This Sunday, 19 January 2025, Tenerife will be alive with cultural heritage as two pilgrimages honouring San Antonio Abad take place in Los Realejos and Arona. These events blend folklore, gastronomy, and religion, attracting both locals and visitors.
Los Realejos: Pilgrimage in Tigaiga
The charming town of Tigaiga in Los Realejos opens its festive calendar with its annual pilgrimage for San Antonio Abad. Festivities commence at 1:00 PM with a Eucharist at the Hermitage of La Concepción, accompanied by music from the Grupo Folclórico Cañaveral de La Carrera.
Following the service, the procession winds through the streets, featuring folk groups, lively parrandas, and decorated carts accompanying the saint’s image. The pilgrimage culminates with a blessing of livestock and animals, followed by a popular verbena, enlivened by the Arguayo Band orchestra at 5:00 PM.
The festivities began on 16 January with the traditional arch of heather, fruits, and vegetables adorning the chapel of Nuestra Señora de La Concepción. Religious and cultural events have continued, building anticipation for the main celebration.
Arona: 400 Years of Tradition
In Arona’s historic centre, the pilgrimage of San Antonio Abad marks the 400th anniversary of the Ermita de San Antonio Abad, a site of cultural significance. The day begins at 11:00 AM with a mass at the parish church, featuring music from Parranda Chasnera. The event will include local dignitaries, such as Mayoress Fátima Lemes and the Romera Mayor de las Fiestas.
At noon, the pilgrimage starts, traversing El Calvario, Domínguez Alfonso, La Luna, and Duque de la Torre streets. Attendees can enjoy folkloric performances and the traditional blessing of animals. The festivities continue into the evening with music from the orchestras Wamampy and Los Ideales in the town square from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
To encourage participation, the City of Arona has arranged a free shuttle service, with staggered departures from Los Cristianos and Las Américas.
These pilgrimages highlight Tenerife’s enduring traditions and community spirit, providing an authentic experience of Canarian heritage.
