Galician President Strengthens Jacobean Ties During Visit to Tenerife’s Los Realejos

The recent visit of Alfonso Rueda, President of the Xunta de Galicia, to Los Realejos in Tenerife highlights the deep historical and cultural bonds between the town and the Jacobean tradition. Joined by Mayor Adolfo González and Canary Islands Vice President Manuel Domínguez, the meeting went beyond formal diplomacy, focusing on the shared significance of Saint James the Apostle.

The visit marks the 530th anniversary of the town’s co-patron saint, a figure central to local identity. This legacy is anchored in the parish of Los Realejos, the oldest church on the island, which dates back to a 16th-century hermitage. Art historian Manuel Hernández has noted that the apostle’s influence is woven throughout the church’s heritage—from the cross on the main altarpiece to a 16th-century Flemish triptych brought to the island by merchant Domenico Rizo. This symbolism even extends to the town’s coat of arms, which features the Cross of Saint James alongside the banner of Castile and the indigenous añepa, reflecting the area’s complex history.

Beyond its historical importance, the event helped revitalize a devotion that, while quieter during the 20th century, remains a vital part of local life today. The ceremony, featuring performances by the group Tigaray, included an exchange of banners and floral offerings to celebrate the fraternity between Galicia and the Canary Islands. By reaffirming Saint James as a bridge between these two regions, the event set a clear path for future cooperation, with May 21, 2026, already marked as a key date to continue strengthening these shared ties.