The town of Tunte celebrated this Monday the main day of its patron saint festival in honor of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, in a day that gathered hundreds of faithful and residents despite the thermometer nearing 30 degrees Celsius. The celebration included a mass, a procession, and the distribution of over 800 portions of the traditional Canarian sancocho in Santiago Square.
Devotees accompanied the saint's image in a procession characterized by joy and devotion, with flower petals thrown from balconies. Residents like Belinda Alemán, who has lived in Tunte for 30 years, highlighted the festival's importance to the town's identity. The procession was accompanied by the Banda Isleña (Island Band).
The religious event also served as a reunion point for many inhabitants. Ramón Segura, born in Tunte and who moved away at 20, makes an effort to attend each year to reconnect with family and acquaintances. Carrying a handmade banner, Abel Mejías and Paqui Santana emphasized that the festival represents "union, family, and tradition" and the "Canarian identity" of the town.
One of the most anticipated moments was the serving of Canarian sancocho, for which approximately 150 kilograms of salted fish were used. Each plate was served with salted fish, wrinkled potatoes, mojo sauce, and corn dough, following the usual preparation.
The first deputy mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Alejandro Marichal, and the Councilor for Festivals and Events, Yilenia Vega, highlighted the attendance and the smooth running of the program, as well as the preservation of traditions.
The festive day continued in the afternoon with the 'Lluvias de Agosto' (August Rains) street party, enlivened by Armonía Show, and concluded with the Gran Gala Fin de Fiestas (Grand Finale Gala), dedicated to Nuria Medina Mejías, featuring performances by Dani Calero and Tania Gil.
