The iconic district of La Florida, in La Orotava, is currently engaging, as is customary during this time in January, in the festivities celebrating San Antonio Abad and the Virgin of La Esperanza, recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in the Canary Islands. The diverse activities included in the programme commenced in mid-January and will reach their peak next Sunday the 26th with the 42nd Pilgrimage honouring its patron saints, an event that draws a substantial number of pilgrims alongside the general public.
Among the highlights is the well-loved puchero, which annually attracts thousands of attendees from all corners of the island, as well as visitors from other parts of the archipelago and tourists, who gather in the neighbourhood to savour this traditional Canarian dish. This event has evolved into one of the most significant gastronomic festivals in the Canary Islands. Representatives from regional, local, and island authorities will also be present.
This year, the Puchero will occur on Saturday, January 25th. The day prior, on the 24th, local groups and many residents will focus on all the necessary preparations, which for the first time will be held at the Leoncio Estévez school sports centre. On this occasion, aprons provided by the Presidency of the Government of the Canary Islands will be distributed. Specifically, there will be 15 special leather aprons designed to withstand high temperatures for cooks, in addition to another 30 fabric aprons for assistants. Each will be emblazoned with ‘Puchero de La Florida’ and the logo of the regional government.
On the morning of Saturday 25th, the Livestock Fair, now in its 53rd edition, will take place first, featuring a procession of the images of San Antonio Abad and the Virgin of Hope to bless the livestock following the mass celebration at the venue. The Puchero will be prepared and enjoyed on the plot located in front of the neighbourhood’s football field. To mitigate traffic and parking issues, it is recommended to use public transport. Titsa will once again enhance services on lines 345 and 373. Additionally, this year, a complimentary bus service will operate between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., departing from Sor Soledad Cobián Avenue every half hour.
To prepare the traditional stew, approximately 70 large stainless steel cauldrons, each weighing over 125 kilos, will be required. The ingredients exceed 4,000 kilos, adhering to the traditional recipe but in larger quantities. This includes more than 700 kilos of pumpkin, over 700 kilos of chayotes, 400 kilos of cabbages, 90 kilos of beans, 90 kilos of carrots, 20 kilos of pineapples, 18 bags of potatoes, and 50 kilos of sweet potatoes; alongside 80 kilos of chickpeas, pork ribs, bacon, 50 kilos of leeks, 20 kilos of garlic, 4 bags of onion, 15 kilos of parsley, and 250 kilos of gofio. Local produce grown by residents themselves will be used. The cooking of the stew is conducted over a low flame using dried broom from Teide National Park and takes a minimum of two hours. The day will feature entertainment from the groups Magec and La Clase Apart.
The local council appreciates the exemplary commitment of the residents and community groups, not only during the festival activities but also in various other projects and initiatives they undertake throughout the year aimed at revitalising and preserving local customs, traditions, and ethnographic and cultural heritage.
