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San Benito Abad Romería Tenerife: Traditional Carts, Livestock, Crafts, and Folklore

The San Benito Abad Romería in La Laguna, Tenerife, is the island’s most important pilgrimage and a celebration of Canarian traditions. This unique event brings together local customs, music, crafts, livestock, and faith, offering visitors a living exhibition of rural heritage and joyful community spirit. Below, you can discover this vibrant festivity through images, grouped logically by themes.

Decorated Ox Carts and Carretas

One of the most iconic elements of the romería is the oxen-drawn carts, or 'carretas,' meticulously decorated with flowers, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and folkloric objects. These carts proudly represent neighborhoods, local groups, and associations. They reflect the agricultural history and creativity of Tenerife's people. Participants dress in traditional costumes and bring these heavy carts through the streets, often with oxen pulling them in a demonstration of endurance and skill.

Decorated ox cart labeled Carreta La Baifa, adorned with colorful ribbons and traditional figures. Traditional ox cart with natural materials and flowers in San Benito Abad Romería. Rustic ox cart with palm leaves and agricultural decorations in the parade. Oxen cart of Los Entonados decorated with sunflowers and cereals motifs. Cart labeled San Benito Abad with children dressed in traditional costumes. Ox cart Los Bonilla with participants in folk costumes and a giant barrel prop. Oxen cart presented by Rotary La Laguna, decorated with plants and banners. Old-fashioned wooden cart with farming tools, hay, and colorful ribbons. Decorated ox cart Los Chulicornios with children and festive adornments. Traditional cart with natural materials and agricultural motifs.

Maritime-Themed Carts with Sails

Not all carts are rustic. Some are inspired by Tenerife’s maritime traditions, featuring sails, flags, and decorations symbolizing the island’s historic ties to fishing and the sea. These creative designs mix the rural with the coastal heritage in a colorful and festive way.

Ox cart designed as a sailing boat with Canarian flags during the procession. Cart shaped like a boat, decorated with various colorful flags. Multiple ox carts with ship designs and Canarian maritime flags.

Livestock: Oxen, Goats, and Sheep

Livestock has a strong presence in the Romería, honoring the agricultural roots of the event. Oxen pull carts while goats and sheep are walked through the streets, showcasing the farming traditions that shaped Tenerife’s rural communities.

Pair of strong oxen pulling a decorated cart in the romería. Herd of goats gathered during the festival, with people observing. Young woman beside sheep and goats prepared for parade. Sheep herds crossing the street as part of the procession.

Folk Music, Dances and Traditional Dress

Music and dance are essential parts of this cultural celebration. Groups dressed in colorful traditional costumes play Canarian folk music with instruments like the timple and guitar while dancers perform lively routines, filling the streets with energy and joy.

Musicians playing traditional Canarian string instruments during the event. People dancing in traditional folk costumes in a circle during the parade. Couples performing traditional Canarian dances in vibrant costumes. Dance troupe carrying a colorful pole adorned with artificial flowers. Colorful folk group dancing and moving with a small decorative cart.

Crafts and Rural Life

Visitors can experience more than just the parade. Market stalls sell traditional Canarian crafts such as jewelry, textiles, and handmade products. This reflects Tenerife’s rich artisan culture. Some scenes depict life with farm animals like donkeys, adding to the rural charm.

Market stand with handmade jewelry, necklaces, and crafts at the festival. Donkey carrying a load of traditional Canarian goods, observed by visitors.

Religious Procession Honoring San Benito Abad

The religious roots of this celebration remain strong. The procession with the statue of San Benito Abad is accompanied by offerings of wheat, bread, and flowers. This combines faith and tradition, and is the heart of the festival’s meaning.

Elaborate float of Saint Benedict surrounded by flowers and offerings. Faithful accompanying the statue of San Benito through La Laguna streets. Participants moving through the festive streets with decorated carts and animals.

Community and Celebration Atmosphere

The festival offers a lively and joyful atmosphere. Locals and visitors gather at food stalls and music stages, enjoying typical Canarian dishes, drinks, and concerts. It is a day for sharing, celebrating, and feeling part of Tenerife’s traditions.

Crowds enjoying drinks and food at traditional Canarian kiosks. Live concert stage with people enjoying the music during the festival. San Benito church entrance decorated for the romería with visitors arriving.

Conclusion: A Living Tradition of Tenerife

The San Benito Abad Romería reflects Tenerife’s heart and identity. Through music, livestock, crafts, religious devotion, and traditional costumes, this festival preserves the island’s rural heritage. It remains a highlight of the year, connecting generations and communities through shared history and joyful celebration.