Easter is the most important moment of Faith in Christian communities when the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated. San Cristóbal de La Laguna, as the seat of the Iglesia Nivariense (Diocese) and because of the images owned by the different religious communities, holds one of the major celebrations in the archipelago. Because of their sobriety and recollection, it is closer to Castilian processions than to those held in Andalusia.
A large number of Pasos procesionales [floats with images representing Easter events], which are decorated with outstanding pieces of silversmithing, are paraded down the streets in these days.
Maundy Thursday is a special day for La Laguna people; it starts with Procesión de Madrugada [Dawn Procession] in which the image of the Cristo de La Laguna is taken from San Francisco Church to the Cathedral accompanied by the sound of malagueñas.
This procession follows the age-old European tradition where the Son meets His Mother. On this day, the monuments preside over the main altars and the riches of churches are taken out to honour Christ. Two major processions are held on Good Friday:
- Procesión Magna (in the afternoon), when the different Pasos Procesionales gathered in the Cathedral parade down the streets.
- Procesión del Silencio (at night), when dead Christ is taken to Parroquia de Santo Domingo in absolute silence.
For more information please see the official website of hermandades y cofradías de San Cristóbal de La Laguna.
