This year holds particular significance for the residents of Garachico as the lustral celebrations of the Blessed Christ of Mercy coincide with the customary patron saint festivities of Santa Ana and San Roque. These events will take place on the 2nd and 3rd, commencing in July and culminating on the 16th with the traditional pilgrimage. While the initial celebration is already quite remarkable, this year it is especially noteworthy as it makes a return to the municipality after a ten-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
One of the most anticipated days falls on August 3, when the artisanal fireballs, crafted and launched by locals using iron hooks, are unleashed in the area of Risco. This takes place in the protected landscape of the cliffs to simulate the volcanic eruption of 1706. These fireballs are constructed from round stones wrapped in layers of potato or coffee and enhanced with pineapples during their journey. Once this display concludes, another spectacle begins—fireworks choreographed to music, staged in the bay, which serves as the grand finale to the celebrations of the Holy Christ of Mercy.
Currently, it is true that neither event has received the required authorization from the pertinent authorities; in the first instance, the Cabildo de Tenerife, and in the second, the General Directorate of Coasts. However, the City Council has prepared and submitted a detailed report outlining the historical context, technical aspects, security measures, and cleaning protocols envisaged for the celebrations. This includes traffic management on the road leading to the San Pedro area.
The Councilor for Fiestas, Andrés Hernández, recalls that in 2015, the permission granted came with conditions, with an environmental officer from the Insular Corporation visiting the upper part of the town and port from where the balls are launched. “On the slope where the washing area is located, there is almost no vegetation,” he remarks, adding that this year firefighters, equipped with ropes, have cleared it.
Regarding coastal activities, the Piro-Musical show operates in public domains and traffic servitudes, necessitating compliance with certain stipulations that the hired pyrotechnics must fulfil, according to the mayor’s requirements.
Andrés Hernández mentions that the Department of Fiestas is currently preparing to initiate initial contact to address any queries these officials may have. Meanwhile, the mayor, José Heriberto González, expresses hope that this preliminary interaction will not extend beyond the middle of the forthcoming month.
A Matter of Timing
The Cabildo de Tenerife is set to process the required authorization as with other applications. Currently, others are being addressed that are more imminent, as we are on April 21 and the fireworks at Risco are slated for early August, as stated by the Insular Corporation representatives.
In similar terms, the Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability and Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, notes, “We have been in contact with the City Council for some time, and we must evaluate the situation to ascertain the conditions under which authorization is granted.” As of now, she adds, “there is nothing definitive as we are still in April, and we will hold another meeting shortly.”
