La Laguna Celebrates 80th Anniversary of Saint Benedict Pilgrimage

The city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is celebrating 80 years of festivities honoring Saint Benedict the Abbot. More than just a religious event, this celebration is a cornerstone of Canarian culture. The City Council has announced a program of over 40 activities designed to showcase the region’s deep-rooted agricultural and livestock traditions.

The program, curated by researcher Julio Torres and artist Juan Cairós, focuses on historical accuracy. The official poster features the 1905 procession, a rare moment when the saint’s image was moved from its usual hermitage due to a military occupation. This commitment to history continues throughout the event, which includes references to local archives dating back to 1635 regarding traditional town dances.

The highlight of the celebrations is the Regional Pilgrimage on July 12. As the only event of its kind in the Canary Islands, it is expected to draw 80 carts and nearly 40 folk groups. This year, the route will include a special tribute to Saint Christopher, the city’s patron saint, as the procession passes the Cathedral. The entire two-week schedule will also honor the island of Tenerife.

The festivities begin this Wednesday with an opening speech by Chago Melián. Other key events include the election of the pilgrimage queens at the Leal Theater, a 50th-anniversary show by the group Achamán on July 9, and the traditional "Baile de Magos" dance on July 10, which will feature over 650 tables. On July 11, the 8 Islands Festival will further emphasize the event's connection to the entire archipelago.

Supported by local groups like Agate and the Friends and Pilgrims of San Benito, these festivities highlight La Laguna’s ability to balance its modern urban identity with its rural heritage. The City Council and local security forces are working together to ensure the success of one of the Canary Islands' most important cultural traditions.