More than 400 goats looked after by seven goatherds bathed at the fishing dock of Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, on Tuesday for their “purification”, according to an ancient Guanche ritual that symbolised the protection of livestock and promoted their fertility.
The bath started at around 08:45 am on Tuesday, with the livestock arriving from various parts of Tenerife, including La Orotava, Los Realejos, and Puerto de la Cruz, in a ritual that draws both locals and tourists to this northern town on the island.
The continuation of this tradition is largely thanks to the collaboration of the Cultural Association Friends of the Goat Bathing in the Sea, led by Amílcar Fariña, who was present throughout the event at the dockside, according to a statement from the Puerto de la Cruz Town Council.
Almost two hours after the goat bathing began, representatives of the Cultural Association Auchón Guanil performed a demonstration of the stick game in front of the Customs House, accompanied by the folk group from the Faculty of Education at the University of La Laguna.
