The La Tahona recreational area, located in San Juan de la Rambla, served as the meeting point last Friday, the 28th, for the collection and transport of faya branches, an essential element for the Fiesta de los Corazones de Tejina. This collaboration has been strengthened between the Tenerife Island Council, through the Department of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, and the Environment Department of the La Laguna City Council.
The Fiesta de los Corazones de Tejina, one of the most important celebrations in the La Laguna municipality, was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest on May 12, 2003. The Asociación Corazones de Tejina, responsible for protecting and promoting this tradition, leads this ethnographic and anthropological gathering with the 'corazones' (hearts) from Calle Arriba, Calle Abajo, and El Pico.
The Minister of Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security, and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez; the Councilor for Municipal Services and Citizen Participation, Fran Hernández; and the Councilor for Tourism and Commerce, Estefanía Díaz, accompanied the representatives of the association and the three emblematic 'corazones' in the activity of cutting and removing the faya branches.
Blanca Pérez highlighted the Island Council's collaboration with this tradition, emphasizing the respect with which participants work with the natural environment, following technical guidance. She underscored the festival's importance as an Asset of Cultural Interest and the collective work that unites the Tejina community, combining environmental and religious involvement.
For his part, Fran Hernández described the branch collection as one of the most traditional and deeply rooted acts, built within the community and passed down through generations. He emphasized the need to involve young people to preserve respect for the natural environment and the village's identity markers.
Additionally, the Island Council is working on the restoration of Montaña Fagundo, a 32-hectare area between La Laguna and Tacoronte, to transform it into a nature classroom. This project, resulting from an agreement with the Ministry of Industry and Tourism and ENAIRE, aims to reforest with native species after a 2022 fire. The planting of faya and other species is supported by various entities and volunteers, including the Asociación de Corazones de Tejina, making this space a key location for obtaining branches for the festival.
