“First of January, second of February, third of March, fourth of April, fifth of May, sixth of June, seventh of July San Fermín“. These verses that depict the Sanferminera staircase lead to one of the major festivities in Spain. San Fermín launches the txupinazo and the encierros begin to invade the streets of Pamplona.
A festival that divides two factions: those who support it and those who oppose it due to the treatment of bulls on the streets of Pamplona. Therefore, it is possible that there is a festival in the north of Tenerife that unites both sides: the unique San Fermín celebration of Tenerife.
A peculiar encierro
In La Hoya Ana Díaz, in the municipality of Icod de los Vinos, the patronal festivities are celebrated for its saint. As expected, they begin with a txupinazo and from the 1st to the 10th of July, various events take place, culminating in a highlight: the encierro through the neighborhood streets. On this occasion, two bulls traverse every corner until they reach the square.
The bull and the cow Lola are two animals created from a wheelbarrow, which is pushed by two people chasing anyone who crosses their path. This festival has a history that dates back several years. It is the only place in Canarias where these festivities are celebrated, in honour of the lady who donated the land to build a church: Fermina.
The encierro, which was attended by the Mayor of Icod de los Vinos, Javier Sierra, as one of the participants, is the prelude to the presentation of the flags. The outgoing Festival Committee hands over these items to the one that will be responsible for organising the next celebration the following year.
An event where many people, young and old, gather every year to celebrate a joyful, fun festival without controversy regarding the treatment of animals. An encierro that ends in the square of the La Hoya Ana Díaz neighbourhood, where music and entertainment engulf the locals who come to shout “¡Viva San Fermín!”.
