Following the grand celebration of the Hearts of Tejina, yesterday marked, as is customary each year, the event of removing the fruits and cakes that embellish the structures crafted by the three neighbourhoods of the town (El Pico, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo). These items are distributed from the hearts themselves to those gathered in the vicinity, in an event that is equally beloved by the local residents.
The day commenced yesterday morning with the amusing cross celebration and progressed to midday with the Cuban Festival in the Church Square, featuring performances by Quimbao La Nuit and Troveros de Asieta.
At 6.30pm, the Hanging of the Hearts event took place, uniting residents from the three neighbourhoods, who engaged in friendly competition for some of the sought-after flour cakes or fruit hurled from the magnificent structures, akin to trophies.
A festive atmosphere
The day concluded with the Polka Battle in the Plaza de El Ramal, and the Festivities Programme in honour of San Bartolomé continues today with the Pique de Parrandas, at 11:00 in the Plaza de la Iglesia. This event showcases performances from the parrandas of each of the three hearts, and the lively banter between fans of the respective neighbourhoods is palpable.
During the event, La Laguna City Council and the Canary Islands Blood Donation Institute will also award the Hemocorazones Prize to the neighbourhood that has contributed the most blood donations throughout the usual campaign that occurs during these festivities.
