The Patron Saint Festivities in Honor of San Antonio Abad They are real and palpable proof that Arona does not forget its origins. Because the municipality, which has been and is the watchword of tourism as a source of wealth, has a past to preserve and pass on to future generations. Combining history and modernity is not always easy, but bringing together a mass, sung by the Parranda Chasnera, with a pilgrimage in the same day allows you to combine the best of both worlds in a festive atmosphere.
The historical background explains that “in the year 1625, the first settlers of the municipality settled, founding the hermitage of San Antonio Abad, a fact that marks the history of the settlement of Arona.” First important fact, 399 years ago what we know today as Arona began to take shape.
But there is more verified data. “The construction of the hermitage of San Antonio Abad, under the jurisdiction of the parish of San Pedro de Vilaflor, was carried out in 1627. The building is located in the Plaza del Cristo, which acts as the axis from which the historic center is articulated. of Arona, declared BIC in 2006. In addition to belonging to a complex declared as BIC, in 2017 this church has been declared BIC with the category of Monument,” the historical sources assure.
The temple was, precisely, the first stage of an unforgettable day. The mass in honor of San Antonio Abad was presided over by the members of the corporation, with Mayor Fátima Lemes in front. They were accompanied by the Mayor of the Festival, Sheila Chávez Santos; authorities and residents of the municipality who did not leave a free seat. After the liturgical celebration led by Father Arnovio, the image of San Antonio Abad was carried on his shoulders to the Plaza del Santísimo Cristo, where the crowd that could not enter the church applauded, cheered and made their requests to the saint.
The history of Arona cannot be understood without that of the land, crops, fishing… What we now call the primary sector. It is true that in the last 50 years tourism has been the driving force of the municipality and the region, but the roots of the town are what they are. And animals have always had a leading role and a very special bond with the people of Arona. For this reason, another of the most deep-rooted moments is the blessing of the animals, an emotional act due to the load of history that accumulates behind it.
The saint, six carts and thousands of people
And it was time for the popular festival: the pilgrimage. In the sky, sun and not a cloud. On the ground, with the saint in front, six carts and thousands of people arriving from all corners of Arona and other municipalities ready to enjoy everything that a pilgrimage entails.
Familiar and ‘known’ faces mixed with visitors and tourists – many of them arriving on the free buses provided by the City Council – creating a multicolored ‘picture’.
What can we say about our gastronomy… Of that festive meat, hard-boiled eggs, gofio balls, wrinkled potatoes, good wine and so many products that came and go from the middlelands to feed their people… Flavors that cannot be missed in a pilgrimage
Nor the musical notes of our folklore and typical costumes, an expression that jumps from the local to the universal with samples of men and women dressed in clothing from towns across the Islands.
This entire ‘multicolor universe’ moved through the steep streets of Arona Casco, full of ‘spectators’, the vast majority of whom with cell phones and cameras immortalized moments to remember… and to share on social networks.
