Valle de Guerra Prepares for Annual Romería Celebration This Sunday

This Sunday, May 17, thousands of residents and visitors will gather for the Valle de Guerra Romería, one of the most cherished traditions in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. According to the local City Council, the event is more than just a religious celebration; it is a vital way to preserve the intangible heritage of the Canary Islands.

The festivities, which honor Saint Isidore the Laborer and Saint Mary de la Cabeza, begin at 1:00 p.m. A highlight of the procession will be the performance by dancers from El Hierro, showcasing the deep cultural connections between the islands. While the event’s roots trace back to 18th-century livestock blessings, its current form—featuring colorful carts, livestock, and traditional parrandas—began in 1949. This shift followed a 1944 incident where a damaged religious statue was replaced by one saved from a Civil War fire, inspiring the community to turn the procession into a more vibrant, participatory celebration.

To manage the crowds, the City Council has implemented a special traffic plan. The main route will follow the TF-16, stretching from the Plaza de la Iglesia Boulevard to the Camino de Moya and back. Parking will be restricted along most of the route starting at 6:00 a.m., with further restrictions near the boulevard from 7:00 a.m. Additionally, road closures will begin at 8:00 a.m. between the intersection of Calle Ricardo Melchior Booth and the Camino de Moya, with traffic diverted through local streets.

The day will end with an open-air dance in the town square, featuring music from the Acapulco, Wamampy, Maquinaria, and Dorada bands. Over the decades, the Romería has evolved to include new traditions, such as the crowning of the Romera Mayor in 1964, the Livestock Drag in 1988, and the Baile de Magos in 1997. These additions reflect how the local community continues to honor its history while keeping its cultural traditions alive and evolving.