The historic centre of La Laguna was the scene for the traditional procession of the Night of the Donkeys, also affectionately known as the charming pilgrimage of San Benito Abad. Fifty donkeys from the Islands, along with other animals such as mules, ponies, camels and Canarian bulls, paraded through accompanied by the music of the local parrandas laguneras.
“This commemorative event is a well-deserved tribute to the donkey, a symbol of the rural life of the Canary Islands and, by extension, of our municipality, which has seen a significant decrease in its population over the years, endangering its existence,” stated the mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez.
Similarly, Dailos González, the Fiestas Councillor in La Laguna, mentioned that “this celebration always attracts hundreds of people of all ages in our city, helping to promote this important heritage linked to the agricultural sector and to recognise the effort required to care for and maintain these animals”.
Prior to the festivities, awards were handed out for the competition of decorated balconies and windows in honour of the Fiestas de San Benito Abad 2024, organized by the Casco Residents’ Association and the Association of Friends of the San Benito Pilgrimage.
This year, a total of 53 properties competed for the best exterior decorations, with six emerging as winners. In the Upper Town category, prizes were awarded to number 80 on Lucas Vega Street and number 45 on Maya Street. In the Lower Town category, the accolades went to number 20 on Marqués de Celada Street and number 68 on Herradores Street. Additionally, a diploma and special mention were granted to number 18 on Alcalde Suárez Melián Street and number 32 on San Antonio Street.
The 2024 San Benito Abad Festival programme will run until the upcoming Sunday, 21st July. The remaining events include the 7th Cattle Walk along the Laguna Cattle Track starting this Saturday from Avenida Embajador Alberto de Armas; the 36th Cattle Dragging Competition the following Sunday; and the extraordinary and historic procession from San Benito Abad to San Lázaro and Camino de la Villa, marking the conclusion of this festive agenda in La Laguna.
