A large group of Yaiza citizens, mostly dressed in traditional costumes, walked the streets of the town in the pilgrimage that is celebrated every year in honor of the patron saint Nuestra Señora de los Remedios. A festival in which the neighbors take the opportunity to pay tribute to the Virgin in addition to enjoying their deepest traditions.
The departure took place at the football field. There, the residents of Yaiza gathered in large groups of family and friends, along with the carts and camels, waiting to start the tour. This year the departure of the procession was delayed for approximately one hour. And the heat that is being experienced on the Island these days did not go unnoticed in the southern municipality. For this reason, many delayed their arrival at the meeting point, which caused the delay. This was not a problem for all attendees to enjoy the holiday.
Course
During the walk, the groups played traditional music that everyone enjoyed. In addition, some pilgrims transported the products that they would later offer to the Virgin either by hand or in their carts. One of the most outstanding aspects of this festival is that instead of horses, transportation is carried out by camel. That is why a large number of people from other places also attend the pilgrimage to enjoy this peculiarity.
After the tour, everyone gathered in the Plaza Nuestra Señora de los Remedios.
There the patron saint of the town was waiting, dressed in her white gala dress. First, the offerings were made. Little by little, each one left boxes full of food. Some products that will later be distributed among several Non-Governmental Organizations. This tradition shows the solidarity of the people of Yaiza who do not forget other citizens.
Awards
Night fell on Yaiza and the town experienced two of its great moments of the pilgrimage. First, the awards for the three best decorated carts. This recognizes the work of those who place the palm trees and other elements that make up these carts. Next, the election of the magicians took place. After the exciting election in which all the girls and young women received a sash and a bouquet of flowers, mass was celebrated in the Nuestra Señora de los Remedios parish. Finally, there was a performance by the folk groups that everyone enjoyed.
The night ended with the verbena. On this occasion, the Suso y Familia and Leña Buena orchestras were in charge of providing the music. Everyone enjoyed the songs of these two groups. Despite the heat, no one stopped dancing at a party that lasted until the early hours of the morning. In this way Yaiza celebrated its traditional pilgrimage. One of the most emblematic events of the town that, although still immersed in its festivities, is already thinking about the pilgrimage that will be held in honor of its patron saint in a year.