SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 27 Aug (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Tenerife Island Council and the Güímar Town Hall will deploy nearly 300 personnel for the Descent and Pilgrimage of the Virgin of El Socorro, an event set to occur on Saturday, 7 September, with an anticipated attendance of around 100,000 participants.
The team will consist of members from the Cabildo, Civil Guard, Local Police, Canarian Police, Civil Protection and Red Cross, strategically positioned along the six-kilometre route.
On Tuesday, Güímar Town Hall convened a coordination meeting with representatives from all involved organisations, attended by Mayor Gustavo Pérez; Councillor for Safety and Road Signs, Cándido Gómez; and the island directors of Natural Environment and Safety and Emergencies, Pedro Millán and Iván Martín, respectively.
Gustavo Pérez stated in a communication that “it is crucial to coordinate actions to ensure a secure celebration,” expressing gratitude for the efforts of all entities and administrations engaged in the operation.
“We aim for El Socorro to remain welcoming and generous to the residents of Güímar and visitors, whilst upholding safety protocols. We have collaborated with the Council to implement protective measures for the badlands and field hospital, as well as to arrange waste collection during the event. With thousands expected due to the weekend, we must have all preparations in place as we anticipate a potential record attendance,” Pérez elucidated.
Iván Martín noted that the Council is undertaking several initiatives, including the establishment of field hospitals with support from the Red Cross, both at the slope and the local football pitch.
“There will also be various cleanliness stations along the route equipped with an innovative self-protection system, and we will have the Güímar team from the Tenerife Fire Brigade Consortium on standby,” he added.
Pedro Millán emphasised the importance of safeguarding the Malpaís de Güímar Special Nature Reserve, outlining measures to protect it by erecting a perimeter fence to prevent access to the large mountain cone, which is prohibited.
He mentioned that “we will be supported by the Environment and Seprona agents from the Civil Guard to ensure compliance with regulations and that both the ascent and descent proceed smoothly.”
Cándido Gómez indicated that a significant turnout is expected and that it is vital to be “coordinated” with all entities to ensure that attendees can savour the festivities.
