San Cristóbal de La Laguna celebrated one of its most anticipated nights of the year yesterday, the Magos Ball in honour of San Benito Abad. Around 12,000 people, according to official data from the Local Police, participated in this evening of traditions and folklore, occupying the 680 tables set up around the church of La Concepción and Marqués de Celada street.
The music kicked off at the foot of the tower from 9:30 PM, featuring the folk groups Arraigo, Santa Ana, San Borondón, and Los Majuelos. Following this, the first notes of the parrandas Cuevas de Lino and Los Muchachos rang out on stage, while the festivities around the church of San Benito began with performances from the bands Malibú Band, Sabrosa, and Revelación. Lastly, the group Atenia headlined the final stage set up near the fountain in the plaza of La Concepción.
The night progressed without incidents, as confirmed by the security arrangements put in place for the event, which involved Local Police, National Police, Canary Police, Civil Protection, and the Civil Guard, among other security agencies.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, highlighted “the excitement” of witnessing “the magnificent atmosphere” created around a festivity that “attracts people from all corners of the Island and other parts of the Canaries.”
Gutiérrez emphasises that “our streets are livelier than ever to the sound of musical groups and regional dances, all complemented by the vibrancy of the outfits worn by the pilgrims at this historic event.”
The councillor for Festivals in La Laguna, Dailos González, highlighted “the great turnout” since the doors opened at 7:00 PM, when the first tables filled with local products, instruments, and traditional costumes. Among the locals were those “eager to explore the three musical environments and four stages set up.”
The programme includes a wide range of activities for today. For the first time, a Children’s Magos Ball will be held, featuring musical performances, workshops, and traditional games from 11:00 AM in the plaza of the church of San Benito. Around that time, a parade of older folk groups will set off from the Cathedral, accompanied by various hand carts. It will conclude on Embajador Alberto de Armas avenue with a communal meal.
At 8:00 PM, it will be the turn of the procession of the image of San Benito Abad, which will include a historic meeting with that of San Roque, the co-patron of the city. This will be followed by the 8 Islas Festival in the plaza of the church of San Benito, which will kick off at 10:00 PM.
