Neighbors and visitors enjoyed a day of happy reunion around the signs
identity of this town in the municipality of Agüimes
Thousands of people gathered this Sunday at the Arinaga Crossing to enjoy the pilgrimage in honor of San José Obrero, patron saint of this town. After two years without being able to celebrate due to the pandemic, the desire to party was felt among neighbors and visitors, who were able to recover the enthusiasm for the typical nature, music and dances of the land.
The nine participating carts, representatives of various groups and associations from throughout the municipality, began the route in the vicinity of the Doramas school, advancing through Doramas, Bentejuí, Beletén streets and along Ansite Avenue until they converge at the church, in whose portico The parish priest, Yonathan Ravelo, was waiting, along with a representation of the municipal authorities, headed by the mayor of Agüimes, Óscar Hernández. The offerings were deposited in front of the image of the saint, to later be delivered to parish Cáritas, responsible for their distribution among families with fewer resources. At the end of the pilgrimage, people dressed in traditional clothing were able to participate in the traditional taifa dance, held in the Primero de Mayo square, with the music of the El Pajullo, El Mejunje and Merita La Pena parrandas.
The festival of San José Obrero is one of the most popular and participatory events in the municipality of Agüimes. For the residents of Cruce de Arinaga it is also an opportunity to reflect the history of this population center, created by families coming from all over the Canary Islands to work in sharecropping and herding. Over the years, the town has grown around the commercial and service sector, bringing together approximately a third of the population of the municipality of Agüimes, but without giving up the imprint of the people who gave rise to it. This humble and hardworking character is one of the factors that have allowed him to achieve the well-being he enjoys today.
The festivities of San José Obrero will continue to be celebrated until May 7, with various activities, cultural events, concerts and festivals. Next Friday, April 29, the K-pop contest and the youth night will take place in the Primero de Mayo square, the night of serenades through the streets of the neighborhood and the folkloric meeting at the Teatro Cruce de Culturas. On Sunday, May 1, the livestock fair will take place and for Saturday, May 7, an authentic Latin music marathon has been organized, with a dance battle in the morning and salsa, bachata and kizomba workshops in the afternoon. At night there will be a concert by Montellier, Cuban singer, author and producer, founder of the band 'Los Jefes de Cuba'. The complete program can be consulted on the Agüimes City Council website: https://aguimes.es/festejos