In the Canary Islands, despite the heat, thousands of people celebrated the Romeria of San Jose.

The heat is incredible! Can you imagine, at three in the afternoon the thermometer showed +36°C! But this did not stop people from celebrating the Romeria in honor of San José (or as it is also called - La Amable) in Los Canarios. Free minibuses transported pilgrims from the vicinity of the town hall square of San Juan de la Rambla to San Pancracio Square - this is where the procession begins.

An hour before the start, it was already clear that the heat would not spoil the mood of the residents of this small town (about 5,000 people live here). It is said that about 3,000 people took part in the romeria, despite the extreme heat on the TF-351 road. In addition to the pilgrims on foot, the procession included carts pulled by oxen (rented by the Council for Fairs and Celebrations), and many small carts decorated with drinks.

Before the start of the romeria, a traditional service was held in the church in honor of San José. And after that, the celebration spilled out into the streets! Barbecues were smoking on the carts, where kebabs, chistorra sausages and other delicacies were fried, which were then offered to everyone. Of course, there were also boiled eggs, and local wine, beer and water to quench your thirst. And musical groups (parrandas) played traditional Canarian music.

The music was provided by the groups Atahona, Parranda Familia Los Alzados, Timcua, Perenkén, Tercera Edad de Icod el Alto, Imoque, La Limera, Tercera Edad Baray, Menceyes de Daute and Ayadirma de Daute. In addition to the music, "Viva San José!" was constantly heard, to which everyone responded with a loud "viva!".

The Romeria of San José celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. This is a holiday that the residents of Rambla love very much and consider their own. It seems that it has been celebrated for more than a hundred years!

Ruth Abreu, the owner of the Flower Culture flower shop, says: "This is a day when you meet many people who were born and raised in San Juan de la Rambla. I am very proud to be from here. I am 35 years old, and this holiday is a great opportunity to meet people with whom you may have lost contact after school because you went to study or work. Romeria and other holidays help to meet those you haven't seen all year." Ruth adds that the romeria is called La Amable (meaning "friendly") because people share everything they have. This reflects our character.

Rubén Díaz rides on the El Grupito cart and participates in the romeria almost every year. "We are a group of families, brothers, cousins and friends who join us. We have enough food and drinks! We are now lighting a fire to start cooking kebabs. So, if you want, come!" - invites Rubén.

Carlos Rodríguez assures: "This is a very crowded pilgrimage. The road is filled on both sides. Its width is about six meters, and the distance between the first and last cart can reach two kilometers. The number of people who participate is impressive. And it is called La Amable because pilgrims share everything they have. In other places, you ask for food, and often they won't give it to you."

Abraham Pérez is a member of a group of friends from the Fogaleros motorcycle club. They chose this name for their cart as well. "Recently, our group of bikers was recognized for supporting blood donation. We are one of those who help the most in this matter," he emphasizes. During the romeria, the bikers are also very generous: Abraham immediately began offering kebabs, water, wine and beer.

The Romeria of San José marks the end of summer and the celebrations dedicated to the saint, who is one of the patrons of this northern municipality. In addition, it is one of the safest festive events in the north of Tenerife, as no serious incidents were recorded this year.