La Laguna Officially Launches 2026 Holy Week Celebrations

San Cristóbal de La Laguna officially kicked off its 2026 Holy Week this Monday, March 23. More than just a religious observance, the event is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural heritage. The opening ceremony took place at the parish of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, where Episcopal Vicar Juan Antonio Guedes delivered the inaugural proclamation.

The event was attended by key municipal and church leaders, including Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, Bishop Eloy Santiago, and the president of the Board of Brotherhoods and Confraternities, Juan Antonio Pérez. The ceremony, hosted by professor Olga María Alegre, featured performances by the Tejina Music Band and the Tenerife Contemporary Choir, highlighting how deeply faith is woven into the identity of La Laguna.

In his speech, Guedes explored the history of these celebrations, tracing their origins back to the 16th century. He noted that the tradition has grown into a strong community network, with the current Board of Brotherhoods and Confraternities now coordinating twenty-eight different groups—a structure that began taking shape in the mid-17th century.

Looking to the present, Guedes encouraged a balance between rational thought and faith. He urged the community to ensure that Holy Week celebrations extend beyond the historic city center and reach the surrounding neighborhoods where many residents live. He pointed to major events like the Good Friday Silence and the Magna Procession as vital ways to keep the city’s collective memory and traditions alive.

The evening concluded with a tribute to the security forces, civil protection teams, and the brotherhoods themselves, all of whom work to ensure the processions run smoothly. With this proclamation, La Laguna enters a period of deep social and spiritual significance, proving once again how it successfully blends its rich history with the energy of new generations.