The Canary Islands are increasing transport due to the Bajada del Socorro pilgrimage.
In Güímar, security measures and public transportation have been reinforced for the celebration of the Bahada del Socorro, the oldest pilgrimage in the Canary Islands, which is expecting a record number of visitors.
Tomorrow is a big holiday in Güímar! They will be celebrating the Bajada del Socorro, the oldest pilgrimage in the Canary Islands.
To ensure everything goes safely, over a hundred employees will be monitoring order. They will be along the entire route, from the Church of San Pedro to the village where the hermitage is located.
Usually, September 7th starts very early for the locals. Everyone gathers together, and a record number of people are expected this year.
Civil Guards (more than 50), police officers from the Canary Islands, and local police will be watching over security. Another 30 officers from other cities will be helping. Organizing such an event is no easy task!
The first Bajada del Socorro took place back in 1643. There is a record of this in the old book of the Brotherhood of El Socorro, which is kept in the archive of the Church of San Pedro. This year the holiday falls on a Sunday, so there will be even more people.
The authorities advise arriving by bus. Near the village of El Socorro is the Valle de Güímar industrial park, where you can park.
Especially for this, Titsa (the bus company) is launching additional routes. A new route, No. 530, will appear, connecting Güímar station and El Socorro. Buses will run tomorrow and on Monday. On Sunday, approximately from 4:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Monday, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
In addition, bus No. 120 (Santa Cruz – Güímar) will run more frequently between Puertito and Güímar tomorrow from 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Due to the fact that Obispo Pérez Cáceres Avenue will be closed on Sunday from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and on Monday from 9:00 p.m., the bus will travel through the La Hidalga district. Also, on both days, it will stop in El Socorro in both directions.
Route No. 033 will be reinforced tomorrow with additional routes at 5:20 a.m. (from Fasnia via El Escobonal and El Tablado to Güímar) and at 5:50 a.m. (via La Sombrera, Fasnia and El Escobonal to Güímar).
Those who want to go to Bajada by bus can use route No. 121 (Candelaria – Güímar).
There will be a special stop for buses No. 530 and No. 120 in El Socorro, and the regular stop No. 8094 El Socorro will not be working. Other stops (No. 120 and No. 121) will operate as usual.
Previously, people used to climb up and down Montaña Grande, but this is now prohibited in order not to harm nature.
Another important part of the Bajada del Socorro is the smell of basil. This herb is a symbol of pilgrimage. September 7th is the most important day for the residents of Güímar. People warmly welcome pilgrims on the way to the village of El Socorro. It was on Chimisay beach that the image of the saint was found. The Guanche Association of Güímar recreates this event. This year they received the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands.