Over 30,000 individuals gathered in Puerto de la Cruz yesterday to witness the traditional boat procession of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo, a key event of the July Festival, which marked its 103rd anniversary this year.
Following the mass at the Peña de Francia parish, the fishing dock in El Puerto was once again filled with a crowd that enthusiastically followed the entire land and sea procession.
The radiant sun added even more splendour to a lively day of celebration, featuring the Salve Marinera by Chago Melián, and the verses of Toni Acedo.
Just after 8.30, the group of porters successfully placed the Virgin’s image on board the barge Nuevo San Ramón. Moments earlier, the image of San Telmo had been placed on the Adrinere. This moment sparked popular excitement with customary splashes in the water and joyful cheers: “No worries, the Virgin is aboard!” The return to the dock took place as dusk settled in.
The procession then continued its thrilling route through the La Ranilla neighbourhood amidst showers of petals, saetas, and cheers honouring the Virgin. Both images did not return to the parish church until after midnight.
As local historian Nicolás Barroso from Puerto wrote, the Virgen del Carmen festivities in Puerto de la Cruz have always been deeply linked to its role as a port and the maritime activities of its residents.
In 1625, a Vicariate of the Dominican Congregation was established in the municipality, bringing with it the devotions to San Pedro González Telmo and the Virgin of Buen Viaje, closely tied to the seafaring community.
In 1750, the Realejera Brotherhood acquired a magnificent sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen, crafted by Antón María de Maragliano. It was during this period that the tradition, which continues to this day, of sailors from Puerto del Carmen carrying the magnificent Realejera image began.
However, it was in 1921 when the tradition of carrying the Virgen del Carmen on a boat in Puerto de la Cruz commenced. That year, the parish priest of Peña de Francia, Antolín Fernández, initiated the tradition of parading the Virgen del Carmen (Buen Viaje) and San Telmo before taking them on a coastal journey. This celebration quickly gained public support and became intertwined with the Gran Poder de Dios festivities, which had been ongoing since the 18th century.
Sculptor Ángel Acosta Martín, a native of Puerto residing in Tortosa, gifted the current sculpture of the Virgen del Carmen, which was enshrined in 1954. This revered image yesterday sparked another Ranillera jubilation that marked the culmination of the July 2024 Festivities.
