The Route of Brother Pedro will take place once again, as has been customary for 18 years, covering the 19 kilometres between Vilaflor de Chasna and the sacred site of the cave in Granadilla de Abona, this Saturday. The announcement of this event was made yesterday in the Chasnero municipality, attended by the Mayor of Granadilla, José Domingo Regalado; the Mayor of Vilaflor, Agustina Beltrán, and the parish priests from both towns, Valentín González and Arnovio Galavis Vivas.
Thousands are expected to gather along this trail, a representation of collective memory that holds significant natural, cultural, historic, and religious importance. The initiative, with registration available online on the municipal websites of both councils, is organised by the two municipalities in collaboration with Aena, Titsa, and volunteers from the religious community.
During the presentation, José Domingo Regalado remarked, “Granadilla de Abona has a strong connection with Holy Brother Pedro, even prior to his canonisation, with the cave being a significant pilgrimage site historically.” He further added that this route retraces “the journey that Brother Pedro made with his flock of goats before departing for America four centuries ago, whilst also fostering unity and goodwill with Vilaflor de Chasna, as well as providing a unique experience of the landscape for all pilgrims and participants along the way.” Agustina Beltrán commented, “This event and everything associated with Brother Pedro’s legacy holds great significance for us. He is the first Holy Canary, and we take immense pride in his contributions.”
The event will start at 7 in the morning from the Plaza de Vilaflor, with Titsa Guaguas services operating from 5 in the morning to the cave at a cost of four euros. A mass will be celebrated at 6 in the morning in the parish of Vilaflor, and the walk will commence at 7, departing from the urban area towards the cave, reaching the destination around 13:00. Participants can choose alternate routes starting from the convent in Granadilla (9:30 am); Pool of the pine in El Chorro (also at 9:30); San Isidro Culture Square (10:30); and Plaza de El Médano (11:30).
The route begins at approximately 1,400 metres above sea level and spans 19 kilometres. Over the course of about five hours, walkers can enjoy a variety of natural and cultural heritage sites.
The Titsa Shuttle Guagua will start operating on demand from 5, although users are advised to arrive by 4:30. The departure will be from the car park adjacent to the cave of Brother Pedro. The route will encompass: Cave of Brother Pedro-Carretera de los Coats-Los Coats-Las Chafiras-San Miguel-Jama-La Escalona-Vilaflor (Los Castaños stop).