The Romería de La Esperanza celebrated its 50th anniversary with a historic change this year, moving the traditional procession to the evening in response to the ongoing heatwave affecting Tenerife.
The event began at 7.00pm, following an hour of religious ceremonies, after organisers decided to change the schedule to improve comfort and safety for both participants and the animals taking part.
A New Schedule for Safety
The decision was made jointly by El Rosario Town Hall, the festival committee and the police.
Organisers said the later start would help reduce the impact of high daytime temperatures, particularly for the livestock that pull the traditional carts during the procession.
By the time the romería began, temperatures had fallen to around 25°C, helped by the arrival of the trade winds.
Tradition Continues
Despite the new timetable, the celebration retained its traditional atmosphere.
Residents and visitors took part in the procession alongside decorated carts, livestock, folk music and traditional Canarian food and drink.
Many participants welcomed the change, saying the cooler evening temperatures made the event more comfortable while preserving the spirit of the romería.
A Milestone for Future Celebrations
Several participants expressed support for the evening format, suggesting it could become a model for future romerías across the Canary Islands.
The Mayor of El Rosario, Escolástico Gil, also welcomed the decision, highlighting the significant drop in temperature compared with the intense midday heat.
The change reflects a growing focus on adapting traditional events to changing weather conditions while maintaining their cultural and community importance.