The pilgrimage offering to Lord Santiago de Los Caballeros gathered thousands of people in Gáldar this Saturday, with 41 carriages and 14 musical groups, including guests from Murcia and El Hierro.
Gáldar became the heart of Canary tradition this Saturday with the celebration of the pilgrimage offering to Lord Santiago de Los Caballeros, an event that brought together thousands of people and is part of the 544th Major Festivals of Santiago. The procession, led by the corporations of Gáldar and Santa María de Guía, traversed the streets of the historic centre, beautifully decorated for the occasion.
The mayor of Gáldar, Teodoro Sosa, welcomed attendees, highlighting the participation of the Murcian group El Limonar and the dancers from El Pinar de El Hierro, who joined the 14 musical groups that enlivened the route. “When this front is adorned with the products of the land, Gáldar smells of pilgrimage,” Sosa stated before the crowd gathered in front of the church.
A Solidarity Offering that Marks Tradition
The pilgrimage was not only a display of fervour and culture but also of solidarity. Each carriage made its offering of non-perishable products which, as explained by parish priest Manuel Reyes Brito, will be distributed among the most needy families through Cáritas. “We thank you on behalf of Cáritas for the donations left in front of the Church,” Reyes noted during the event.
The pilgrims, dressed in traditional costumes from various Canary towns, adorned their carriages with palm fronds and local products, while the parrandas and musical groups such as Harimaguadas, Los Cebolleros, and the Agrupación Musical Facaracas provided the soundtrack. The Cultural Folkloric Association Dancers 'El Pinar' from El Hierro led the way from the Bajada de Las Guayarminas, in a gesture of brotherhood between the islands.
Record Participation and Festive Atmosphere
The pilgrimage featured the participation of 41 carriages, a figure that solidifies this event as one of the most attended on the island. Among the groups, El Limonar from Murcia, Surco y Arado, Estacato, and the parrandas of Fagagesto, La Última y nos vamos, and Atájale y nos vamos stood out, enlivening the route from the Becerril roundabout to the front of the church.
Once the offering was concluded, the celebration continued through the designated streets, with the Baile de Taifa in the Plaza de Santiago and performances by DJ Promaster and DJ Aythami. The atmosphere, according to attendees, was one of “pure tradition and joy,” with locals and visitors sharing typical products and dances.
The 544th Major Festivals of Santiago, organised by the Culture and Festivals department of the Gáldar City Council led by Julio Mateo Castillo, will continue until the main day of Santiago next weekend. By then, a surge in public attendance is expected, with religious activities, verbenas, and concerts.
Mayor Teodoro Sosa wanted to convey a message of unity: “After 544 years of devotion to our Santiago de los Caballeros, Gáldar pays homage once again. Long live Santiago de los Caballeros.” The pilgrimage, with its blend of faith, culture, and solidarity, demonstrates that Canary traditions remain more alive than ever.
