“Something’s there.” This is a recurring phrase heard among the devotees and visitors who flock year after year to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, highlighting a feeling that exists on its own, without anyone quite knowing why.
Like someone watering a seed without expecting anything, but which, in an invisible way, germinates. Such is the faith that beat again yesterday in Candelaria, on the big day of the Patroness of the Canary Islands, just shy of two centuries since the current image emerged after the flood of 1826 that swept away the original.
The day began at five in the morning with the first Eucharist at the Basilica, followed by others at 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, and 18:00 hours. At 9:00, the Cultural Association La Guanchería de Los Realejos featured the traditional reception of drums and offerings.
At 10:45, the military parade, this year relocated next to the town hall due to works in the square of the Patroness, led to the official reception of Her Majesty the King’s representative, María Concepción Brito Núñez, Mayor of Candelaria, by the first deputy mayor, Jorge Baute Delgado. Half an hour later, the civic procession began towards the square of the Patroness of the Canary Islands, accompanied by the Las Candelas Music Band.
“Hatred is not far away”
The central act was the solemn Eucharistic celebration at 12:00, presided over by the bishop of the Nivarian Diocese, Eloy Santiago, and sung by the Voces para la Esperanza Choir from Candelaria and the Las Candelas Chamber Orchestra. The ceremony could be followed live from the adjoining area to the Town Hall via a giant screen.
In one of the speeches of the day, Monsignor Santiago called for the eradication of xenophobia, violence in all its forms, and the “brash political debates” characterised by “the lack of dialogue and understanding”.
During the Eucharist in honour of Our Lady of Candelaria, Santiago denounced “the fundamentalist and ideologised discourses, which are not very evangelical, of some Christians”.
He warned of the “breeding ground” in which, instead of concord and peace, “hatred, violence and intolerance” are fostered, whose greatest manifestations are the war conflicts such as those in Ukraine or Gaza, calling not to fall into “passivity or indifference”.
He also cautioned that such violence “is not far away; we find it in the neighbourhoods and homes” of the Canary Islands, especially mentioning violence against women and children.
At 13:32, the Virgin emerged from the Basilica and stopped at the porch. The Hymn of Our Lady of Candelaria, composed by Manuel Díaz Pacheco, rang out along with the peal of bells and the cry of “Long live Our Lady of Candelaria!”.
Subsequently, the Las Candelas Band performed the Hymn of the Canary Islands while the image, adorned with flower bouquets, completed its route around the square, escorted by soldiers in period uniforms and watched from the coast by the Civil Guard.
The procession, which also included participation from the New Band of Igueste, concluded with a shower of fireworks at 14:03.
The event attracted authorities from all levels: the President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo; councillors and deputy councillors of the regional government; the President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila; the Vice President of the Cabildo of La Gomera, Isabel de Esteban; mayors from numerous Canary municipalities; consuls from various countries; and representatives from the Army, Civil Guard, and Local Police, among others.
Musical Performances
The evening was filled with music and a touch of folklore. At 21:30, the stage set up next to the Town Hall hosted an offering to the Patroness, featuring Music and traditions of the islands in honour of the Virgin, with a special performance by Tigaray and a lineup of guest artists like Luis Morera, Angélica Pérez, Chago Melián, Paula Gómez, Gara Ní, and Raúl Caraballo, accompanied by dance groups from all the islands.
With fewer attendees than in previous editions due to the heat, the bridge, and holidays, but with the devotion intact, Candelaria once again celebrated its Grand Day, where tradition, faith, and music intertwined.
Over 600 runners pay homage to La Morenita in the Floral Athletic Offering
Candelaria awoke again yesterday to the steady beat of trainers on the pavement and the excited murmurs of those running for faith.
From the La Granja Park in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, more than 600 athletes set off at dawn towards the Marian Villa to participate in the XXXIV Floral Athletic Offering, an event that combines sport, tradition, and devotion.
Kilometre by kilometre, the goal was not just physical: it was to reach the feet of the Patroness of the Canary Islands to fulfil a promise or renew a commitment.
After eleven in the morning, the square of the Basilica began to fill with applause. The Virgin of Candelaria came out to receive the runners, who, one by one, placed bouquets of flowers as a sign of gratitude and respect.
Amid cheers of “Long live the Virgin of Candelaria!” and the peal of bells, the square transformed into a mosaic of colours and emotions.
This year’s edition was marked by energy and sportsmanship, but also by solidarity: many participants ran in support of social and charitable causes, demonstrating that sport can also be a vehicle for unity and hope.
Thirty-four years after its first edition, the Floral Athletic Offering remains one of the most unique and beloved events of the festivities in honour of the Patroness of the Canary Islands, uniting devotees, sportspeople, and neighbours in a shared pulse that beats strongly each year.
