This midnight mass (the Mass of the Cockerel) is held on the 24th December in the church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, in Teguise. Despite being held at midnight, it is normally very well attended. During the ceremony are the famous performances of “Ranchos de Pascua o Ánimas”, a custom that dates back centuries. The Rancho de Pascua of Teguise is perhaps the most important of the whole island. It has its origins in the Ranchos de Ánimas that used to collect money in the streets throughout the year in order to raise funds for the prayers for the souls of the deceased. Later, when the performances were limited to Christmas time, the Rancho de Ánimas began to be known as the Rancho de Pascuas. Today, the Rancho is only performed on the night of Christmas Eve, with songs and dances performed before the figure of baby Jesus, in a custom that goes back centuries.