This Friday, 13 September, the main thoroughfares of the historical centre of La Laguna will witness a significant event in the annals of the Fiestas del Santísimo Cristo de La Laguna. The day’s schedule will commence at 7:15 pm with the customary procession of the Pandorga and the Firehorses, followed at 9:00 pm by the Night of Traditions, which this year boasts the largest Tajaraste exhibition in the history of the Canary Islands.
Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, expressed that this day “will be engraved in the memories of the entire municipality’s population, owing to the vibrancy and spectacle of these festivities and, notably, for the opportunity to secure a Guinness record in honour of the islands’ folklore.”
“We are set for a large gathering in the main thoroughfares of our city, driven by the numerous activities that will extend past midnight,” stated the mayor, who extended his gratitude to organisations such as the Aguere 70 Scout Group, the Old Town Residents Association, and the individuals and groups participating in the extensive Tajaraste, alongside the entire programme organisation by the Festivals Department of the City Council.
The parade of the Pandorga and Firehorses will commence at approximately 7:15 pm from Plaza de La Concepción, proceeding along Obispo Rey Redondo and Viana streets until its conclusion at Plaza del Cristo, the focal point of this grand celebratory day. As is tradition, the route will feature giants, large heads, bands, and fanfares, evoking the splendour and allure of the event’s origins.
The conclusion of this parade will signal the commencement of the Night of Traditions, during which special recognition will be awarded to Ángel Díaz Rodríguez and Demófilo Díaz Rojas for their efforts in preserving and promoting the festivals and traditions of Las Mercedes and the Anaga hamlets. This jubilant evening will be enlivened by performances from Los Majuelos and Achamán, along with the show ‘Piel con piel’ presented by the company Pieles.
At 10:40 pm, one of the most thrilling moments of the event will unfold with the initiation of the massive Tajaraste from Las Claras alley. More than 800 individuals from various parts of the Canary Islands will participate, with around 600 dedicated to dancing and over 200 involved in the musical section. The arrival of this folkloric procession is anticipated in Plaza del Cristo at 11:00 pm, alongside the proclamation of the Guinness record achievement by an international judge appointed for this occasion.
In this context, Dailos González expressed his gratitude for the remarkable participation from all groups across the archipelago to contribute to this milestone, noting the necessity to limit the number of Tajaraste participants due to security arrangements and the capacity of Viana Street.
The celebration will culminate with the traditional fireworks display, marking the eve of the festival at midnight, followed by festivities at the small stalls in the square, a cherished custom of the Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna that has been revived after many years due to popular demand.
