Thousands Celebrate 19th Annual El Médano Boat Pilgrimage in Granadilla de Abona
Thousands gathered in El Médano this Sunday for the 19th annual boat pilgrimage, a unique nautical procession honoring Our Lady of Las Mercedes de Roja and celebrating the town's rich fishing heritage.
Granadilla de Abona celebrated its local identity this Sunday with the 19th annual El Médano Boat Pilgrimage. As reported by Diario de Avisos, thousands of people gathered to honor Our Lady of Las Mercedes de Roja. While the event is a festive occasion, it is unique among island pilgrimages for its focus on the town's fishing heritage and its signature nautical procession.
The day began with a mass and a food drive for Cáritas, emphasizing the community’s commitment to social causes. Musical performances by groups like the Dancers of El Hierro and the Fanfare of Puerto de la Cruz set the tone before the main event: a procession of decorated boats escorting the statue of the Virgin through the bay. Once the statue was returned to the parish, the celebration continued with live music from bands including Dorada, Sonora Olimpia, Malibu, Maquinaria, and Tropin.
These traditions are vital to the region, acting as both an economic boost for local businesses and a way to preserve the Canary Islands' cultural heritage. By connecting the local landscape with long-standing customs, the event strengthens the social bonds of the El Médano community.
The festivities are set to conclude this coming Thursday, September 24. A solemn mass will be held at 8:30 p.m., followed by a traditional candlelight procession and a neighborhood gathering with hot chocolate to mark the end of this year’s celebrations.