pascua florida guia isora floral art exhibition

Guía de Isora’s Pascua Florida Blends Faith and Floral Art

International Appeal for a Unique Easter Tradition

A florist from the Czech Republic recently contacted Carlos Curbelo with the aim of participating in the next edition of Guía de Isora’s Pascua Florida. This fact clearly illustrates the growing prestige this initiative has acquired. This is particularly notable given it has less than two decades of history, which could be considered a relatively short trajectory.

Where Religion Meets Contemporary Floral Art

In broad terms, Pascua Florida is a blend of religiosity and contemporary art, with a primary focus on the floral aspect. “It involves visiting a floral and contemporary art project which, due to its characteristics, is unique in Spain, as it has a clear theme centred on the passion, death, and resurrection,” explains Curbelo, who is the artistic director of Pascua Florida. In this edition, which runs until this Sunday, visitors can explore 24 pieces created by artists from diverse backgrounds.

A Lively Scene in the Town Square

By mid-morning on Saturday, the Plaza de Nuestra Señora de La Luz was a hive of activity, with locals and visitors circulating around the elaborate compositions. The scene was striking. The church doors were wide open, and the platforms used for the Holy Week processions, now dismantled, were parked outside, completing the picture. Carlos Curbelo was preparing around 11:00 am to begin a guided tour of the works.

Beyond Flowers: A Multisensory Experience

While flowers take centre stage, there are also pieces made from wood, fabrics, and other elements. “That must have taken ages to do…”, remarked one surprised spectator to their companion on Calle La Vera, while observing the work on the exterior of a building. The artists have even created a carpet in the style of those made for Corpus Christi. Religion and avant-garde art are the common denominator across the different offerings.

The actions of the florists and visual artists are complemented by theatre, music, and dance performances. According to the artistic director, the authors include recognised professionals. He himself is a florist and is responsible for no fewer than eleven works. They all meet on Palm Sunday and work until Maundy Thursday creating the pieces, although the organisation had months of prior preparations.

Visitor Impressions and Growing Popularity

“I love it; this is the second time I’ve come,” says Francisco García, who travelled to Guía de Isora from the municipality of Puerto de la Cruz. “It’s far, but we take a family walk and enjoy this,” he states. García is 56 and declares himself a lover of traditions. “This might not be a tradition as such, or at least it’s on its way to becoming one, because it hasn’t been going for that many years; but it’s beautiful and it’s part of Holy Week,” he opines.

For Carmen Díaz, who was viewing the compositions on Saturday morning, the event seems to have achieved its desired effect. “I like it, it moves me,” says this resident of Candelaria when asked what it conveyed to her. She came to Guía de Isora accompanied by her daughter and granddaughter after work colleagues told her about the initiative. “I came for the first time before the pandemic and have kept coming,” she notes.

Another testimony comes from Juan Carlos Torres, who came to Guía de Isora on Saturday for family commitments and took the opportunity to “enjoy these works”. He points out he is not a regular at Pascua Florida, but it is not his first time either. “I first came many years ago and since then I’ve come as it has fitted in: if my wife wanted to come, depending on other commitments…”, he relates. “But yes, I certainly think they are very beautiful representations,” he emphasised.

Provoking Emotion and Reflection

Artists lending national and international prestige to the event include Juan Chamorro from Oviedo; Álex Segura from Barcelona; Ignacio Guillén from Pamplona; fellow Barcelona native Jordi Abelló; and multidisciplinary artist Nela Ochoa, of Venezuelan origin. “We try to provoke an emotion in the viewer, to invite them to reflect and to make a pause in time,” proposes Curbelo.

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