The quaint settlement of El Socorro has been adorned as it is each year to receive a significant influx of guests and admirers of the image of the Virgin, which lends its name to the town of Güimarero. Nearly 600 years ago, this manifestation occurred on the beach then known as Chimisay, before being transferred to Chinguaro, where Antón Guanche established ownership. Thus commenced a connection between the indigenous Canarians and Christianity, leading to expressions like this pilgrimage, regarded as the oldest of its kind celebrated in the Canary Islands. The event occurs annually on the 7th of September, the eve of the main feast day of the Virgin.
This year, the fact that the date falls on a Saturday has elevated expectations for attendance from pilgrims and visitors in Güímar, with the local authorities anticipating around 100,000 attendees. They will gather from morning onwards, beginning with the Descent at 7:00 a.m., and will continue until Sunday afternoon when the Ascent commences around 5:00 p.m. The flow of both devotees and non-devotees between El Socorro and the Church of San Pedro in Güímar is expected to be incessant, prompting the deployment of 300 personnel from various security agencies to ensure that proceedings occur smoothly and without issues.
At 6:00 a.m., a mass will take place at San Pedro, followed by the descent from the chapel of El Calvario an hour later. The arrival of the Virgin at El Socorro is anticipated at 11:30 a.m. Upon arrival, a welcome mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. In the afternoon, the image will be transported to the Cruz de Tea in Llano de la Virgen for the ceremony commemorating the appearance to the Guanches. The proceedings will conclude with a procession back to the chapel of El Socorro. Later in the evening, following a mass dedicated to the faithful departed, the traditional Las Candelas procession will occur.
The Department of Culture is keen to promote the traditional game of Even or Odd, which will occur on the 8th of September in Güímar, coinciding with the return of the Virgin of El Socorro to the church of San Pedro. They encourage all pilgrims to engage in this activity. The game is straightforward: one holds a number of almonds in their hand, keeps their fist closed, and asks the other player, of the opposite sex, the well-known question, “Even or Odd?”. If the guess is correct, the person must hand over all the almonds concealed in their hand. The Climb will begin at 5:00 p.m.
