The 680 tables laid out for this edition were filled with tradition, local cuisine, and a magnificent ambience of pilgrims
San Cristóbal de La Laguna celebrated one of its most anticipated nights of the year this Friday, thanks to the Baile de Magos for San Benito Abad 2025. Approximately 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 between the area of La Concepción and Marqués de Celada Street.
The mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, emphasised “the excitement it brings to this local Corporation to see the magnificent atmosphere that has been created in this city around a festival that attracts people from all corners of the island and from other parts of the Canaries. Our streets are more vibrant than ever to the sound of our musical groups and regional dances, all complemented by the colourful outfits worn by the pilgrims who have come to enjoy this historic event.”
Meanwhile, the Councillor for Festivals in La Laguna, Dailos González, highlighted “the great reception this dance has received since it opened its doors at 19:00, when the first tables were filled with local products, instruments, traditional costumes, and neighbours eager to explore the three musical environments and the four stages we have set up for this edition.”
The music began at the foot of the La Concepción tower from 21:30, with performances by the folk groups Arraigo, Santa Ana, San Borondón, and the folk group Los Majuelos. Then, the first notes of the parrandas Cuevas de Lino and Los Muchachos echoed from the stage set up on Marqués de Celada Street, while the verbena around the church of San Benito commenced, featuring performances by the orchestras Malibú Band, Sabrosa, and Revelación. Finally, the group Atenia headlined the last stage, located near the fountain in La Concepción square.
The night progressed smoothly and without notable incidents, as confirmed by the security measures in place for this event, which involved the Local Police, National Police, Canary Police, Civil Protection, and the Civil Guard, among other security bodies.
Once the Baile de Magos concluded, the programme for these festivities has a broad agenda of activities planned for Saturday, 12 July. For the first time, a Children’s Baile de Magos will be held, featuring musical performances, workshops, and traditional games starting from 11:00 in the square by the church of San Benito.
Around that time, a parade of the folk groups from La Laguna will depart from La Catedral square, accompanied along the way by various hand carts. The route will conclude on the Avenida Embajador Alberto de Armas, where a communal meal will cap off the event with all present.
At 20:00, the procession of the image of San Benito Abad will take place through the different streets of the city, including a historic meeting with the image of San Roque, co-patron of the city. At the end of this route, the 8 Islas Festival will begin in the square by the church of San Benito Abad, starting at 22:00 and featuring performances by renowned artists such as Javier Hernández, Candelaria González, Manuel Estupiñán, Angélica Casañas, Ciro Corujo, Víctor Bruto, and the University Folk Group, representing a musical journey through the most representative festive manifestations of the islands.
Regards.
