Each Heart, representing its local neighbourhoods, is carried to the Church by approximately 25 men, as its weight can reach 800 kilos.
LA LAGUNA (TENERIFE), 24 (EUROPA PRESS)
This Sunday, the community of Tejina in La Laguna celebrated the traditional entry of the three Hearts into the church square, once again drawing together hundreds of people at this central point of the festivities in honour of San Bartolomé.
The three symbols of these celebrations showcased the creativity and dedication of the residents from the three streets they represent (Abajo, Arriba, and El Pico), as noted by the local council in a press release.
Traditionally, these Hearts (El Pico, Calle Arriba, and Calle Abajo), which symbolise the population centres of the village, are carried on shoulders accompanied by their respective parrandas from their neighbourhoods to the church square. Each Heart is lifted by around 25 men due to its impressive weight, according to the Asociación Corazones de Tejina on its official website.
In this ceremony, improvised groups of traditional dancers and children carrying flags lead the procession. Later, they are welcomed by San Bartolomé at the door of the Parish Church, marking an emotional moment known as ‘The Offering’, which has been celebrated since 1984.
Following this, the Hearts are hung and decorated with flags: four on the large crown, two on the smaller one, and one protruding from the bouquet. Tradition dictates that they remain on display from Sunday, the main day of the festival, until Monday afternoon.
The Mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, participated once again in this lively celebration, accompanied by the municipal councillor for Festivals, Dailos González, and other members of the local council. He highlighted “the originality and vibrancy” of the three Hearts, showcasing “the enormous effort” invested in their creation.
“Once again, the representative colours of the three streets, the musical notes of the parrandas, and the effort and dedication of those tasked with uplifting the three offerings to the saint have made their mark. In summary, it was another memorable day for what is recognised as a Cultural Heritage event,” González noted.
The agenda for this Sunday in Tejina will conclude with the customary flower battle, starting at 18:00, and the XXV Festival of the Exaltation of the Hearts, beginning at 21:30.
The programme for the festivities in honour of San Bartolomé will continue tomorrow, Monday, with events throughout the day, including the Humorous Cross at 12:00, a performance by Morocho and his Homage to Billo’s at 15:30, and the iconic untying of the Hearts at 19:00.
