Yesterday afternoon, La Pandorga and the Caballitos de Fuego once again paraded through the main thoroughfares of La Laguna, infusing the area with vibrant colours and tradition through their energetic procession as part of the festivities in celebration of the Christ of La Laguna. This event was organised by the Scout group Aguere 70, in collaboration with the Association of Residents of the Historic Centre and the local council.
The procession, as is customary, featured traditional fire horses crafted from cane and paper, alongside giants, large heads, bands, and fanfares. This lively gathering was accompanied by numerous participants who revelled in the parade that commenced around 7:15 p.m. from Plaza de La Concepción and concluded at Plaza del Cristo, setting the stage for the Night of Traditions and the attempt to achieve the Guinness record for the largest gathering of Tajaraste dancers.
The origins of the Pandorga and Fire Horses parade, which was revitalised during the Christ festivities in the mid-1990s, are likely associated with equestrian decorations created in the Middle Ages for celebrations and tributes. This ritual procession faded from existence in the mid-20th century due to the hazards posed by fire lights. Nonetheless, similar parades are now also observed in various other regions of the Canary Islands as well as in certain towns in Spain and Latin America, including Mexico and Venezuela.
Main Event
The grand celebration in honour of the Christ of La Laguna reaches its peak today. The day begins at 07:00 with the ringing of the bells, followed by a civic-military procession from the town hall to the cathedral at 10:15. The morning will progress with a procession returning the image from the cathedral to its royal sanctuary. Later in the afternoon, the atrium of this temple will host a field mass at 19:00, after which the Christ will once again be paraded through the principal streets of the town, culminating in the square for the traditional Fuegos del Risco.
The Pandorga and the Firehorses fill the town of La Orotava with colour. Sergio Méndez
The Pandorga and the Firehorses fill the town of La Orotava with colour. Sergio Méndez
The Pandorga and the Firehorses fill the town of La Orotava with colour. Sergio Méndez
The Pandorga and the Firehorses fill the town of La Orotava with colour. Sergio Méndez
