Montaña de Los Vélez celebrates the centenary of its cross with festivities in Agüimes

The Montaña de Los Vélez neighbourhood, in Agüimes, celebrates La Santa Cruz festivities until July 26, with the pilgrimage on Saturday 25 as the main event and the centenary of the cross that presides over the area.

The cross that crowns the mountain of Los Vélez, donated by Paulist missionaries in May 1926, is celebrating its hundredth anniversary. To commemorate this, the Agüimes neighbourhood has organised a week of events that started this week and will extend until Sunday, July 26. The pilgrimage-offering on Saturday, July 25, with its traditional costumes and festive atmosphere, will be the most anticipated moment.

A programme for all ages

Activities will kick off from midday on Saturday with a popular paella followed by a foam party. In the afternoon, live music will be provided by Grupo Arena, Son de la Isla, and Pedro Afonso. The night fiesta will feature Grupo Leyenda Joven and DJ Abián Reyes.

But it’s not all about music: there will be children's games, domino and zanga tournaments, family cinema, magic, fashion shows, dances for the elderly, and on Sunday, a Eucharist with procession. The neighbourhood square will host inflatable water castles to close the festivities.

The centenary of the cross, a symbol of unity

The mountain cross is not just a religious element: it is the symbol that unites the municipalities of Agüimes and Ingenio. The locals have cared for it for a century, and this year the festival committee, with support from the Town Hall, wanted to give it a special highlight. "It is a tradition that passes from parents to children, and this year even more so," explain sources from the organisation.

For the residents, these festivities are an opportunity to strengthen coexistence among generations. The neighbourhood, which lives in a rural environment, comes alive during these days, and the little ones enjoy activities that have already become part of their childhood.

On Sunday 26, after the Eucharist, the procession will travel through the streets of the neighbourhood. Those who come will be able to share some family leisure time and bid farewell to the festivities until next year.