This is the celebration of the patron saint of the town, San Isidro Labrador, patron saint of farmers and protector of harvests.
The festival is held in May and includes a Fiesta Romera and a folk festival, but the main attraction is the Romería procession which takes place on the last Sunday of the month. Find out more about the activities involved in this picturesque celebration here.
Procession in honour of Saint Isidro Labrador
The procession is a parade of decorated carts and horses led by the image of San Isidro. The wagons, known as “carretas”, are adorned with flowers, fruit and vegetables, which showcase the region’s bountiful harvest.
Locals and visitors dress up in typical Canarian costumes, the women in colourful dresses and the men in straw hats and embroidered waistcoats; folkloric groups entertain the wagons as they make their way through the historic centre.
Since 1953, the pilgrimage in Guía de Isora has been a demonstration of gratitude and celebration to the saint for the harvests obtained, because the pilgrimage is not only a religious festival, but also a celebration of the town’s agricultural roots. It is also considered to be one of the oldest in Tenerife.
The participants decorate their vehicles to take part in the pilgrimage. After the blessing of the animals, the fiesta ends in the square with a verbena, music and tasting of the local gastronomy.
Other particularities of the Romerías
The fiesta also includes food stalls, where visitors can sample local delicacies such as “papas arrugadas”, a traditional Canarian dish of salted potatoes served with mojo sauce and the ever-present rosquetes.
In general, the Romería of San Isidro in Guía de Isora is a celebration of culture, tradition and the Canarian community. It is a time to honour the patron saint of farmers, to pay homage to the land and the hard work involved in cultivating it.
The Romería is a vibrant and joyous occasion that showcases the best of Isorran hospitality and welcomes visitors to experience the warmth and beauty of the island.
So, if you find yourself in Tenerife in May, be sure to visit the Romería de San Isidro in Guía de Isora and witness the colourful and festive pilgrimage. You won’t regret it.
