The Los Dolores pilgrimage will be on September 10 this year and will start later. Thus, the appointment in front of the church will be at 7:00 PM, as explained by the mayor of Tinajo. Jesús Machín has indicated that it has been decided to delay it due to the high temperatures, so that it does not happen as in previous editions, when due to the heat the attendees arrived later, leaving the square almost empty at the agreed time.
Another novelty this year is that the seven municipalities of the island will have a presence at this religious and popular festival. "Each municipality has committed to presenting a float with its folk group", Machín pointed out on Radio Lanzarote-Onda Cero. The Cabildo will also have "float and representation" in Los Dolores.
The first to enter the square will be the horses together with the parrando Los Buches and then the floats will do so. The one from Tinajo will be the first, then the delegation from the island corporation will do so and later the floats from the rest of the municipalities will follow. Machín has expressed his "very satisfied" with this novelty, highlighting the "good understanding" between the institutions and that this year "we will all collaborate for a better image".
The mayor has explained that the new schedule, which he considers "successful", was decided in a "unanimous" way. By virtue of this new schedule and in order to carry out this orderly entry, the appointment has been set at the curve prior to the entrance at 6:00 PM.
Registration of private floats in each municipality
On the other hand, the rest of the private floats (from individuals, associations or groups) that want to participate in the pilgrimage will have to register in their respective municipalities. Machín has explained that the registration period will open on July 4 and will close on August 19. He has also said, however, that they will try to be "flexible" so that those who decide to participate at the last minute can do so.
Machín has pointed out that advertising campaigns will be carried out to inform about these registrations, and also about other aspects. "A campaign will be done for everything", said the mayor, stressing that there will also be campaigns for "clothing, to raise awareness among people" about the appropriate clothing for the event.
Regarding the dates, he has stated that the opening speech will be one day before the pilgrimage, on the 9th. As La Voz has already announced, it will be the family of the late Félix Morales who will be in charge of delivering it. For that opening speech, "the Socorro de Tiagua festival will be respected", Machín has pointed out. Thus, the parish priest will officiate first in Tiagua and will then move to Tinajo. Subsequently, from September 14 to 18, the island crafts fair will be held.
Regarding financing, the mayor of Tinajo has pointed out that the president of the Canary Islands Government has acquired the "commitment" to contribute. "We have made a proposal to him and I told him that just as Candelaria or El Pino are helped, Lanzarote should be helped. There is a commitment from the president that yes. We are preparing the budget. It is a cultural, folkloric and religious festival above all". "I hope it becomes a reality, because, I also say, I have had commitments from other presidents and they have not become a reality", he added. Machín has explained that he also conveyed to Fernando Clavijo his desire that, just as it is done with the pilgrimages of other islands, the one in Lanzarote should be broadcast. Machín has assured that he will also convey this aspect to the Canarian Television. "It should give the example and the image that all Canarians are equal".
