After almost 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional ( |
| Romería de San Roque in Garachico |
Every year thousands of visitors gather in Garachico to participate in one of the most popular and traditional festivals on the island, first held in the 17th century and described as, "Garachico’s most important annual festival when the town fills with pilgrims (and partygoers) from throughout the island. San Roque (Saint Roch), the town’s patron, was credited with saving the town from the Black Death, which arrived in 1601." As tradition marks, at 8:00 a.m. the town will wake up with the 'Viva San Roquito', thanks to the Garachico Musical Group.
The Romería (Pilgrimage and festivities of San Roque (Garachico), which in 2006 attracted around 30,000, is held annually on 16th August (irrespective of day of the week), from around 2pm. The figure of the Saint is earlier taken from the Ermita de San Roque to the church of Santa Ana, in the town centre and after a religious service, is taken back to its hermitage, accompanied in procession by the municipal band, carts, flocks of goats and other festively bedecked animals, and musical groups (rondallas and parrandas). The fishermen of Garachico hold a sea-going procession, their boats forming part of the Saint's entourage along the coast. The traditional pilgrimage dance is held in the Plaza de San Roque.
And you probably need to try The famous Sangría of San Roque.