The town revelled in a carnival dedicated to Crispín on Wednesday, as per tradition. This year, the carnival doll was dressed as a clown, paying homage to the circus world. Crispín, a character created 45 years ago, was inspired by a local resident from La Cancela who, during the Dictatorship era, used to roam the streets with a doll on his shoulder and carnival attire. Despite his love for carnivals, he had to discard the doll and flee whenever he spotted the repressive police, who chased him relentlessly year after year. In 1979, councilor Rigoberto González revived these popular carnival celebrations, adopting a tradition already cherished by many. Initially, Crispín’s figurine was crafted at the La Milagrosa marble factory and paraded through the town’s significant districts, from Cruz del Teide to El Calvario. Eventually, the procession made its way to the town hall square and later to the Plaza de la Constitución. Nowadays, the event takes place in the town hall square, culminating in the burning of the doll in the V Centenario square. For the first 25 years, the custom included toasting the participants and offering roasted sardines, bread, and wine to the attendees in the evening.
The Crispin’s burial is coordinated by the Festival Department of the La Orotava city council and always involves the collaboration of the town’s carnival groups and carnival enthusiasts, who are the true stars of this vibrant festival.
The mourning commenced on Ash Wednesday, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, at around 7:00 p.m. in the town hall square, with the 101 Brass Band providing a poignant musical accompaniment. The procession then traversed the streets of the historic center, escorting Crispín to the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, where the village carnival-themed doll was set alight. The Peña El Casco Fanfare, along with mournful widows, individuals dressed as nuns, priests, bishops, and many spontaneous participants, accompanied the procession, grieving the burning and bidding goodbye to Crispín until the next carnival. Notably, the Carnival queen, the bridesmaids, party councilor Alexis Pacheco, and other members of the municipal corporation were in attendance. The Heat School group added to the atmosphere, providing the perfect conclusion to the evening.
The festivities continue on Thursday with a carnival celebration at the Francisco Álvarez Abrante auditorium, followed by a children’s festival in the Plaza de San Juan on Friday. On Saturday, the traditional piñata dance will take place in San Juan, and the carnival program concludes on Sunday with the rondallas festival at the Liceo de Taoro.
