Candelaria is set to host the festival of the Virgin of Candelaria this weekend, with tomorrow marking the main celebration, featuring various events that are expected to attract thousands of attendees around the Basilica, the residence of the Patroness of the Canary Islands. Today, waves of pilgrims will begin to arrive, although in fewer numbers compared to August.
Many will traverse the ancient path, an itinerary of significant historical and ethnographic importance, acknowledged in 1499 as a pilgrimage route to the Sanctuary of the Morenita. The Cabildo has established three routes originating from the municipalities of Santa Cruz, La Laguna, and El Rosario. The mayor of Candelaria, Mari Brito, in remarks to a local newspaper, urges “caution” among the hikers, advising them to check weather forecasts from official sources, despite the fact that until last night, the only alert issued by the State Meteorological Agency (Aemet) for this weekend in Tenerife was concerning waves.
The mayor encourages devotees of the Virgin to utilise public transport for their journey to the Marian Villa and expressed gratitude to the town hall for enhancing, from today until Monday, the titsa bus connections, specifically lines 112 and 522, during peak passenger times.
Following last night’s candle concert, characterised by an intimate atmosphere where Grancanario artist Pedro Manuel Afonso graced the Plaza de la Fuente de los Peregrinos with his soulful melodies, today marks the highlight of the festivities: the candle procession. The local authority anticipates around 10,000 participants in this event.
“For me, the candle procession epitomises this celebration and represents the most heartfelt moment, drawing visitors from various parishes and municipalities,” remarked Brito, who described tonight’s event, beginning at 7.30 pm, at the Patron Square of the Canary Islands and along Bishop Pérez Cáceres and Princes streets, as “The Festival of Light, where we see the Virgin as our guiding mother, lighting our path.” The mayor also commended the efforts of the Dominican friars in promoting the theological significance of the celebration, emphasising the “spirituality” and “reflection” that these festivities embody.
Tomorrow: a Grand Day
Tomorrow, a grand day awaits, beginning at 11.30 am with the civic procession and the transfer of the town banner from the City Council to the Basilica. Participating will be the Las Candelas music band and a representation of local police officers from Santa Cruz and Candelaria, clad in formal attire.
At 12 pm, the solemn Mass will take place this year, officiated not by Bernardo Álvarez, the Bishop of Tenerife for the last 19 years who is now retired, but by Antonio Manuel Pérez Morales, the Diocesan Administrator. The musical contributions will be provided by the Orfeón La Paz de la Laguna. Following the Mass, a procession will occur around the square, featuring the Las Candelas Music Band and the La Candelaria de Arafo Musical Association. The festivities will continue until February 15, with the seventh edition of the Antón Guanche History and Cultural Heritage event occurring next Friday, followed a week later by the presentation of the book “Fortunadas: The Discovery of the Canary Islands in Antiquity” by Antonio Tejera Gaspar and Alicia García. Additionally, this edition will highlight the tenth Festival of Chamber Music Agustín Ramos at the Cinema Viejo Cultural Space.
