The La Laguna area of Tejina kicks off its patron saint festivities in honour of San Bartolomé this Friday, July 31, which will run until September 6 with a full programme of cultural, popular, and religious events.
The village of Tejina, in the municipality of La Laguna, dresses up to begin its patron saint festivities in honour of San Bartolomé. The programme officially starts this Friday, July 31, with the reading of the opening speech by Juan Antonio Jorge Peraza, an event that will take place at 20:00 in the church square.
The mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, has highlighted the importance of these celebrations for the identity of the Tejina community. “This time of year symbolizes much more than just a few days of celebration for the Tejina citizens; it is one of the greatest exponents of the history and idiosyncrasy of this part of the municipality, which fills with emotion and feeling, especially during the month of August,” the mayor stated.
Gutiérrez has praised the work of the residents, who are already displaying decorations on rooftops, balconies, and the exteriors of the buildings surrounding the epicentre of the events, the church square. “The dedication and commitment of its residents is the best legacy that can be passed on to the younger generations to care for and perpetuate these traditions that are already recognised at the island and regional levels,” he added.
The councillor for Festivities of the La Laguna City Council, Dailos González, has emphasised the special connection of the Tejina community with its festivities. “There are very few corners of the Canary Islands that have such a special connection as the Tejina people demonstrate with these celebrations in honour of San Bartolomé. Both young and old selflessly get involved in bringing this popular programme to life that honours the origins and looks to the future with hope,” the councillor affirmed.
The inaugural day on Friday will include, in addition to the opening speech, a performance by the group ENCUERDA2, the procession of the saint out of the church, the launching of 24 fireworks, and the lighting of the symbolic Heart of Lights. From that date, the official event agenda for this edition will be distributed among the population.
Among the most notable events in the programme are the Verbena de la Pamela on August 15, the Float Parade on August 28, the traditional fireworks night (August 29), the entrance of the Hearts into the Tejina square, the flower battle (August 30), the lowering of the Hearts on August 31, and the Tuesday of parrandas (September 1).
One of the major innovations this year is that the saint will once again tour the neighbourhoods of Calle de Arriba, Calle de Abajo, and El Pico, thus recovering a tradition that residents have been eagerly awaiting. This route will allow residents of these areas to pay homage to their patron closer to their homes.
The San Bartolomé festivities in Tejina are one of the most significant events in the festive calendar of La Laguna and the island of Tenerife. Every year, thousands of people gather in this area to enjoy a unique atmosphere where tradition and devotion combine with fun and community participation.
The programme will run until September 6, offering activities for all ages, from the youngest to the oldest. The involvement of the neighbourhood and cultural associations in Tejina is key to the success of these festivities, which year after year manage to keep the customs and community spirit alive.
For the residents of La Laguna and the rest of the island, the Tejina festivities provide an opportunity to enjoy Canarian popular culture in a charming rural setting. The organisation recommends checking the official agenda that will be distributed starting Friday to not miss any of the scheduled events.
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