The pilgrimage honouring the Santísimo Cristo de Paso Alto, scheduled for tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., will conclude the patron saint festivities of El Toscal, which have been ongoing since September 27. This tradition, revived a decade ago, involves a procession carrying the image, reminiscent of the custom initiated by the residents of El Toscal every September 23, to express gratitude for the protection given to the city during the assault by the English Rear Admiral Horacio Nelson.
The Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, encourages all citizens to join in this restored tradition. “Not only does the faith and devotion of the Toscaleros and Toscaleras gather around the image of the Christ of Paso Alto, but also that of the entire Chicharrero community, who emerged victorious from the attempted invasion by the British. This pilgrimage serves as an opportunity to remember that triumph.”
The councillor for the Centro Ifara district, Purificación Dávila, highlights that “this pilgrimage was once the oldest in Santa Cruz until it was discontinued. The Toscaleros hold great faith in the image of that painting, especially since a British frigate and a howitzer dropped up to 41 bombs on the castle of Paso Alto. Remarkably, one of these struck inside the chapel housing this Christ’s painting, and it remained entirely unharmed.” Dávila expressed gratitude to the Military Historical Centre of the Canary Islands for their involvement in the organisation of this event.
The pilgrimage will commence at 7:30 p.m., starting from the San Agustín cross, located at the intersection of San Francisco and La Marina streets, towards the Fuerte de Almeyda, where the Peña del Lunes Folklore Group will also be in attendance along with representatives from the Historical Cultural Association La Gesta July 25, 1797. Concluding the event, a Canarian sung mass will be held, performed by Achamán-Jóvenes Sabandeños, at the parade ground.
