The Bajada del Carbonero brings together more than 800 people at the Patron Saint Festivities of Tunte

 

The Department of Festivals and Events of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana Town Hall celebrated another edition of the traditional Bajada del Carbonero (Charcoal Burner's Descent) this Sunday, August 23rd. This event is one of the most deeply rooted traditions within the Patron Saint Festivities of Tunte, held in honor of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle. More than 800 people participated in the celebration, whose procession departed at 18:00 PM from Las Lagunas, in the Plaza del Carbonero (Charcoal Burner's Square), before winding its way through the town's streets.

 

 

The Isleña Band provided musical accompaniment for a procession in which participants evoked the figure of the old charcoal burners, one of the trades historically linked to the midlands of Tirajana. Covered in soot, the attendees descended to the town center of Tunte while residents from houses, balconies, and various points along the route refreshed them with water, reproducing some of the elements that traditionally characterize this celebration. The procession commemorates an activity that for generations was part of life in the midlands and maintains a space within the Patron Saint Festivities dedicated to the memory of those who practiced this trade.

 

 

The First Deputy Mayor, Alejandro Marichal, pointed out that “the Bajada del Carbonero keeps alive the memory of a trade linked to the history and identity of the midlands of Tirajana,” and highlighted the importance of preserving those traditions that allow us to know how previous generations lived and worked. 

 

For her part, the Councilor for Festivals and Events, Yilenia Vega, stated that “we want our children and young people to know why we celebrate the Bajada del Carbonero (Charcoal Burner's Descent), to understand the history behind it, and to embrace a tradition that forms part of the identity of Tunte and Tirajana.” Vega added that her department is working to preserve these celebrations and, at the same time, encourage residents and visitors to actively participate in them.

 

After the Descent, the program continued at 20:00 PM with the Charcoal Maker's Festival, featuring performances by Star Music, Leyenda Joven, D'Music, and DJ Línea. The Patron Saint Festivities will reach their main day this Monday, August 24th, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, with the Floral Wake-Up Call starting at 04:30 AM, the religious service and subsequent procession, the traditional Canarian Sancocho stew in Santiago Square, the "August Rains" festival with Armonía Show, and the Grand Closing Gala dedicated this year to Nuria Medina Mejías.