The Corpus Christi of San Cristóbal de la Laguna is a festival whose charm lies in its antiquity and colorfulness, where the streets become canvases and petals turn into brushstrokes.
Imagine a parade of faith and devotion where each step is taken on a carpet of flowers.
The origin of the floral tradition
San Cristóbal de la Laguna, on the island of Tenerife, has been celebrating Corpus Christi for centuries, but it was not until the early 20th century that the tradition of floral carpets began to blossom. Before this time, although Corpus Christi was fervently celebrated, the custom of adorning the streets with floral tapestries had not yet taken root.
The preparation: a community endeavor
The night before the procession, the city turns into a hive of activity. Citizens gather to collaborate in the creation of the floral carpets. Each one contributes their grain of sand: some select and collect the petals, others draw the designs, and everyone, regardless of age, participates in the placement of the flowers.
Floral carpets: symbols of devotion and creativity
The floral carpets, made with petals, shrubs, and plants, are much more than mere decoration. Each carpet is a canvas that tells a story, reflects a belief, or expresses a wish.
The flower festival: a tribute to Corpus Christi
The celebration of Corpus Christi in San Cristóbal de la Laguna has transcended its religious essence to become a veritable flower festival. Beyond the procession of the Blessed Sacrament, what lingers in memory and in photographs are the streets adorned with floral tapestries. The ephemeral beauty of these natural works of art, which last only as long as the procession, inspires the citizens of La Laguna to outdo themselves each year in their efforts to transform their city into an open-air museum.
Every year, when the date of Corpus Christi arrives, this year specifically on June 11, San Cristóbal de la Laguna undergoes a transformation. Not only is an ancient religious tradition celebrated, but also the beauty, creativity, and unity of a community centered around an act of faith and devotion.