Candelaria embraces the intensity of the Santa Ana and Virgin del Carmen festivals, a true essence rooted in the fishing tradition of a municipality that is becoming increasingly eclectic, with a lot of internal migration, especially from the Tenerife capital, but that wants to maintain its traditional connection to the sea and the land, the idiosyncrasy of the Mariana Village, impossible to understand historically and culturally without that dual seafaring and farming origin. The Town Hall, with the Mayor, Mari Brito, at the helm, presented the extensive program of events to be carried out from the 4th, this Thursday, to the 27th within the framework of the Santa Ana and Virgin del Carmen Festivities. There will be almost 50 activities designed for the whole family, among which stand out the Embarkation of the Virgin or the Dance of Magicians and Fishermen.
The Embarkation will take place on Saturday the 13th, following the mass that will start at 7:30 pm. The maritime procession is planned, along with a fireworks display, and the return to the parish of Santa Ana through the streets carpeted with the image accompanied by the Las Candelas music band.
The Dance of Magicians and Fishermen is scheduled for Saturday the 20th starting at 9:30 pm in the square of the patron saint of Canary Islands with a countryside dinner and performances by Pepe Benavente and the orchestras Revelación and Maquinaria Band
The Mayor, Mari Brito, expressed her enthusiasm for the start of the festivities: “Let’s come together as a community, which is what we are, and set aside bitterness and obsessive criticism, because here, the only things that will remain eternal are the Virgin del Carmen, Santa Ana, and the essence of their Festivities. Everything else, including ourselves, will pass.”
The Mayor emphasised that “the time has come to celebrate joy and attachment to this land. Let’s don the scapular of cordiality, reminding us of our roots, committing us to the future, and reconciling us with others.” Brito concluded: “That’s what the Festivities are also for. We invite all residents and visitors to enjoy the wide variety of activities we have prepared with great care.”
The Councillor for Festivities, Manuel González, highlighted the diversity of the programme: “We have worked to ensure it caters to everyone’s tastes. From festivals and parties to workshops, concerts, exhibitions, guided tours, and children’s shows, there is something for every family member.”
He added that they are “aware of the importance of passing on traditions to the new generations; we have prepared ‘Kids’ Festivities,’ a special programme for girls and boys offering a dozen activities designed for their enjoyment and active participation in the celebrations.”
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The kick-off of the festivities will take place this Thursday the 4th, at 9:00 pm, at the entrance of the Parish of Santa Ana. This inaugural event will also serve as the setting for the presentation of the 2024 Merit Medals, a recognition of those residents and groups who have excelled in the cultural, social, sports, and work fields.
