Of the many ways to view the passion and resserection of Christ, Guia de Isora, above the west coast of Tenerife, offers a unique and innovative art trail.

The thirteenth year of the four day Pascua Florida spread of floral art threaded through the tight back streets, and reclined under the trees and in the shadow of the Nuestra Señora de La Luz church (our lady of the light). Local based and invited artists from further afield choose their materials well to evoke the story of blood, flesh, and spirit. Among the 22 works, circles and vines were a recurring theme of new hope.

A backward reaching wooden figure was a reminder of the spirit breaking free of the body. Floating figures in cubes also showed the struggle to break away from mortal ties. Blood made a strong image of suffering on the cross, in the church plaza the cross weeped red and a wooden matraca stood nearby. The machine was used in the past to produce dry, wooden, sour notes as a contrast to the normal peal of the bells.

Some works aroused instant connections but others were more obscure. Dice were the currency used by Roman centurian guards when they competed to see who would lay claim to the blood soaked robe of christ. Walls of old buildings dripped with larger plant based mosaics, and at every turn, new surprises awaited.

Over the four days of the display, musical interludes were performed in the streets and alleys. Some of the images take their place each year, with little tweaks and additions, but there are always new views to see and new interpretations to admire. Maybe not the most famous of Tenerife´s easter events, Pascua Florida always packs an artistic punch and shows true dedication.