The Fiestas del Pino de Teror are the most important dates of the traditional festive calendar on the island of Gran Canaria. They are held in the town of Teror in the north of the island over three consecutive weeks in September. In the honor to Our Virgin Saint Mary del Pino, the patron saint of the island – the whole island participates to pay their respect.
The Pilgrimage – Fiestas Del Pino
As a tradition the night from the 7th to the 8th of September thousands of pilgrims walk to the village of Teror from different parts of the island. They come from places as far as Tunte. But the vast majority makes their way from the city of Las Palmas on the long march, which takes several hours.
All the inhabitants of the island could say that at some point in their lifes they have made the long walk to the village of Teror.
In the town´s church the Holy Virgin Mary del Pino is lowered from its shrine to be closer to the pilgrims arriving from the long walk. They show their devotion by praying in silence and thanking the Virgin for her protection. The Canarians call their Virgin patron saint, Nuestra Señora la Vírgen del Pino.
All municipalities of Gran Canaria participate in the festivities. Some communities from the neighbouring islands such as Tenerife and Lanzarote send their delegates, as well some from the mainland of Spain.
The Romeria – Fiestas del Pino
One of the most popular festive event in the Fiestas del Pino is the Romeria Ofrenda a la Vírgen – Offerings to the Virgin. The saint image is brought to the doors of the church welcoming the different representatives of each and every one of the municipalities of the island and elsewhere.
The village romería starts at the Castañero Gordo in Teror and ends at the church doors where a church delegation collects all the numerous gifts and then distribute them amongst different charities.
All Pilgrims wear the most exquisite Typical Canarian Costumes, walking along the carts pulled by mules or cows, full of the freshest produce of our island. Singing and dancing to the sound of the different bands, all go to meet the Virgin Saint Nuestra Señora la Vírgen del Pino.
Different Activities in the Fiestas del Pino de Teror
All kinds of events occur in the village of Teror throughout the three weeks of festivities, such as cultural, popular and religious acts. We can highlight the “cine de una noche de verano“, organized by the Cabildo de Gran Canaria offering film screenings for three days in different parts of the town.
Children workshops, exhibitions, dance festivals, and even live broadcasts of legendary tv programs like Tenderete attract a large amount of visitors to the village. A wide range of theatrical and musical productions at a national and international level is also offered to the visitors. Simply said, the Fiestas del Pino is one of those events in Gran Canaria, which one has to participate at least once in a life-time.
Autor: Juan Perdomo
Quick Overview:
- Name: Fiestas del Pino de Teror
- Date: September
- Duration: 3 weeks
- Highlight: Pilgrimage 7th, 8th
- Dresscode: Traditional Canarian
- Link to Ayuntamiento de Teror
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My name is Juan, I am the Event guide and Spanish translator. I was born in Gran Canaria, although I have lived many years abroad.
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