Arona Kicks Off Canary Pilgrimage Season Under Clear Skies

Arona celebrated its pilgrimage in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot yesterday, marking one of the first such events in the Canary Islands this year. Despite a storm affecting other parts of the archipelago, Arona enjoyed sunshine and good weather. This was a stark contrast to pilgrimages planned in northern Tenerife, which had to be cancelled due to rain and wind.

Nevertheless, Arona locals came out from early hours to celebrate one of the southern town's oldest and most cherished festivals. With over 400 years of history, this event is deeply rooted in the municipality's identity. The local Town Council organized an extensive program, combining religious ceremonies, popular activities, and cultural proposals to highlight Canarian traditions and folklore.

Hundreds of residents and tourists gathered for the pilgrimage, which featured traditional Canarian dances, beautifully decorated carts, and the blessing of animals – a special part of the celebration as Saint Anthony the Abbot is their patron.

The festivities officially kicked off last Thursday with the traditional hoisting of the municipal flag at the Cross of Saint Anthony, a symbolic act announcing the start of the celebrations. On the same day, the "Gánigos of Yesterday and Today" exhibition was inaugurated, which will remain open to the public in the Arona Town Hall until January 31st.

On Friday, the "Baile de Magos" (Traditional Canarian Dance) took place in the Plaza del Santísimo Cristo de la Salud. This was one of the most popular events, featuring an evening enlivened by municipal folk groups and invited ensembles. On Saturday, a special "Children's Baile de Magos" was held for the whole family, offering traditional games and performances.

Also on Saturday, the 19th Verodal Folk Festival took place, with performances by the group Abelaoura from Galicia and Arona's own A.C. Folclórica Verodal.

The religious aspect of the festivities played a prominent role last Saturday with a solemn mass in honor of Saint Anthony the Abbot, celebrated in his parish. A procession followed the mass.

However, yesterday was the main day. It began at 11:00 AM with a mass for the saint at the municipal parish, featuring songs by the Parranda Chasnera. The day also included a display of Canarian crafts and gastronomy on Carmen Pérez Moya street. From midday onwards, the main pilgrimage wound through Arona's old town, with participants offering traditional folklore to Saint Anthony the Abbot and performing the customary blessing of animals.

The festivities concluded with a grand dance, enlivened by the orchestras Sabrosa and Caracas.