Tegueste Prepares for San Marcos Pilgrimage with Extensive Security Operation

The 58th edition of the event will feature nearly 200 personnel and enhanced public transport on Sunday, April 26.

Image of a traditional cart decorated for a romería in the Canary Islands.
IA

Image of a traditional cart decorated for a romería in the Canary Islands.

The Tegueste City Council has finalized preparations for the 58th San Marcos Evangelista Pilgrimage, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, with a security operation involving nearly 200 personnel and an enhanced public transport plan to ensure the event's smooth running.

The traditional San Marcos Evangelista Pilgrimage in Tegueste is set to be one of the most significant events on Tenerife's festive calendar. This year, the Tegueste City Council has outlined the official route, a special security deployment, public transport operations, and a guide to traditional attire for attendees.
The pilgrimage route will commence at Plaza de Tegueste, proceeding up El Pino street. The carts will join from La Placeta and Jesús Cedrés street, descending along La Audiencia street and continuing along El Carmen street. Subsequently, groups will ascend Nueva street, pass through the historic center's pedestrian zone, and conclude the itinerary back on El Pino street. Municipal authorities have stressed the importance of adhering to the established route and following security personnel's instructions.
For the day, an extensive security operation has been coordinated, involving nearly 200 personnel, including the Civil Guard, Local Police, Canarian Police, and Civil Protection. This operation will focus on traffic regulation, access control, and coordination with transport services. Drivers are advised to avoid the town center during peak event hours and to consult any designated detours.
Regarding public transport, the company Titsa has organized a special service with reinforcements and additional routes. Line 015 (Santa Cruz - La Laguna) will be reinforced between 10:00 AM and 7:30 PM. Additionally, a special service will be activated from 10:00 AM until 1:00 AM the following day, departing from La Laguna Interchange towards Tegueste via Vía de Ronda. Lines 050, 051, 052, and 057 will also be reinforced, with specific schedules to facilitate attendance and return for pilgrims.

"Dressing as a 'mago' or 'maga' is not just an aesthetic matter, but also one of respect, identity, and culture."

a City Council spokesperson
The City Council has placed particular emphasis on traditional attire, distributing a guide with recommendations for attendees. The use of authentic Canarian clothing is advised, avoiding combinations with modern clothes or accessories. Suggestions include head coverings (hats for men; hats and scarves or just scarves for women), linen or cotton garments, full skirts, bodices, aprons reaching the knee, traditional footwear such as leather shoes or espadrilles, and traditional fabric bags. The use of jeans, t-shirts, low-cut tops, modern accessories, or sports footwear is discouraged.
Finally, a Punto Violeta (Purple Point) will be set up on Casino street, operating from 3:00 PM on Sunday, April 26, until 1:00 AM on Monday, April 27, to provide information and support in situations of harassment or sexist aggression.