ix canary islands pilgrimage madrid 2000

IX Canary Islands Pilgrimage in Madrid draws 2,000 people

Record turnout for the ninth edition

The ninth Canary Islands Pilgrimage (Romería Canaria) in Madrid, founded by Canarian Roberto Miño – now president of the Casa de Canarias – exceeded all expectations this year, drawing 2,000 pilgrims throughout the day. The event brought together Canarians from across Spain in the capital, many of whom travelled directly from the islands, in a celebration that has become one of the main gatherings for the Canarian community outside the archipelago.

Solemn ceremony and flag tribute

The day began at midday with the Tribute to the Flag and the Offering to the Canarians at the Cathedral of the Redeemer. During the ceremony, attendees raised the flag of the Canary Islands in one of the most solemn moments of the day, accompanied by the voices of Besay Pérez – soloist of Los Sabandeños – Caco Senante and Pepe Benavente. The artists were supported by three folk groups (parrandas): one from the Casa de Canarias, another from La Guanchería de Los Realejos, and a third from El Botellín de Tejeda, the latter two having travelled especially from the islands.

Honours for Pedro Guerra and Tirma

During the ceremony, the Casa de Canarias awarded its Medals of Honour. This year, the recognitions went to musician Pedro Guerra for his artistic career and international projection, and to Virgilio Correa, president of Tirma, for his defence of Canarian industry and the values associated with the islands both within Spain and abroad. The organisation also acknowledged the Tirma company and its team of workers for a business trajectory closely tied to Canarian identity.

Roberto Miño named honorary president

One of the most notable moments of the day came during the Offering and Tribute to the Flag, when attendees – led by Caco Senante and Canarian artist Luis Sansó – announced the appointment of Roberto Miño as honorary president of the Casa de Canarias. Senante and Sansó highlighted his dedication over more than a decade at the helm of the organisation and his work supporting the Canarian community abroad. The announcement was met with a long ovation from the pilgrims, with Miño visibly moved.

Colourful parade through central Madrid

After the offering, the Pilgrims’ Parade (Paseo de los Romeros) began through the streets of central Madrid. The procession, made up of participants wearing traditional costumes, folk groups, and music ensembles, drew the attention of locals and tourists alike along the route. Pepe Benavente, Caco Senante and Pedro Guerra also took part in the parade, accompanied by the three folk groups and Roberto Miño, who once again led the way with his traditional goat.

Among those in attendance were Candelaria Delgado, Minister of Social Affairs for the Government of the Canary Islands; Rosa Aguilar, the Government of the Canary Islands’ delegate in Madrid; and José Téllez, Director General for Emigration, along with other authorities.

Canarian food and street party

The procession concluded, as in previous years, at the historic Sala Changó in central Madrid, where the traditional Canarian tasting menu took place. There was no shortage of pig’s trotter, wrinkly potatoes (papas arrugadas), chorizo de perro, and ambrosías, served by the team from the Canarian gastrobar Detenderete – recently awarded a Solete by the Repsol Guide. The day continued with the Canarian street party (verbena), featuring Pepe Benavente’s performance as one of its highlights. After that, the party went on with sets from Canarian DJs Alfonso Viera, Tenorio, and Serna from Alboroto, who brought the musical curtain down on a celebration marked by reunion and participation.

A celebration of Canarian culture in the capital

The ninth Canary Islands Pilgrimage in Madrid once again exceeded expectations, bringing together pilgrims, artists, authorities and the general public for a day dedicated to the culture, music and traditions of the Canary Islands in the heart of the Spanish capital.

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