A lengthy path on foot, infused with the fragrance of blossoms, marked the commencement of the journey towards the core of the capital’s Santa Lastenia cemetery, which welcomed hundreds of visitors yesterday. In honour of the traditional All Saints’ Day, attendees arrived at this cemetery to pay respects to their departed loved ones and adorn the niches and graves in memory of their spirits.
This was a serene procession of families, observing respectful silence while carrying an array of vibrant flower bouquets, a sight familiar every 1st of November. Notably, there were no significant crowds or traffic delays outside Santa Lastenia, as many attendees noted that individuals increasingly distribute their visits over the days preceding and following this occasion, thanks to the Santa Cruz City Council’s decision to extend the cemetery’s opening hours. This cemetery is among the largest on the Island.
The capital boasts seven municipal cemeteries spread across various districts, including Santa Lastenia, San Rafael, San Roque, El Sobradillo, Taganana, Igueste de San Andrés, and Punta de Anaga. The cemetery in San Andrés, located near Las Teresitas beach, is currently undergoing rehabilitation by the Government of the Canary Islands.
As a result, the council has arranged for opening hours from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on October 29, 30, and 31, as well as yesterday, November 1. Outside these dates, the regular hours of 08:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. will be maintained.
Moreover, to ensure that all citizens could honour their loved ones in a safe and organised environment, the entry of vehicles into the Santa Lastenia cemetery was prohibited, with the exception of funeral vehicles and processions. Consequently, given the cemetery’s extensive grounds, a complimentary bus service was provided for visitors.
Among those who visited the capital’s cemetery yesterday were María and her husband, who came to pay tribute to their parents. They shared that, due to work commitments, they were unable to visit on the previous days, so they took advantage of the holiday to clean and decorate the respective niches with flowers.
They expressed that, despite the number of attendees, they anticipated a greater level of congestion, particularly outside, leading them to opt for public transport to Santa Lastenia. “We come every year because it is a tradition that we must uphold. Our parents and loved ones rest here, and it feels wonderful to bring flowers and feel a closer connection to them,” they remarked.
Nearby, Michelangelo was waiting for a ladder to reach the top of his grandparents’ niche. “My grandparents are here, although they have a grave on an upper level, and my wife is hesitant to come alone and climb up to tend to it. I do it, and I do so with sentiment and emotion because this day is one to remember our loved ones as they deserve,” he added.
A plethora of flowers emanating from love created a vivid tableau for a day of sorrow and contemplation in remembrance of those who have departed. The tradition of decorating the graves of the deceased is longstanding, as highlighted by the Association of Growers and Exporters of Flowers and Plants of the Canary Islands (Asocan), which states that the first grave containing flowers was discovered in Israel, a find dating back nearly 13,700 years, where remnants of aromatic plants like sage and mint were found at the burial site. This discovery indicates that this practice has roots much deeper than previously assumed.
Additionally, other theories regarding the decoration of memorials for deceased loved ones suggest that vigils were held for multiple days. As decomposition, especially in warm weather, intensified unpleasant odours, flowers were added to mask the scent. This tradition has persisted through the ages, as witnessed yesterday.
La Laguna features music for a special day in its five municipal cemeteries
Yesterday, the cemeteries in La Laguna welcomed hundreds of visitors wishing to maintain the tradition of bringing flowers and tending to the graves of family members and loved ones. The cemeteries of San Luis, San Juan, San Gregorio in Punta del Hidalgo, Valle de Guerra, and Tejina extended their visiting hours to accommodate vast numbers during the All Saints’ celebrations. The musical accompaniment provided by various bands from the municipality enriched the atmosphere, with classical compositions enhancing the remembrance of this meaningful day.
Religious observances in the cemeteries will continue throughout these days. Mass schedules are set to take place today at 12:00 p.m. in Valle de Guerra, at 4:00 p.m. in San Juan, and at 10:00 a.m. in the San Luis cemetery.
