Over a thousand walkers took part today in the XVIII edition of the Route of Brother Pedro, a 19-kilometre journey between Vilaflor de Chasna and Granadilla de Abona that seamlessly integrates tradition, heritage, nature, and faith within a path boasting over 400 years of history.
Throughout the day, there were no significant incidents, apart from some minor slips during the walk, attributed to the morning’s moisture at that altitude, creating areas with limited traction.
The journey commenced at 6:30 AM, following a Mass held in Vilaflor, situated 1,500 metres above sea level.
More than five hundred participants embarked on the trail at dawn, with additional hikers and pilgrims joining from various locations across the island, notably from southern regions like Granadilla, Charco del Pino, San Isidro, and El Médano.
The event was organised by the municipalities of Granadilla de Abona and Vilaflor de Chasna, with support from organisations such as Aena, Titsa, the Nivariense diocese, alongside numerous religious and mountain volunteers.
The route, which progressed through different segments starting from Vilaflor, the Granadilla Casco convent, Charco del Pino, San Isidro, and El Médano, was safeguarded by a coordinated security arrangement involving the Local Police, Civil Protection of Granadilla de Abona and San Miguel de Abona, the Red Cross, and emergency teams in place, ensuring a safe and well-ordered day.
Since 2005, efforts to rescue and recognise the path of Brother Pedro along with the traditional roads of the Chasna region have aimed to reinforce the shared memory of Granadilla de Abona and Vilaflor de Chasna, linking the municipalities of Fasnia, Arico, Granadilla, San Miguel de Abona, and Vilaflor through a journey that preserves living history, identity, and landscape.
Agustina Beltrán, the mayor of Vilaflor de Chasna, emphasised that “Brother Pedro’s route has grown in significance each year, transforming into a vital event for both believers and non-believers.”
She also highlighted the collaborative efforts to enhance the journey, including the restoration of several sections of the old Royal Camino de Chasna, which has facilitated road crossings and created a safer and more appealing route for hikers.
“Our primary goal, in collaboration with the City of Granadilla and always in partnership, is to formalise the route so it can be undertaken at any time of the year, whether as a pilgrimage or mountain path,” she elaborated.
400 Years of Commemoration
“For us, recognising the humanitarian and charitable work of our first Holy Canary is vital. I encourage the municipalities, cabildos, and the Government of the Canary Islands to support this initiative,” she stated.
Furthermore, she noted that next year, which marks the 400th anniversary of his birth, would be “the perfect and most meaningful” time to carry out this recognition.
In turn, José Domingo Regalado, the mayor of Granadilla de Abona, described the day as “a splendid opportunity for togetherness,” also noting that “the weather was favourable” during the journey. Regalado congratulated all participants and expressed gratitude for the efforts of those who ensured the route proceeded “with the normalcy and safety that such events demand.” He also affirmed that the City of Granadilla de Abona “will continue striving to maintain and enhance this route,” which today celebrated its “coming of age” with the realisation of its 18th edition.
Co-Patron of the Canary Islands
Pedro de San José de Betancur, known as Brother Pedro, was born in Vilaflor in 1626. At the age of 23, he emigrated to Guatemala, where he dedicated his life to helping the most disadvantaged: he established the first hospital for convalescents in America, founded inclusive schools, and created the order of the Betlemitas. His humanitarian and spiritual contributions led to his canonisation in 2002 by Pope John Paul II, making him the first saint of the Canary Islands and Central America.
In honour of his legacy, the municipalities of Vilaflor de Chasna, San Miguel, and Granadilla de Abona unanimously agreed to designate Brother Pedro as Co-Patron of the Canary Islands. The Cabildo de Tenerife also endorsed this request.
