As every year, on Christmas Day, and despite the hangover from Christmas Eve, the residents of the town of Mácher, in the municipality of Tías, wake up early to participate in the traditional Eucharist which is celebrated at 12:30 PM. On this occasion, the celebration was presided over for the first time by the titular parish priest, Father Leonardo Graterol, also with the collaboration of the residents themselves, who were in charge of carrying out the readings corresponding to this notable festivity.
This is a very special celebration commemorating the birth of the Child Jesus, where music contributes to an atmosphere of joy and emotion thanks to the participation of the Mácher Easter Ranch. This ranch was founded in 1990 by men, women, and young people from the town who decided that Mácher should also have its own Easter Ranch. It is a mixed ranch, directed by the young teacher Juanma Morales, who ensures that the set objectives are met in each rehearsal and performance
The Mácher Easter Ranch has the traditional instruments typical of these groups, such as swords, triangles, bone rattles, drums, castanets, guitars, lutes, timples, and the characteristic water whistle, in addition to a varied repertoire of traditional and popular Christmas carols of Canarian origin. During the Christmas Day Eucharist, they were responsible for adding that cheerful yet nostalgic touch that characterizes these endearing dates
One of the most emotional moments was experienced when the parish priest descended from the Main Altar carrying the image of the Child Jesus in his hands to proceed with the traditional "Foot Kiss," while the members of the Christmas Carol Group accompanied him, surrounding him with their carols.
Likewise, the town's residents have created a magnificent Nativity scene located on one side of the Main Altar, in front of which numerous attendees take the opportunity to take a souvenir photoAfter the Eucharist, all those present moved to the social hall of the Guardilama Socio-Cultural Center, next to the church, where the celebration continued with songs and music. There, guests could **taste a wide variety of traditional and homemade pastries** made by the residents themselves, such as the famous sweet potato and pumpkin fritters, pestiños, suspiros, bizcochones, and other sweets, all accompanied by homemade liqueurs, with the popular mistela standing out among them.
The residents of the town of Mácher, a village with deep traditions, work year after year to ensure they endure and are passed down to future generations. It was, without a doubt, a day that shone brightly, in which friendship, coexistence, and unity were very present among everyone.