The town of Candelaria experienced a day filled with emotion and devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria. Thousands of believers and visitors gathered in the Marian Village to take part in various religious, cultural, and festive events.
“Today has been an extraordinary day for Candelaria. Last night, we witnessed a constant stream of pilgrims who came to the town to express their devotion to the Virgin. We have seen a significant increase in the number of people wanting to see La Morenita since the pandemic, which brings us great joy. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the security and health personnel for their exceptional work over these two days, ensuring that all events proceeded in an orderly and peaceful manner. We have documented 190 incidents, with 76 being health-related. Undoubtedly, teamwork is crucial in making the festivities so beautiful and special,” noted Mayor Mari Brito.
The festivities commenced at 9:00 a.m. with the heartfelt reception of drums and offerings from the Cultural Association La Guanchería de Los Realejos at the Basilica. The Mayor, Mari Brito, and the Prior, Juan Manuel Martínez, presented a commemorative painting to the association in appreciation of their 25 years of tradition of coming to Candelaria from El Realejo.
At 10:00 a.m., over 600 runners took part in the 33rd Athletic Floral Offering to the Virgin of Candelaria, showering the Patron Saint with floral bouquets as a symbol of their devotion. Subsequently, the Civic Procession proceeded from the Town Hall to the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, where the Military Parade and the welcome of the Representative of His Majesty the King of Spain, Julio Salom Herrera, Lieutenant General Chief of the Canary Islands Command, took place.
The highlight of the day was the Solemn Concelebration of the Eucharist at 12:00 in the Basilica, led by Monsignor Don Bernardo Álvarez Afonso, Bishop of the Diocese of Nivariense. The ceremony featured the participation of the Coral Voces para la Esperanza Villa de Candelaria and the Las Candelas Chamber Orchestra.
The Virgin of Candelaria paraded through the Plaza in procession, accompanied by the faithful, authorities, and the music of the Nueva Banda de Igueste, which inaugurated the procession, and the Banda Las Candelas. A spectacular fireworks display concluded the morning of events.
Institutional representation
The events were attended by nearly 200 civil, religious, and military authorities. Representatives from the Government of the Canary Islands, including President Fernando Clavijo, Ministers Candelaria Delgado and Esther Monzón, as well as deputy ministers and general directors were present. In addition, the Government delegate in the Canary Islands, Anselmo Pestana, and the subdelegate in the Province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Javier Plata, were in attendance. The Cabildo of Tenerife was well-represented, with President Rosa Dávila, Vice President Lope Afonso, and several councillors. This year, Rosa Elena García, councillor of the Cabildo of La Gomera, also attended.
As is customary on February 2 and August 15, representatives from Teror, a twinned municipality with Candelaria, led by Mayor Sergio Nuez and several councillors, were present. Moreover, for the first time, a delegation from Puno, a town twinned with Villa Mariana, participated in the event since August 13, led by the city’s Mayor, Javier Ponce.
Mayors and councillors from various municipalities on the Island of Tenerife did not miss the opportunity to pay their respects to La Morenita, such as Tacoronte, Guimar, Arafo, and many others.
Regarding military representation, figures like Francisco Javier Vidal, General Chief of the Canary Islands Air Command, Interim Colonel Chief of the Canary Islands General Staff, Juan Ángel Bote, and the General Chief of the Civil Guard, Juan Hernández Mosquera, were present.
Consular representatives from Slovakia, Guatemala, Argentina, Finland, Honduras, Peru, Belgium, and Thailand participated in this edition. The President of the Andean Parliament, Gustavo Pacheco, and the Ambassador of Peru in Spain, Luis Carlos Antonio Ibérico, also attended.
