best animals and herds. Besides these accolades, all breeders receive financial assistance from the local government. After the ceremony honouring the ranchers and farmers, there will be a return procession, concluding with a fireworks display at Calvary upon arrival.
At 7:00 p.m., a Eucharist will be held at the San Isidro parish, during which new members of the farmer’s brotherhood will receive sashes and insignias. Following the homily, the Elder Brother will step down. An hour later, the traditional Subida del Santo will commence, culminating at the La Concepción church.
This year, as part of the official celebration of the patronage of San Isidro Labrador, there is a change in the route of the Subida, a small pilgrimage that is, however, one of the largest in the Canary Islands, awaiting the one on Sunday. Instead of heading towards the church through Inocencio García in the final section, the route will go along Tomás Zerolo to La Carrera, placing the Saints in the town hall square for a fireworks display. Subsequently, the Saints will proceed to the parish, while the square will host the traditional Son 21 concert.
