The gravest disaster recorded in Spain in recent years occurred in the Valencian Community last October due to the effects of Dana. On the eve of her liturgical celebration, Our Lady of the Candelaria was adorned in solidarity. The patroness of the Canary Islands donned a mantle crafted in the town of Paiporta, one of the areas most severely impacted.
The figure was dressed in a blue brocade mantle made from natural silk, created in Paiporta at the workshops of José Bartual Castellets. This exquisite piece of art was previously gifted by a family from Puerto de la Cruz.
Although it remains unknown who created this piece, it is acknowledged as one of the oldest embroideries preserved within the heritage of the Virgin.
Nonetheless, the skilled craftsmanship of this highly valued work could not be fully appreciated by the thousands gathered inside the Basilica and the Patron Square of the Canary Islands, who aimed to participate in the annually poignant procession of the candles, the focal event of the February celebrations honouring Our Lady of the Candelaria.
The Virgin demonstrates solidarity with a Paiporta mantle | AJ
Adverse weather in the village
The fierce winds in the town since the Eucharist commenced advised against the image leaving the temple, leading to the cancellation of the anticipated procession. Several thousand attendees from across the island were unable to take part in this reflective ceremony and, in some instances, attended a Mass conducted by the Basilica’s prior, Fray Juanma Martínez Corral.
In a compelling sermon, he elucidated to the faithful what the life of the followers of Jesus Christ should avoid. He cited examples such as disputes within families over inheritances upon a parent’s death, to the extent that we “lose our sight” amongst siblings, as he put it. Martínez addressed how “well adorned” the patron’s image appeared, “her crown, her throne, the flowers.” He then posed the question: “But are those essentials for Maria?”
The answer was a firm no, as he highlighted that the Mother of Jesus is «The simple woman, of the people, of flesh and blood, who loves God and places it at the pinnacle of her life,” thus encouraging everyone to “follow her example.” The prior emphasised that “true love is in giving, not just keeping it in one’s heart.”
The Virgin demonstrates solidarity with a Paiporta mantle | AJ
He also remembered migrants in prayers, those who perish at sea or those who, upon reaching land, “do not achieve what they hoped for.”
Among those attending the celebration for the first time were Alonso, a 19-year-old, joined by his parents, who arrived from Tamaimo. They came out of curiosity and are considered devoted. Isabel, Conchi, and Olga, three sisters from El Rosario, also made their inaugural visit to the Mariana Villa and experienced the events of the eve. David and his partner departed from La Orotava at 11:00 AM and, after numerous stops and breaks, arrived eight hours later. On their way to the summit, they encountered families and elderly individuals.
This manner of participation continued the customs of their respective families. “This way, we honour those who are no longer here and who had deep devotion; it keeps their light alive,” noted David.
Octavio Rodríguez Delgado, an official chronicler of Candelaria, remarked that, historically, faithful individuals also journeyed from various regions of the island to Candelaria during this winter celebration. However, in his view, adverse weather conditions hindered this tradition, resulting in the August festivities having a much more significant cultural impact.
The Virgin demonstrates solidarity with a Paiporta mantle | Arturo Jiménez
He explained that between 1550 and 1850, there was “a minor ice age,” marked by exceedingly low temperatures, snow, and severe frost at the summit. He recalled an incident in February 1714, when five women journeying from the north perished at the summit after being trapped by snow and freezing to death.
The deceased were interred in the church of Santa Ana (Candelaria). Among them was a young woman, renowned for her exceptional beauty, known in oral tradition as the flower of the Gorgolana (the realejos).
Years earlier, on February 2, 1705, the Las Arenas volcano erupted in Arafo. A flow of lava reached Güímar, while another traversed Arafo, heading towards the hermitage of El Socorro. This Sunday marks the 320th anniversary of that event. Contemporary accounts reference the sanctuary of the Virgin, indicating that the image was relocated to the beach. Subsequently, it was decided to move it to the lagoon until the eruption ceased.
Over time, the February festivities became mainly attended by the faithful from Candelaria and the remaining areas of Güímar Valley, alongside attendees from Santa Cruz and La Laguna. Civil, military, and religious authorities were present, with the latter lodging in the old town hall (known as the House of Apero), featuring a prominent balcony overlooking the Patron Square of the Canary Islands, constructed in the seventeenth century, according to the town’s official chronicler.
Rodríguez Delgado also recalled an intriguing detail. Until the mid-twentieth century, the bishop did not participate in the Villa de Candelaria during the August festivities.
Eucharist and processions
This Sunday, Eucharists will take place at 08:00 and 10:00. At 11:30 AM, the civic procession will commence, transferring the Pendon of the Villa from the City Hall to the Basilica. A solemn Mass, presided over by the Diocesan administrator, Antonio Manuel Pérez, will be held at 12:00 PM, followed by a procession around the Patron Square. At 5:15 PM, the Holy Rosary will be prayed in the Basilica, and the day’s programme will conclude at 6:00 PM with another Eucharist and the presentation of children to the Blessed Virgin of Candelaria.
Subscribe to continue reading
