The town of Candelaria is celebrating today the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands. Yesterday was a day filled with Guanche ceremonies, a night procession, parrandas, Chago Melián’s rendition of Ave Maria, and continuous arrival of pilgrims from various parts of the island. Today, the religious, cultural, and festive events will carry on to honour the Morenita on her most significant day.
The day kicks off with several masses in the basilica at 5:00, 6:00, 7:00, and 8:00 am. At 9:00 am, there will be a drum reception and an offering by the Cultural Association La Guanchería de Los Realejos, commemorating its 25-year tradition. Following that, at 10:00 am, the thirty-third Athletic Floral Offering to the Virgin will take place, organised by Base-Deportes Salud, with nearly 700 runners participating. The majority will start their journey from La Granja park in the Tenerife capital at 7:00 am and their arrival at the square, with cheers for the Virgin, will be a highlight of the morning.
At 11:00 am, the civic procession will set off from the town hall to the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias. At 11:30 am, a military parade and reception of the representative of the King of Spain, Julio Salom Herrera, lieutenant general in charge of the Canary Islands Command, will take place at the plaza. This event will be broadcast live on La 2 de TVE in the Canary Islands and Televisión Canaria.
By 12:00 pm, a solemn mass will be held in the basilica, led by Bernardo Álvarez, the bishop of the Nivariense Diocese. This might be one of his final public appearances as he recently turned 75 years old. The Coral Voces para la Esperanza Villa de Candelaria and the Las Candelas chamber orchestra will take part in the ceremony, which will also be broadcast live on two regional television channels. A screen has been set up by the town hall at the stage to follow the mass.
Following the mass, there will be a procession with the Virgin of Candelaria around the square, concluding with the traditional fireworks display and the playing of the Canary Islands and Spanish national anthems. In the afternoon at 5:15 pm, the rosary will be recited in the Basilica, and at 6 pm, the final mass of the day, sung by the Sacred Heart of Jesus choir of Pedro Álvarez, will be celebrated.
OFFERING
The day wraps up at 9:00 pm in the square with the Offering to the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, a spectacle bringing together music and traditions from across the Archipelago in tribute to the Virgin. The Parranda Chasnera will provide the music, featuring guest singers from other islands, and dance groups. The event will be hosted by journalist Sergio de la Rosa and broadcast live on Televisión Canaria and TVE in the Canary Islands.
