From today until Monday, the special security device for the pilgrimage to Candelaria will be operational on the occasion of the popular festivals in honor of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands. “More than 400 people” participate in this plan who will ensure the safety of the pilgrims, control and ensure the correct course of these days in which the traditional programming of the festival is recovered as well as compliance with the prohibition of use of several routes through the mountains of the Island. During these four days, La Morenita restores the tradition that the pandemic conditioned, to the point that the organization expects more than 100,000 visitors.
Isabel García, Councilor for Management of the Natural Environment and Safety of the Cabildo, He explained that this “manifestation of faith” that is the pilgrimage “is more than a simple journey. It supposes and contains many aspects related to the traditions of our society, with beliefs, with faith and with social activity».
García remarked that the fire registered in San Juan de la Rambla and Los Realejos at the end of July “reduces the possibility of walking along some trails.” In his opinion, “it is important that citizens take these details into account and be aware of the prohibition on the use of the trails located in the perimeter of that fire.” In the rest of the trails and passageways that cross protected natural spaces, “we ask that you exercise extreme caution.”
The mayor of Candelaria, Mari Brito, recalled that it is the “widest and perhaps most complex security device on the Island, which brings together a greater number of people who move through different areas of Tenerife». For this reason, the councilor thanked the collaboration of all the groups that are part of this plan.
By the TF-28.
Perfectly aware of the planning of this festival, she encouraged “the pilgrimage to run mainly along the TF-28, known as the old or southern highway.” She recognized the deep-rooted custom in Tenerife society of using the mountains to pilgrimage to Villa Mariana in August“but, out of prudence and common sense, taking into account the latest incidents in forest areas, we encourage you to travel on the road.”
To those who use other channels to travel to Candelaria, the mayor raised the use of public transport, in the case of the bus. Along these lines, he explained that from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday to 1:00 a.m. on Monday, Urban Transport on Demand will provide free service from Plaza de Teror to the old bus station, on Rambla de Los Menceyes, and from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Monday. La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Güímar, Arafo, Tacoronte, La Orotava, El Rosario, El Sauzal, La Matanza, Los Realejos and La Victoria –the municipalities that provide the largest number of pilgrims– will implement special services from both the local police as Civil Protection.
It was presented by the insular director of Security, Rubén Fernández, who announced that the Brifor contributes to the device from 65 to 73 troops, in addition to firefighting and transportation vehicles and preventive flights of its helicopters. Firefighters of Tenerife will mobilize equipment for the prevention of fireworks and general support.
Red Cross.
With more than 70 volunteers, Red Cross It will cover the points and areas of greatest risk, such as La Crucita, where the pilgrimage takes place. Even so, its greatest presence and activity will be in the municipality, in coordination with the Canary Islands Health Service. The field health post will be located next to the Candelaria health center.
South road closure.
The insular director, Tomás Félix García, highlighted the 32 people who will take care of the general highway of the South and the 10 who will control the Autopista del Sur, with vehicles and elements of traffic cuts. A closure of the TF-28 that will cover from kilometer 5 (Humilladero) to the Caletillas junction, at kilometer 13.5, from six in the afternoon on Sunday. At that time, they will activate the checkpoints of the TF-1 Highway, where you cannot walk. The opening of the section of the TF-28 will take place at the passing of the athletic march, at dawn on Monday.
Free exchanger.
Those who travel to Candelaria by bus will have free parking at the Santa Cruz and La Laguna interchanges, from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday until 11:00 p.m. on Monday, accrediting a trip on lines 120, 122 and 522 in the exchanger central box.
Titsa.
In Candlemas, the buses will operate only from Los Menceyes Avenue from 2:00 p.m. on Sunday to 5:00 p.m. on Monday. Depending on demand, there will be a special service from 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, with the last scheduled departure from Candelaria to Santa Cruz at 10:30 p.m. on Monday. Line 120 (Santa Cruz-Güímar, Candelaria, Puertito de Güímar) will be reinforced starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Line 522 (La Laguna-Autopista del Norte- Link highway-Autopista del Sur-Candelaria) will provide a special service starting at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, with the last departure scheduled from Villa Mariana to La Laguna at 8:30 p.m. on Monday.
From the South, pilgrims have lines 111 and 711 (Santa Cruz-Costa Adeje) available through the TF-1 motorway.
To make a pilgrimage along the general highway of the South, the Santa Cruz-Cruce de La Cuesta lines will be operational throughout Sunday, at their usual schedule: lines 014 and 228; Santa Cruz-Cruce de Taco: lines 232, 233, 934, 936, 937 and 238; and Santa Cruz-HUC: lines 015, 102, 103 and 108.
In addition, special service will be enabled on line 529 between Izaña, La Crucita, Los Loros, Arafo and Candelaria, at 10:00 p.m. on Sunday and 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. on Monday, departing from Izaña.
