Photos: Pedro Cabrera
The residents of Tinajo celebrated the day of their patron saint, San Roque, last Sunday. The town awoke to the ringing of bells, announcing the beginning of the main day of the festivities. The church, decorated for the occasion, opened to anyone who wanted to venerate the Saint. Some came to thank him, others to make a request.
The whole day was a bustle of visitors and the highlight came with the beginning of the solemn function at seven in the afternoon. The church and its surroundings were filled with faithful to see the mass officiated by Policarpo Delgado, a priest born in the town of Yé, who is now the head and director of the Center for Theological Studies. He was assisted in the ceremony by the priests Santiago Quintana, parish priest of Tinajo, Miguel Hernández, parish priest of San Ginés, Antonio Parrilla, parish priest of Valterra, Gonzalo Parrilla, parish priest of San Bartolomé and also the parish priests of Montaña Cardones and Puerto de La Luz in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The mass was sung by the Municipal Choir of Tinajo, directed by Carmen Dolores, accompanied on the organ by David, a resident of the town. Once the ecclesiastical celebration was over, the image of San Roque went out in procession and toured the main streets of the town with the retinue of officiating priests, authorities, neighbors and the Municipal Band of Tinajo.
The Timbayba Musical Cultural Group made its offering with its songs and dances just before its return to the Church. Immediately afterwards, the image of the Patron Saint San Roque was led inside, breaking into a great round of applause at that moment.
