Los Realejos once again turned out in force for one of the most anticipated events in its festive calendar as thousands of people gathered for the municipality’s traditional Romería in honour of San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza.
Held under the familiar blanket of northern Tenerife’s panza de burro cloud cover, the celebration brought together local residents, visitors, folk groups and almost a hundred decorated floats in a day dedicated to Canarian traditions and rural heritage.
A Celebration Rooted in Tradition
The procession began at the Parish Church of Santiago Apóstol, with the images of San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza making their way through the streets of Los Realejos accompanied by music, traditional dress and a festive atmosphere.
Adding to the authenticity of the event were members of the renowned Agrupación Folclórica Sabinosa from El Hierro, whose distinctive musical style has become a longstanding part of the celebration.
A particularly symbolic moment saw Santa María de la Cabeza carried by a group of women, while San Isidro Labrador was carried by men, continuing a tradition that has been maintained for generations.
Nearly 100 Floats Take Part
This year’s romería featured:
• Nearly 100 floats, carts and agricultural vehicles
• All local folk groups from Los Realejos
• Visiting groups that had participated in the municipality’s Festival de las Islas
• Thousands of residents and visitors lining the route
The procession followed its traditional route through the steep streets of the town, creating one of the largest and most colourful gatherings of the year.
One of the Highlights of the May Festivities
The romería serves as the grand finale of the municipality’s Fiestas de Mayo, one of the most important and extensive festive programmes in Tenerife.
Over the years, Los Realejos has worked to preserve the authenticity of the event through initiatives such as the “Como Debe Ser” campaign, launched in 2012 to promote the correct use of traditional Canarian clothing.
The campaign has included educational workshops in schools and community outreach programmes designed to encourage greater appreciation of traditional attire and customs.
Food, Music and Community Spirit
As expected, traditional food played a central role throughout the day.
Participants enjoyed classic romería favourites including:
• Bread with chorizo
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Grilled meats
• Local wine and homemade specialities
The celebrations continued throughout the afternoon, with music and dancing accompanying the procession from start to finish.
A Longstanding Tradition
The event concluded, as it began, with the participation of Agrupación Folclórica Sabinosa, which has been taking part in the Los Realejos romería for more than four decades.
Their performance marked the closing moments of a celebration that continues to be regarded as one of the most authentic and best-attended romerías in Tenerife.
For many, it remains one of the island’s finest expressions of Canarian culture, tradition and community spirit.