In the foreground and at the centre of the carpet, the figure of Pope Francis can be seen in the Magno Tapiz of the Plaza del City Council of La Orotava, as though he is entering to meet the father through the son, heading towards Paradise. His inclusion is a “last-minute” tribute following his recent passing on April 21 at the age of 88, as stated by the director of the carpet, Domingo González Expósito, who unveiled the sketch and provided details, joined by the mayor, Francisco Linares; the councillor for Fiestas, Alexis Pacheco; the parish priest of the Church of La Concepción, Honorio Campos; and representatives from the Association of Carpet along with members of the Artearena Collective, responsible for its creation since 1992.
With only 45 days remaining, the team and its director have been engaged in this project for several months, preparing evidence to bring it to fruition.
Installation of the “Macrocarpa” is set to commence in the first half of May, as specified by the mayor, aiming to mark the initial strokes in anticipation of completing it for the infraoctava of Corpus Christi on June 26.
This year’s grand tapestry is titled “At the Doors of Paradise,” continuing the previous one “At the Gates of Heaven.” It possesses significant complexity due to the multitude of figures and elements incorporated into its creation, including the sky, constellations, stars, animals, rivers, seas, along with representations of both man and woman.
González Expósito elaborated on the tapestry’s message, indicating that, positioned on the left side and exiting the painting, are the figures of Adam and Eve, alongside the snake and the apple which reflect the moment of expulsion. The four evangelists—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are represented from left to right by the angel, the eagle, the absent figure of the lion, and the constellation of the bull, with heights ranging from 3.5 to 9.5 metres.
In its creation, all available colours will be utilised, including new or unusual shades, sought after for some time to achieve the utmost effect.
Stretching over 428 metres, the tapestry will feature 12 animals (symbolising the twelve apostles) along with various flowers from the planet “that encourage the preservation of nature, bring our paradise together, and demonstrate that we can be deserving of the world we inhabit,” said the director.
The smallest creature depicted is a ladybird, measuring 60 centimetres high, followed by a seahorse (one metre), a turtle (4.80 metres), and a hummingbird (7 metres). As for the flowers, the lotus reaches a height of one metre, while the lily, positioned above Jesus in the centre, attains 7 metres. The latter holds significant importance as “it is the light that dispels the darkness of the flower that is behind and beside it, which also featured in last year’s design, serving as a connection point between the two carpets.”
In this regard, Alexis Pacheco emphasised the continuity of this year’s message and that of 2024, which centres around caring for nature, life, and the environment, along with the “qualitative leap” facilitated by the new tent that covers approximately 400 square metres, enabling the creation of a unique tapestry.
The mayor, Francisco Linares, echoed similar sentiments, remarking, “It is an incredibly complex carpet, conveying a profound message of sustainability and solidarity. The tent has enabled a connection that previously seemed unattainable.” He also underscored the significance of the grand tapestry in the community’s festivities, intrinsic to our culture; thus, we cherish and safeguard it diligently.
Honorio Campos anticipated, “It will be a magnificent creation that will be admired by all who come to view it on Corpus Christi day.” Furthermore, he expressed, “This year will be particularly special and filled with excitement due to the ordination of the new Pope and the newly appointed bishop of Tenerife, Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, who is set to take possession on May 1.”
