Güímar

FIESTAS OF SAN PEDRO

The two different districts that make up Gúimar alternate in organising the Fiesta of San Pedro; in even years, it is organised by San Pedro de Arriba and, in odd years, it is organised by San Pedro de Abajo. 

The town starts preparing the fiestas on the 20th of June. A group of residents places three feathers, one on the church tower, one half way along the processional route and the third in the church. From now on, the church bells play tajaraste music, the peals of San Pedro as they are known, at nine o'clock in the morning, at mid-day and again in the evening.

On the night of the 27th, San Pedro is taken out of the church in procession to the other, smaller church. The figure of the Saint returns that night, along the same street, but decorated with arches made from branches. The local population burn fire wheels as they make their vows. There is a whole range of religious, cultural and sporting activities held on the 29th, organised by the fiestas committee of each street, or by the town council.

The Burras of Güímar

In Güímar, the traditional carnival ceremony of the burial of the sardine has become a curious celebration known as Las Burras de Güímar. This theatrical spectacle based on ancient witchery has been performed since 1992. The unusual burial begins with the appearance of some strange burras who join the funeral cortège. When it reaches the main square, suspicions are raised and the country-folk stab at them with knives. The burras are then transformed into dirty witches who invoke the devil during a witches’ sabbath. The witches dance wildly until the bishop arrives to hold an exorcism, exhorting the help of the Archangel Michael, who descends from heaven and fights with the devil.  With the devil dead, he orders the burras to be burnt on the bonfire and peace is restored to the town.