Saint Roque Celebration in Garachico
On the 16th of August every year, the streets of Garachico come alive to commemorate one of the most traditional and enduring pilgrimages in the Canary Islands. This tradition traces back to 1960, yet the devotion to the saint dates all the way back to the early 17th century. During that time, pilgrims began their journey towards his hermitage due to a plague epidemic that plagued the town, which was once a key player in Tenerife’s economy.
The town and port of Garachico will be filled with thousands of devotees, pilgrims, music, carts, and ajijides today in celebration of their patron saint. The ritual will kick off at 9:30 am with a pilgrim mass at the hermitage dedicated to San Roque. The day will commence with the lively Viva San Roquito performance by the Garachico Musical Group. An hour later, the iconic song composed in 1969 by José Baute, the most popular local anthem, will resonate through the streets.
Following this, at around 9:30 am, San Roque will welcome his faithful followers for the Eucharist celebration at the square near his hermitage. Around 10:30 am, the saint’s image will be paraded to the church of Santa Ana through one of the most traditional and symbolic routes. Accompanied by the tajaraste music, orchestrated by the brotherhood of the chácara and the drum, the procession will eventually reach the church of Santa Ana.
At approximately noon, the Eucharist will take place at the main parish sung by the Ben-Gara Cultural Association of Garachico. Following the mass, San Roque, accompanied by the Danza de Guamasa, will head to Plaza Ramón Arocha for a procession.
Tour of the Historic Centre
The procession will set off around 2:00 p.m. The Montpellier pilgrim will be joined by 19 small carts, 28 wagons, pilgrims, groups of people, teams, herds of goats, colour, devotees, and faithful followers as they traverse through the historic centre’s most iconic streets.
The route will start from Pérez Zamora Street, then move on to Esteban de Ponte Street, before concluding along Via San Roque, leading to the patron saint’s chapel.
Once the pilgrimage concludes around 6:00 p.m., the Plaza de San Roque will come alive with the pilgrims’ dance, featuring performances by the groups Saoco and Latin Sound. This marks the culmination of one of the most special and highly anticipated days of the year for the residents of Garachico and the surrounding region.
