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Every September, the small town of Teror in Gran Canaria does something remarkable. It draws over 200,000 people to celebrate the Fiesta del Pino, a festival honouring Our Lady of the Pine, the patron saint of Gran Canaria and the Diocese of the Canary Islands. It is a celebration of deep religious devotion, centuries of tradition and genuine community pride. And as of Monday June 22, it has the official state recognition to match.

 

Spain's State Secretariat for Tourism officially declared the Fiesta del Pino a Festival of National Tourist Interest at a ceremony held in the Plaza de la Alameda Pío XII in Teror. The title was presented by Minister of Industry and Tourism Jordi Hereu to Teror's mayor, José Agustín Arencibia, making it the 161st festival in Spain and the eighth in the Canary Islands to receive this distinction.

 

The festival's roots are long and deep. Its documented history stretches back to the 18th century, though popular tradition links its origins to a miracle associated with a pine tree as far back as 1481.

 

Each year the celebrations include a pilgrimage-offering, a procession along royal roads, solemn religious services, a military parade with representation from the Royal Family, and a full programme of cultural and sporting events. People travel to Teror from across the island, the rest of the archipelago, mainland Spain and beyond.

 

Hereu was effusive about what the festival represents. "What the Fiesta del Pino represents has unlimited, universal value," he said, adding that it possesses "unparalleled appeal." He also urged the town to begin working towards the next step, international recognition, which becomes possible after five years at national level.

 

Councillor for Tourism Laura Quintana was keen to keep the moment grounded. The distinction, she said, belongs "to the entire community, to the generations that have kept this celebration alive," describing it as a commitment to "continue preserving our traditions." Mayor Arencibia highlighted the economic significance of the title and what it means for Teror as a "leading cultural, heritage, and religious destination."

 

The National Tourist Interest status is not just honorary. It allows the festival to feature in Turespaña's official promotional campaigns and opens the door to applying for the prestigious Festival of International Tourist Interest designation within five years.

 

 

 

Images: Ayuntamiento de Teror