At 2:00 p.m. today, Tegueste welcomed approximately 10,000 participants for the 56th Pilgrimage honouring Saint Mark the Evangelist. No one wished to miss out on this event steeped in traditions, marking the commencement of the series of major pilgrimages in the Canary Islands. Not even the sun and rain, which made a timely appearance as a symbolic gesture to our fields and vineyards.
Thus, Tegueste once again takes on the mantle of being the epicentre of folklore and tradition on the island. It not only showcases representation from all the islands in the Archipelago but also presents their unique carts, numbering 28 this year in an exceptional style that revives, promotes, and spreads the traditions of the Canarian people, particularly those of the municipality of Tegueste, in their purest essence.
As is customary every year, the locals of Tegueste extended their warmth, gastronomy, and wine to visitors as a symbol of the municipality’s hospitality.
The proceedings commenced at 11:30 a.m. with the celebration of the Solemn Eucharist, followed by a procession led by the departure of San Marcos. The sacred image embarked on the 56th Pilgrimage in her honour, followed by the entire retinue led by Tegueste’s mayor, Ana Mena, accompanied by the president of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, along with members of the local teguester Corporation and dignitaries.
The pilgrimage meandered through the streets of La Audiencia, El Carmen, Nueva, Prebendado Pacheco, Plaza San Marcos, El Pinar, and La Placeta; a jubilant festivity featuring carts, boats, the Flower Dance, livestock, and folkloric groups from our islands.
Among the myriad of festivities, folkloric groups, livestock, and dances, the Tegueste pilgrim procession included the boats of Tegueste, San Luis, and El Socorro; alongside the carts of Pedro Álvarez, Las Canteras, El Gamonal, El Murgaño, Los Binchenis, the Teófilo Pérez School, La Pedrera, Imidahuem, La Gorgolana, El Cantillo, Teguazo, La Canocha, La Peña, El Molino, La Padilla, Tesegue, Los Currillos, Achineche, Isizo, Mahey, Chinijos, El Garabato, La Golisma, Los Puntales, Escuela La Padilla, and San Luis.
This year’s 56th Pilgrimage of San Marcos witnessed one of the most extensive security and transportation deployments in recent memory, with 260 personnel comprising officers from the Tegueste Local Police (9), the La Laguna Local Police (20), the General Corps of the Canarian Police (20), and the Civil Guard (120) across various units and specialities (Traffic, GRS, Seprona, Usersi, etc.), ensuring the seamless execution of the festivities.
Following the procession, the town mayor affirmed that “the Tegueste Pilgrimage exemplifies that traditions are currently thriving, owing to the commendable efforts of the cart drivers and the splendour of their carts, supplemented by the dances, revelries, and boats.” “The Tegueste pilgrimage boasts a distinct identity, crafted by the amalgamation of traditions, centuries-old history of boats and dances, as well as the deep-rooted involvement of numerous families with the carts, true emblems of Tegueste,” she remarked. “Here in Tegueste, we take immense pride in the cultural heritage we uphold and pledge to safeguard it against the eroding effects of time or societal evolution, ensuring our roots are never forgotten,” extending gratitude to all those who “attired in traditional attire, attended this Pilgrimage with utmost reverence, an admirable gesture contributing to the preservation of our festivities,” affirmed Mena.
Similarly, the municipal administration acknowledges the dedication of all individuals responsible for ensuring the successful and secure conduct of this gala.
It is to be noted that tomorrow, Monday, April 29, the Day of the Cartwright will be commemorated, commencing at 2:00 p.m. on Calle de La Audiencia, where the cart drivers will exhibit the carts that partook in the Pilgrimage of San Marcos Evangelista.
