If you happened to be anywhere near La Laguna on Sunday, you’ll already know…it was busy.
Very busy.
More than 20,000 people filled the historic streets for the 80th Romería Regional de San Benito Abad, one of Tenerife’s biggest and most colourful traditional celebrations.
With around 70 decorated carts, more than 40 folk groups and countless parrandas providing the music, the city was packed with locals and visitors enjoying one of the Canary Islands’ best-known festivals.
A first for the romería
This year’s event included something that had never happened before.
As part of the procession, the image of San Benito Abad met the image of San Cristóbal, the patron saint of La Laguna, which had been brought from the cathedral especially for the occasion.
The meeting took place along Calle de La Carrera, where couples dressed in traditional Canarian clothing presented the usual floral and food offerings before the procession continued through the city.
It added an extra touch to what is already one of the island’s most important cultural events.
Keeping Canarian traditions alive
The Romería de San Benito Abad is the only pilgrimage in the Canary Islands to hold official regional status.
Every year, groups travel from across the archipelago to take part, bringing traditional music, dancing, local crafts and plenty of Canarian pride with them.
It’s one of those events that reminds you Tenerife isn’t just about beaches and sunshine. The island has a rich history and traditions that are still very much alive.
A smooth day all round
Despite the huge crowds, the event passed without any major problems.
Special transport and traffic plans were put in place to help people get into and out of the city, and by all accounts everything ran smoothly.
If you’ve never been to the San Benito Romería, it’s well worth adding to your calendar for next year. Just remember two things…wear comfortable shoes and don’t expect to find an easy parking space.