Flower carpets in Tenerife bring an age-old tradition to life, when colourful floral compositions adorn the streets of La Laguna during Corpus Christi.
La Laguna celebrates the solemnity of Corpus Christi on Sunday with an extensive display of sand carpets and floral mosaics in the main streets of the historic centre. These are traditionally created from Saturday evening onwards thanks to the dedication of social and cultural associations, neighbourhood collectives and parish groups. The event, supported by the city council and various institutions, includes a procession of the Blessed Sacrament. Community involvement and the use of natural elements in the carpets are central.
Villa de Mazo welcomes Corpus Christi
Approximately 70 carpets, a similar number to last year, will decorate the route of the Blessed Sacrament procession, which will depart on Sunday afternoon around 6:00 p.m. from the cathedral, following the Eucharistic celebration led by the bishop of the diocese, Eloy Santiago. This year, the route is slightly modified due to construction works in the ‘Barranco de la Carnicería’, causing the procession to go through Viana Street instead of the usual route along Nava y Grimón.
The mayor of La Laguna, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, emphasised the relevance of a celebration deeply rooted in the city’s tradition, since Corpus was the first feast celebrated in La Laguna after its founding in 1496. He also highlighted the fundamental role that various groups and associations play in honouring the ancient custom of creating carpets and mosaics to beautify La Laguna. Flower carpets in Tenerife are part of a tradition stored in the genes of Tenerfians.
The ‘Diablos y Tarasca’ parade combines symbolism and tradition
The alderman/councillor for Festivities, Dailos González, stated that in recent years, this event has experienced a revival after the pandemic thanks to the commitment of both religious communities and civil society, resulting in increased public engagement.
He especially emphasised the volunteer work of the Council of Brotherhoods and Confraternities, the dedication of the entire staff of the Department of Festivities, and the role of the archpriest and parish priest of La Concepción, Jesús Agüín, who coordinates throughout the year between individuals and organisations involved in the celebration.
Sprinkled sand from La Palma
Dailos González also reiterated the city council’s support, across departments, through cooperation with various municipal services, for the celebration of a deeply rooted festival that brings together many original elements. The councillor stressed that his department is increasingly committed to using plant-based elements in the carpets. For this purpose, more artificial materials such as marmoline are now used along with other natural decorations like volcanic sand from La Palma.
Flower carpet
The municipality will create its own flower carpet, 20 metres long and 4 metres wide, on Calle Obispo Rey Redondo. The carpet makers will be provided with around 40 truckloads of heather, as well as over 20,000 ornamental flowers of various types including roses, geraniums, alstroemerias, sunflowers, carnations and gerberas.
The flowers were purchased from floriculturists in the northeast of the island, the region with the largest ornamental flower production in the Canary Islands. This also supports the local primary sector. Finally, specially designed banners for the celebration have been made and have been flying since Friday in Calle Obispo Rey Redondo, adding to the festive appearance alongside the flower carpets in Tenerife.
Corpus Christi
The celebrations of Corpus Christi in La Laguna are among the most emblematic religious and cultural festivities in Tenerife. At the heart of this celebration lies the impressive sand carpet on the town square, which is created annually with the utmost care and artistic craftsmanship. This masterpiece, made of coloured sand sourced from places like Teideand La Palma, depicts religious and symbolic themes appropriate to the liturgical feast. Around the square and in surrounding streets, countless flower and plant carpets emerge, created by local associations, parish groups and neighbourhood committees. Together, they form a temporary open-air museum full of colour, fragrance and meaning, in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and the procession that passes through it as the main highlight.
Procession
The celebrations of Corpus Christi in La Laguna are among the most emblematic religious and cultural festivities in Tenerife. At the heart of this celebration lies the impressive sand carpet on the town square, which is created annually with the utmost care and artistic craftsmanship. This masterpiece, made of coloured sand sourced from places like Teide and La Palma, depicts religious and symbolic themes appropriate to the liturgical feast.
Around the square and in the surrounding streets, countless flower and plant carpets emerge, created by local associations, parish groups and neighbourhood committees. Together, they form a temporary open-air museum full of colour, fragrance and meaning, in honour of the Blessed Sacrament and the procession that, as the highlight of the Corpus Christifestivities, will take place on Sunday, 22 June 2025.
sanrosendodecelanova.blogspot.com © Photography
Flower carpets in Tenerife ©
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