Tomorrow, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen in Los Realejos will be the venue for the annual ‘Monday of Carmen’ celebration. During the solemn Eucharistic service, the town’s mayor, Adolfo González, will participate in the symbolic handing over of the baton of command of Realejos to the individual recognised as the honorary and perpetual mayor of the town since 1985.
The mass, scheduled to commence at 11:00, will be led by Reverend José Domingo González Pérez, the parish priest of San Matías, El Buen Pastor, and San Luis Gonzaga de Taco. He also serves as the secretary of the Canary Islands Institute of Theology and a diocesan counselor of General Catholic Action. The musical accompaniment for the Eucharist will be provided by the Parish Choir of La Concepción de Realejo Bajo.
Adolfo González shared his sentiments about the significance of the ‘Monday of Carmen’ celebration, describing it as a “moment that is both very important and emotional.” He mentioned how, as the mayor, he stands just a few centimetres away from the imposing image, representing the entire town of Realejos in the symbolic handing over of the baton of command. This tradition, set to mark its 40th anniversary in 2025, reflects the unity and devotion of the entire community.
Following the religious ceremony, a grand procession will take place, featuring the revered image of Our Lady of Carmen. The procession will follow its traditional route, accompanied by the Venerable Hermandad Cofradía del Carmen, members of the Los Realejos City Council, as well as civil and military dignitaries from various institutions. Representatives from brotherhoods and confraternities of the municipality and other localities will also join the procession, accompanied by the local band, the century-old Sociedad Musical Filarmónica de Los Realejos.
The procession will start from Santuario del Carmen, pass through Plaza de San Agustín, descend San Agustín and García Estrada streets, proceed towards Puerto Franco, ascend Calle Puerto, circle Plaza de Las Flores, reconnect with Calle San Agustín, and eventually return to Plaza de San Agustín and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Carmen.
