The Dirección General de Salud Pública of the Servicio Canario de la Salud (SCS) announced health prevention measures on 4 September 2026 for participants in the Fiestas del Pino in Teror (Gran Canaria). The measures are prompted by pilgrimage routes to the Villa mariana and the expected crowds during the festival. The authority sets out specific precautions against dehydration, overheating and common accidents in large crowds.
The advice focuses on drinking enough before and during the walk, carrying a refillable water bottle and avoiding alcohol. Drinks high in sugar or caffeine should be limited. To protect against the sun, the health directorate recommends wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30. Apply it before setting off and reapply every two hours or after heavy sweating. Where possible, avoid the hottest hours of the day, between 12 and 17, and favour staying in the shade.
Light, loose-fitting, pale-coloured clothing and comfortable, broken-in footwear are also recommended to prevent blisters and chafing. For night walks or in poor visibility, reflective items are advised so that drivers can see pilgrims more easily. Walk at a pace suited to your fitness, avoid overexertion and take regular breaks. Light meals, fresh fruit, unsalted nuts and a small first-aid kit, including lip balm and sun protection, are listed as suitable items to bring.
The health authority reminds people to recognise early the warning signs of possible heatstroke or severe heat exhaustion: severe headache, dizziness or fainting, confusion, difficulty speaking, very hot, flushed and dry skin, or persistent nausea and vomiting. In such cases, call for help immediately, move the affected person into the shade, loosen their clothing and cool them with water or damp cloths; if they are conscious, offer small sips of water.
To support the festival days, the Gerencia de Atención Primaria of the Área de Salud de Gran Canaria is expanding services at the Centro de Salud de Teror. In addition to the regular service, a doctor, a nurse and security staff will be on duty from 17:00 on 7 September to 17:00 on 8 September. The Servicio de Urgencias Canario (SUC) is supplementing provision with a rapid-response vehicle and an ambulance equipped for medical care for pilgrims and other incidents requiring medical assistance.
Editor: Clara Simonichek (Article created with AI assistance).