Bajada de la Virgen del Socorro

The Descent of the Virgin of Socorro, celebrated every September 7th, is one of Tenerife's most iconic traditions and considered the archipelago's oldest pilgrimage. From the early hours of the morning, thousands of pilgrims gather at the church of San Pedro Apóstol in Güímar. At 6:00 a.m., the pilgrims' mass begins; then, the Virgin descends in procession along the ancient Camino del Socorro—following indigenous routes—amid songs, cheers, and the repeated sound of the Pasodoble al Socorro.

The image arrives at the Socorro hermitage on the coast around noon, where the welcoming mass is celebrated. In the afternoon, the Guanche Ceremony takes place, recreating the apparition of the Virgin at that spot and the Guanche mencey's plea for help, symbolized in front of the Cruz de Tea on the Llano de la Virgen. The procession then returns, accompanied by the San Pedro Arriba ribbon dance, music from local bands, and an atmosphere of contemplation and brotherhood.

As night falls, the day continues with the Candlelight Procession, a Mass for the faithful departed, and the recitation of the Rosary before the traditional "Dormida" (Dormida) next to the Virgin. The following day, during the Subida del Socorro (Subida del Socorro), the image returns to the church of San Pedro amid floral tributes, ancestral songs, a game of "Pares o nones" (Evenings or Odds) at La Asomada, and a shower of fireworks announcing the farewell.

It is an unforgettable festival for those seeking a deep connection with Canarian history, faith, and popular culture, where fervor and folklore intertwine in a visual and emotional spectacle that spans the island.