The vicinity of the Patron Square and the streets Bishop Pérez Cáceres, Playa de la Arena, and Los Príncipes will be illuminated by candlelight for several hours. The candle procession, an emotional highlight with significant participation, is part of the liturgical celebration honouring the Virgin of Candelaria. The Eucharist, featuring performances from Anaga’s Dreams Group, is set to take place at 7:30 p.m., with the Blessing of the candles included.

Mari Brito, the mayor of Villa Mariana, encourages everyone to visit the municipality “to honour our patron of the Canary Islands, the Virgin of Candelaria, during these days when the candlelight will illuminate all paths.” According to the Candelariera governor, these festivities “possess a deep spiritual essence,” reflecting “the devotion and pilgrimage of thousands of faithful arriving in Candelaria, primarily from Tenerife.” Today is amongst the year’s peak days for pilgrim attendance, although many who come to the town during this time prefer to travel by car.

Furthermore, this morning will witness the traditional journey along the old road to Candelaria, which sets off from both Santa Cruz and La Laguna, as well as Machado (El Rosario), passing through Barranco Hondo and Igueste towards the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias.

Tomorrow’s agenda

This Sunday marks the feast day of the Virgin of Candelaria, concentrating various official ceremonies. At 11:30 a.m., the civic procession and transfer of the town’s banner to the Basilica of Candelaria will take place, featuring participation from the Las Candelas music band and local police representatives from Santa Cruz and Candelaria, dressed in formal attire.

The central mass is set to commence at noon, presided over by Antonio Manuel Pérez Morales, Diocesan Administrator, and accompanied by the Orfeón La Paz in La Laguna. Following this, the image of the Virgin of Candelaria will be processed around the Plaza de Patrona de Canarias, joined by the Las Candelas Music Band and the Artistic Association of Musical La Candelaria from Arafo.

The day will culminate at 6:00 p.m. with another Eucharistic celebration, performed by the San Borondón Association of San Miguel de Geneto, alongside the presentation of children to the Virgin of Candelaria.

It is noteworthy that Titsa is extending its services to and from Santa Cruz and La Laguna from today through to Monday. The coincidence of the festival on a weekend indicates a higher turnout of pilgrims compared to previous years.