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Pilgrimages in Tenerife
30/04/2019
GF HOTELES VICTORIA
After the excitement of Carnival and Easter celebrations, the pilgrimage season officially begins in Tenerife . The excellent temperatures at this time of year and the splendor of the natural landscapes during spring create the perfect setting to enjoy these festivities, where tradition takes center stage.
While their origins lie in a religious context, with pilgrims typically paying homage to the saint or patron of each municipality, in recent decades these pilgrimages have taken on a much more festive and popular character. Without a doubt, the atmosphere, the vibrant colors, and the explosion of joy experienced during these celebrations make them essential experiences for anyone wishing to fully immerse themselves in Canarian traditions.
Since we're sure that experiencing a pilgrimage will make you fall even more in love with Tenerife and its people, we've decided to put together a selection of all the ones you absolutely can't miss. So, get your magician's outfit and your glass of wine ready because we're going pilgrimage tour of Tenerife!
Opening the season in Tegueste
The Feast of Saint Mark kicks off the pilgrimage season on the island. Although Tegueste is a small town, the celebration in honor of its patron saint is one of the most popular on the island. It's very popular with young people, but that doesn't diminish its authenticity. On the contrary, tradition and festivity permeate every corner of this town, making it more than worth a visit. Note that this year the date has changed and will be celebrated a week later than usual due to the General Elections. In any case, if you also have the opportunity to visit the town on the Monday following the pilgrimage, we recommend you don't miss the Day of the Cart Driver and admire the fantastic carts, handcrafted with seeds and grains.
Tradition and more tradition, from La Orotava
There is probably no town on the island more stately than La Orotava. The town boasts one of the most famous pilgrimages in the archipelago, in honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer . The distinctive traditional costumes, ranging from the vibrant red of the vests to other colors like yellow, white, or deep green, completely transform this festival, making it the perfect opportunity to fully experience the island's folklore. However, keep in mind that the locals highly value tradition, so if you plan to dress as a magician, make sure your attire is as authentic as possible. This is not only important to the locals but should also be a commitment to the islands' cultural heritage.
La Laguna: city pilgrimage
The second Sunday of July is when the San Benito pilgrimage takes place in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Although the saint lends his name to only one neighborhood, the entire city embraces the festivities in a way you've never seen before. It's surprising to see flocks of goats and sheep, donkeys, horses, and oxen wandering through streets that, on a normal day, are only frequented by pedestrians. If you want the full experience, don't forget to stop by the traditional dance, the "Baile de Magos," which is always held on Friday night. There's no better way to get warmed up for the pilgrimage.
Autumn pilgrimage in San Miguel de Abona
If you're looking for a celebration in southern Tenerife, closer to the Hotel GF Victoria***** GL , we recommend this autumn festival in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel . You'll find everything you expect from a pilgrimage: music, traditional food, local dress, and a truly authentic atmosphere among neighbors – something perhaps lost in the island's more well-known celebrations. This lively festival is well worth a visit, and you should also take the opportunity to sample the excellent local wines.
Horses to the sea: the unique pilgrimage of Adeje
The San Sebastián pilgrimage is one of the most unique on the island, and luckily, it takes place right in the same municipality where our hotel is located. Although Adeje is a town known for its coastal character, the celebration is held in honor of the patron saint of cattle farmers. Witnessing hundreds of riders plunge into the sea on horseback will give you goosebumps and, we're sure, will remain one of the best memories of your time in Tenerife. Without a doubt, a must-see.
While their origins lie in a religious context, with pilgrims typically paying homage to the saint or patron of each municipality, in recent decades these pilgrimages have taken on a much more festive and popular character. Without a doubt, the atmosphere, the vibrant colors, and the explosion of joy experienced during these celebrations make them essential experiences for anyone wishing to fully immerse themselves in Canarian traditions.
Since we're sure that experiencing a pilgrimage will make you fall even more in love with Tenerife and its people, we've decided to put together a selection of all the ones you absolutely can't miss. So, get your magician's outfit and your glass of wine ready because we're going pilgrimage tour of Tenerife!
Opening the season in Tegueste
The Feast of Saint Mark kicks off the pilgrimage season on the island. Although Tegueste is a small town, the celebration in honor of its patron saint is one of the most popular on the island. It's very popular with young people, but that doesn't diminish its authenticity. On the contrary, tradition and festivity permeate every corner of this town, making it more than worth a visit. Note that this year the date has changed and will be celebrated a week later than usual due to the General Elections. In any case, if you also have the opportunity to visit the town on the Monday following the pilgrimage, we recommend you don't miss the Day of the Cart Driver and admire the fantastic carts, handcrafted with seeds and grains.
Tradition and more tradition, from La Orotava
There is probably no town on the island more stately than La Orotava. The town boasts one of the most famous pilgrimages in the archipelago, in honor of Saint Isidore the Farmer . The distinctive traditional costumes, ranging from the vibrant red of the vests to other colors like yellow, white, or deep green, completely transform this festival, making it the perfect opportunity to fully experience the island's folklore. However, keep in mind that the locals highly value tradition, so if you plan to dress as a magician, make sure your attire is as authentic as possible. This is not only important to the locals but should also be a commitment to the islands' cultural heritage.
La Laguna: city pilgrimage
The second Sunday of July is when the San Benito pilgrimage takes place in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Although the saint lends his name to only one neighborhood, the entire city embraces the festivities in a way you've never seen before. It's surprising to see flocks of goats and sheep, donkeys, horses, and oxen wandering through streets that, on a normal day, are only frequented by pedestrians. If you want the full experience, don't forget to stop by the traditional dance, the "Baile de Magos," which is always held on Friday night. There's no better way to get warmed up for the pilgrimage.
Autumn pilgrimage in San Miguel de Abona
If you're looking for a celebration in southern Tenerife, closer to the Hotel GF Victoria***** GL , we recommend this autumn festival in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel . You'll find everything you expect from a pilgrimage: music, traditional food, local dress, and a truly authentic atmosphere among neighbors – something perhaps lost in the island's more well-known celebrations. This lively festival is well worth a visit, and you should also take the opportunity to sample the excellent local wines.
Horses to the sea: the unique pilgrimage of Adeje
The San Sebastián pilgrimage is one of the most unique on the island, and luckily, it takes place right in the same municipality where our hotel is located. Although Adeje is a town known for its coastal character, the celebration is held in honor of the patron saint of cattle farmers. Witnessing hundreds of riders plunge into the sea on horseback will give you goosebumps and, we're sure, will remain one of the best memories of your time in Tenerife. Without a doubt, a must-see.
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