The annual calendar of Tenerife pilgrimages has commenced. This past Sunday marked the starting point in both the South and North at Arona and Tigaiga (Los Realejos), honouring San Antonio Abad. Though distinct in their celebrations, they share the same spirit and a collective wish to enjoy oneself. The latter event adhered to the traditional ways typical of many Tenerife festivities, whereas the parade in Arona was notably enhanced by the large turnout of tourists as spectators.
«Long live the Canary Islands! Long live Arona! The Pasodoble Canary Islands concluded with these words.
The primary scene unfolded as a blend of traditional sounds and scents intermixed with sidewalks bustling with international visitors. “For many years, this pilgrimage has served as a focal point for tourists,” remarked Guacimara Tavío, the first deputy mayor of Fiestas, at the outset of the parade. “We are delighted to celebrate our patron saint’s day, San Antonio,” stated the mayor.
Alongside the evident influx of tourists, local Tenerife residents also participated, such as Teresa and her daughter Daniela, who travelled from Santa Cruz. “I have family here in Arona, and I’ve been here before. This year, I had no plans, so I decided to attend,” Teresa shared. «I am from Madrid but have resided in Santiago del Teide for years now. “I already feel like a true Tenerife local,” added Arturo, another attendee present this Sunday at the Arona parade.
Then there’s Manuel Perez, a frequent participant in cultural and ethnographic events. He resides near the El Coromoto bridge in La Laguna and travels across the Island, crafting hats pertinent to each occasion. «I woke up at five o’clock yesterday to visit the Juan Sebastian de Elcano, and next Saturday I’ll be waking up at five again to go to the La Florida pot,” he mentioned.
Guacimara Tavío highlighted that the Arona City Council provided a special complimentary bus service from the lower part of the municipality to the Aronero town, including return routes in the afternoon following the pilgrimage, which also featured a blessing of animals. It was arranged for the Wamampy and Los Ideales orchestras to enliven the evening festivities.
“How do you reach the pilgrimage?” asked Romualdo and Concepción, residents of Arafo, who opted to spend a festive day in Arona. «I believe I visited once during my youth, although I’m not entirely sure. She has never been. Recently, we heard on the radio about the festivities happening this weekend here, which inspired us to come,” he said. “Let’s see if we manage to catch a glimpse of the pilgrimage and the cattle blessing, and afterwards, we’ll grab a bite to eat before heading back home,” Concepción added.
A significant highlight of this year’s festival is the four-century anniversary of the hermitage of San Antonio Abad. “According to historical records, the origins of what we now recognize as Arona trace back to 1625,” shared representatives from the City Council. The temple’s construction, under the jurisdiction of the San Pedro de Vilaflor parish, commenced in 1627. Located in Plaza del Cristo, this structure serves as the central axis of Arona’s historic centre, which was designated as an Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) in 2006. Furthermore, this church was awarded BIC status in 2017 as a Monument.
From South to North
Meanwhile, as traditional music filled the air in Arona, Tigaiga in Los Realejos also embraced the festivities. The Eucharist was scheduled to commence at 1:00 p.m. in the hermitage of La Concepción, performed by the Cañaveral Folkloric Group from La Carrera, followed by a pilgrimage walk featuring folkloric groups and spontaneous parrandas that created a lively atmosphere in the streets.
The programme included a blessing for cattle and other animals present after the pilgrimage routes concluded, with a popular festival led by the Arguayo Band orchestra set for 5:00 p.m. The jubilant events in Tigaiga kicked off on Thursday, January 16, with the crafting and placement of a heather, fruit, and vegetable arch at the entrance of the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción.
