La Orotava Honors Pilgrimage Founder César Hernández Martínez Posthumously

César Hernández Martínez has been posthumously named an Honorary Villero of La Orotava, a long-overdue tribute to the man who shaped the modern San Isidro Labrador and Santa María de la Cabeza pilgrimage. This recognition, awarded during the festival’s 90th anniversary, underscores the importance of honoring the history behind Canarian traditions, which can easily be forgotten as events grow in size and popularity.

A dentist by trade and president of the Liceo de Taoro in the 1930s, Hernández Martínez was instrumental in transforming what he saw as a disorganized celebration into a structured event. In 1936, after securing municipal approval, he launched the first edition of the pilgrimage. He brought together estate owners and banana plantation workers, creating a parade that featured twenty carts and organized livestock.

His son, César Hernández García, who accepted the award on his father’s behalf, offers a unique perspective on how the event has evolved. While the original pilgrimage was a modest affair deeply tied to agricultural life, today’s celebration has changed significantly. Hernández García notes that some of the festival's traditional rigor has been lost, pointing to the incorrect use of traditional clothing and accessories as signs that the event is drifting from its original roots.

Beyond his role in organizing the pilgrimage, Hernández Martínez is remembered by locals for his kindness and his dentistry practice, which he opened on San Agustín Street in 1932. Although his son notes that his father rarely participated in the parade himself—aside from his involvement with the musical group Los Kiawels—his influence remains undeniable. This honorary title not only pays tribute to his past contributions but also serves as a reminder to preserve the authenticity of local traditions in an increasingly busy, tourist-focused world.