The city commemorates this Wednesday, July 27, the 530th anniversary of its foundation and the day of its patron, San Cristóbal, with a mass in the Cathedral and a procession through the streets of the historic centre.
La Laguna experiences a day of double celebration this Wednesday. The city commemorates the 530th anniversary of its foundation, which coincides with the feast of its patron, San Cristóbal. The central events will take place this afternoon, with a solemn mass in the Cathedral followed by the procession of the saint's image through the main streets of the historic centre.
The Eucharist will begin at 19:00 inside the cathedral temple. Once finished, around 20:00, the image of San Cristóbal and his entourage will depart from the Cathedral and travel through the streets of Juan de Vera, San Agustín, Núñez de la Peña, and La Carrera, returning to the starting point. The mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, will lead the municipal representation, accompanied by other members of the local Corporation.
The mayor has highlighted the importance of this anniversary for the municipality. In his statements, he has emphasised the history and tradition of La Laguna, as well as the value of events like today’s, which promote and remember the origins, culture, heritage, and idiosyncrasy of the Lagunera society.
The date referenced for the foundation of the city is July 27, 1496, when the conquest of Tenerife by the troops of Alonso Fernández de Lugo was completed, who would later be named Adelantado. However, it was in 1497 that the Council of the island of Tenerife was officially established in the city.
The San Cristóbal procession is one of the most traditional events followed by the locals. Every year, hundreds of people gather in the streets of the centre to accompany the patron saint. This year, in addition, the celebration takes on special significance as it coincides with the 530th anniversary of the city’s foundation.
The planned route runs through some of the most emblematic streets of the historic centre, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The procession will be formed by the image of the saint, carried by the faithful, and will be accompanied by local authorities and representatives of various associations and brotherhoods.
The City Council has organised a special security and mobility plan to ensure the smooth running of the event. Attendees are advised to arrive early and use public transport, as traffic disruptions are expected on the streets of the route during the afternoon and evening.
Today’s celebration is an opportunity for the people of La Laguna and visitors to enjoy a tradition that dates back to the city’s origins. The image of San Cristóbal, patron of travellers and drivers, has been parading through the streets every July 27 for centuries, in a display of popular devotion that remains alive.
For those who cannot attend in person, the mass and procession will be broadcast live through the official channels of the City Council and the Diocese of Tenerife. Additionally, a telephone information service has been set up to address any questions regarding the schedules and the route.
The day will conclude with a fireworks display that will light up the sky of La Laguna, as a grand finale to a festive day that unites the entire community around its history and traditions.
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