San Cristóbal de La Laguna Celebrates 80th Annual San Benito Abad Pilgrimage

San Cristóbal de La Laguna is celebrating a major milestone today: the 80th annual San Benito Abad Regional Pilgrimage. As the only regional pilgrimage in the Canary Islands, the event is a cornerstone of the archipelago’s cultural heritage.

This year’s celebration is particularly impressive, featuring 70 carts, 18 wagons, three boats, a large group of livestock, and 40 folk music groups. In a special symbolic gesture, the statue of Saint Christopher—the city’s patron saint—will join the procession at the Cathedral, bringing together the municipality’s two most significant historical traditions.

To keep the event running smoothly, the city has implemented a new traffic plan. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, major roads along the route—including Avenida de Candelaria, Marqués de Celada, Herradores, Tabares de Cala, and Obispo Rey Redondo—will be closed to traffic. Parking restrictions began in some areas as early as Saturday morning to clear the path for the procession, which is expected to finish around 3:00 p.m.

Public transport has also been adjusted. Since Friday, Titsa has rerouted several bus lines, particularly those serving the north of the island and the Anaga area, to use the Vía de Ronda and the TF-5 instead. About twenty bus stops near San Benito and San Lázaro are temporarily closed, so passengers are encouraged to check for alternative routes.

Organizers have also prioritized safety and inclusion. The event features "Violet Points" to help prevent sexual assault and an "Orange Point" to ensure accessibility for people with reduced mobility. Emergency services and waste management teams will be on-site throughout the day. The festivities will wrap up with a street party in the Juana la Blanca area starting at 3:30 p.m.

After 80 years, this pilgrimage remains a vital showcase of Canarian culture, continuing to draw large crowds and serving as a highlight of the regional calendar.