The decision, signed on November 4 by the vicar general of the Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Juan Antonio Guedes, also stipulates that the mass and procession of the image of Our Lady of Hope will be held on Sunday afternoon.
This change responds to a citizen participation process initiated by the City Council of El Rosario in September, which sought residents' opinions on the date and time of the festival. 76% of participants supported moving the pilgrimage to Saturday afternoon.
The proposal arose after this year's pilgrimage was held in the afternoon for the first time due to a heatwave. This modification also involves a reorganization of religious events, restoring Sunday for the procession of the Marian image.
Ecclesiastical authorization was granted at the request of the parish priest of Our Lady of Hope, Valentín González Vargas, following favorable reports from the episcopal vicar and the Episcopal Council.
With this endorsement, the City Council and the parish can incorporate the changes into the organization of future festivities, respecting the citizens' will and maintaining the traditional and religious character of the celebration.
