Güímar to Celebrate the Oldest Pilgrimage in the Canary Islands
Tomorrow, Güímar will host the oldest pilgrimage in the Canary Islands: the Bajada de El Socorro. More than a hundred security personnel will ensure the safety of participants throughout the journey, which runs from the San Pedro church to the hermitage in the hamlet along the Camino. Tradition dictates that on 7th September, Güímar locals and visitors rise early for a festive gathering that may break attendance records this year.
Security Measures in Place
The security detail will include over 50 Civil Guards, more than a dozen from the Canary Police, and local police, which will be reinforced by over 30 officers from other municipalities. This aspect is among the primary concerns for the organisers.
A Longstanding Tradition
The first Bajada del Socorro took place in 1643, as documented in the “foundational act of the ancient book of the Brotherhood of El Socorro, preserved in the Parish Archive of San Pedro Apostle. The coincidence of this year’s celebration falling on a Sunday is expected to boost attendance. The Valle de Güímar Industrial Estate, adjacent to the hamlet of El Socorro, serves as the natural parking area, with authorities recommending the use of buses for travelling.
Special Transportation Services
To accommodate the expected demand, Titsa will operate a special service. A dedicated line, 530, will connect Güímar Station with El Socorro on both tomorrow and Monday. On Sunday, the service will run from 04:15 until approximately 21:30. Additionally, on Monday, the day of the return journey, it will be operational between 07:30 and 21:30.
The 120 line (Santa Cruz Interchange-Tenerife-Cruce de Caletillas-Candelaria (Plaza de Teror)-Puertito de Güímar-Güímar Station) will also enhance its services between Puertito and Güímar from 04:30 to 09:00 tomorrow. Due to road closures on Avenida Obispo Pérez Cáceres between 05:00 and 09:00 on Sunday, and from 21:00 on Monday, the bus for this line will divert through the La Hidalga neighbourhood to reach Güímar Station. Both days, it will serve El Socorro in both directions.
Moreover, route 033 will be reinforced tomorrow with an additional trip at 05:20 from Fasnia to Güímar, and at 05:50 via La Sombrera to Güímar.
Those choosing to take the bus to attend the Bajada will also have access to line 121 (Candelaria-La Viuda-El Socorro-Güímar Industrial Estate-La Hidalga-Arafo-Güímar Station).
A special stop will be established in El Socorro for lines 530 and 120, while line 8094 El Socorro will be suspended. However, the stops for lines 120 and 121 will continue to operate as usual.
Montaña Grande
One declining tradition associated with this festival is the ascent and descent of Montaña Grande, or Archaco, located in the Malpaís of Güímar, alongside the Camino de El Socorro. This activity has been prohibited for several years by the Cabildo de Tenerife due to its impact on the environment.
The Essence of the Pilgrimage
The aroma of basil is another defining feature of the Bajada de El Socorro. This aromatic herb is integral to the essence of the pilgrimage, which makes 7th September the most significant day for the residents of Güímar. The warmth and hospitality of the locals towards pilgrims, both along the Camino and in the hamlet of El Socorro, where the image was found on Chimisay beach, further contributes to this significance. The reenactment of this moment is performed by the Asociación Guanches de Güímar, which this year received the Gold Medal of the Canary Islands and the Island.
