Just one hour after the opening of the celebratory venue at eight in the morning, the Los Llanos dock in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife already presented an unimaginable scene from just hours before: thousands of people occupying the 48,000 square metres designated for the historic celebration.
“How strange that there are so many people in a venue and it’s not Carnival,” commented one attendee in surprise as they surveyed the completely packed area.
A Vibrant Atmosphere Before the Pope’s Arrival
As the Pope departed from Gran Canaria en route to Tenerife, the atmosphere at the port resembled that of a major public event.
Families, parish groups, and pilgrims sought their spots among sandwiches and other snacks, applying sun protection cream and covering their heads with a multitude of caps of all colours, styles, and origins, many adorned with various logos.
Additionally, there were bandanas distributed by the organisers and those brought by the groups of faithful themselves.
Awaiting the Virgin of Candelaria
However, attention was focused on an element still missing from the altar where the Pope would preside over the Eucharist: the image of the Virgin of Candelaria.
Its absence fueled conversation and curiosity among attendees, who awaited its arrival during the entertainment segment scheduled between ten and eleven in the morning, hosted by Dino Romero, an entertainer from the diocese, Caritas, and the parish of La Cruz del Señor.
Los Sabandeños and Chago Melián Before the Mass
At that moment, the performances by Los Sabandeños and Chago Melián, who had already conducted a soundcheck, were also anticipated.
Both will musically accompany a moment expected to be particularly emotional: the solemn and triumphant entrance of the Virgin of Candelaria to the tune of the Ave María.
A Massive Response from the Faithful
The day unfolds with a festive and communal atmosphere, with many attendees expressing surprise at the extraordinary response from the faithful.
Some believed the venue would not reach capacity, but the reality, from early morning, is quite different: the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is teeming, ready to experience a day that will remain in the collective memory of the Canary Islands.
