Ermita San Juan

“A ribbon of a path, spiraling upwards”. That’s how the locals often described the old route winding its way up to the Ermita San Juan. Here, perched on a hillside overlooking the vibrant green valley of Hermigua, stands the Ermita San Juan de Las Cabezadas. This small chapel holds centuries of stories, echoing with the laughter and songs of generations past. The Ermita San Juan isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a living testament to the traditions and spirit of the people of Hermigua, La Gomera. The annual Fiesta de San Juan de Las Cabezadas is a highlight, drawing people back year after year to reconnect with family, friends, and the unique charm of this place. The Ermita San Juan commands a breathtaking view, serving as a magnificent natural mirador overlooking the entire Valle de Hermigua. Imagine, before the road was built, the entire community would ascend this very path, carrying everything needed for the festival by hand. Musical instruments, lumber for stalls, and all the provisions for a joyous celebration were hauled up the winding trail. Leonor Hernández, a local resident, remembers those days fondly. She recalls the excitement of the “more intimate, family-oriented” celebration and the shared effort of preparing for the feast day of San Juan. Children joined in the preparations, helping to create colorful paper chains, their paste made simply from flour and water. These chains, crafted with such care and enthusiasm, would then adorn the archway welcoming guests to the Ermita San Juan. Even today, certain traditions endure. Each year, on the first of June, a flag is raised at the Ermita San Juan, marking the start of the month dedicated to the saint. And every day at noon, the sound of fireworks echoes through the valley, counting down the days to the festival. The original path leading to the Ermita San Juan played a crucial role in the community’s life. Extending beyond the chapel to the neighborhood of Los Aceviños, it served as a vital link, facilitating the exchange of goods and the age-old practice of bartering. While now popular with hikers, this path whispers stories of a not-so-distant past, a time when community spirit and shared traditions wove the fabric of life around the Ermita San Juan.