Yesterday, the young Andrea Álvarez Curbelo was crowned as the Senior Pilgrim of the 2024 San Benito Abad Regional Festivals and Pilgrimage. Wearing an intricate 18th-century Esperanza woman’s gown, she won over the jury among 30 contenders vying for the Floral Staff during the ceremony held at the Leal Theatre in La Laguna, which saw a record attendance for this traditional event.
Sheyla García Martín, representing the Santa Cruz de Ofra-Las Mantecas Festival Commission Association, was selected as the Maid of Honour; Yazira Ledesma Ramallo, from the Real Espérides Folklore Group; Nidia Pérez González, from Los Álamos Supermarket; and Thalía Ramírez García, representing Ubaldo Vestimenta.
The judging panel was led by Juan Rodríguez, a skilled artisan, weaver, and researcher of Canarian attire.
The ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, with the presence of Dailos González, the Councillor for Fiestas of La Laguna, along with other members of the Municipal Corporation.
The evening’s hosts were Elvis Sanfiel and Yanely Hernández, and entertainment featured musical performances by Efecto Pasillo, Carla Vega, Pedro Manuel Afonso, and Iván Quintana, a renowned vocalist from the historic group Los Gofiones and the ambassador of the San Benito Abad 2024 Festivities.


Prior to the gala celebration, the candidates for pilgrim paraded through different streets in the city centre accompanied by festivities, regional dances, and the traditional boat race.
Following the selection of the Senior Pilgrim of the San Benito Abad 2024 Festivities and Regional Pilgrimage, today at 5:00 p.m., the Children’s Pilgrim and the Senior Pilgrim will also be chosen during the gala at the Leal Theatre.
Eight candidates will compete in the children’s category: Sara Yanes, Elsa Lantigua, Natalia Lugo, Azahara Pérez, Vera Lantigua, Valeria Pacheco, Valentina Santana, and Claire Delgado.
Finally, twelve candidates will vie for the title of Senior Pilgrim: Evelia Diaz, Maria del Mar Carmenatis, Natividad Garcia, Maria Isabel Dolores, Maria Luz Rodriguez, Maria del Carmen Hernandez, Maria Candelaria Perez, Candida Medina, Maria Luisa Alvarez, Maria Concepcion Hernandez, Juana Maria de Candelaria Hernandez, and Emilia Gregoria Rodriguez. The event will feature musical performances by the Minfaya Children’s Group and the Aniagua Group.
Canarian Women’s Gala
On Monday, the XXXVI Gala of the Exaltation of Canarian Women will take place at 8:00 p.m. on the stage of the Leal Theatre, with Tenerife soprano Carmen Acosta being honoured. The event is hosted by the Orfeón La Paz, in collaboration with the Department of Festivals.