SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 12 Aug. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Council of Tenerife Island has inspected the condition of the three pilgrimage routes and trails leading to Candelaria in preparation for the upcoming celebrations on 14 and 15 August, where around 100,000 people are expected to visit the Marian Villa.
The three approved paths include Aguamansa (La Orotava), La Crucita (Güímar), Arafo, Candelaria, with a length of 26.5 kilometers; Camino Lomo La Jara (Tacoronte), Las Lagunetas (El Sauzal and La Matanza), Lomo Centeno, Barranco Hondo, Candelaria, covering a distance of 19.6 kilometers, and the Camino Viejo de Candelaria (La Laguna, Santa Cruz, El Rosario and Candelaria), which is 21.2 kilometers long. Additionally, it is important to note that walking on the paths affected by the major fire of 2023 is prohibited due to the risks involved.
The Civil Protection service technicians, along with members of the Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, Anaga Emergency Aid (FEDAEC), Brifor operation personnel, and Environmental Agents, conducted fieldwork to survey the pilgrimage routes, assess their condition and characteristics. During the inspection, they also verified the telecommunication and system coverage (mobile, Tetra, and DMR) and installed specific signage. Moreover, evacuation and rescue routes have been established in case of forest fires or other emergencies.
President of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, mentioned that extensive coordination efforts have been ongoing for months with various entities to deploy a team of over 600 people. She emphasized the need for caution among pilgrims, advising them to be well-equipped with suitable clothing, footwear, and ample water. It is imperative that they adhere to regulations and follow instructions from authorities.
Minister for the Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, confirmed the opening of three routes for pilgrims to travel along and to ensure appropriate emergency responses if needed. She reiterated the prohibition of using paths affected by the major fire of 2023. Furthermore, efforts are being made to remove radiata pines and stabilize slopes, hence access to these areas must be restricted.
The security operation for the pilgrimage to Candelaria involves approximately 600 people from the Cabildo Insular de Tenerife, Candelaria Town Hall, Tenerife Firefighters Consortium, Civil Guard, General Directorate of Security and General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, Canarian Police, Canarian Health Service, CECOES 112 and Canarian Emergency Service. It also includes the participation of the Red Cross, TITSA, Ayuda en Emergencias Anaga and Civil Protection of the town councils of Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and La Matanza.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PILGRIMAGE.
It is not allowed to use the TF-1 motorway for the pilgrimage. It is advisable to avoid the hottest hours and carry a hat, light boots, comfortable clothing, and sufficient water for several hours.
Pilgrims should be comfortable with steep downhill sections, walking on uneven surfaces with loose stones, and should avoid deviating from the designated paths to prevent damage to walls and vegetation.
Caution should be exercised around cars on paved stretches and at intersections. Lighting fires is prohibited, and special care should be taken with cigarette butts, as they could inadvertently cause fires.
The local residents and their property, including crops, should be respected. Littering, particularly with batteries, plastics, or organic waste (such as fruit peels), is strictly prohibited. Pilgrims undertake the journey at their own risk.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Tenerife Intercity Transport (Titsa), a company of the Tenerife Island Council, will enhance some of its services to facilitate the movement of pilgrims during the Candelaria festival on 14 and 15 August.
The entire service in Candelaria will be available from Avenida de los Menceyes, next to the old station, from 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 14 August, until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 15 August. Therefore, stops from C/ Bélgica to Plaza de Teror will be out of service.
Line 122, in addition to its regular route between Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Caletillas, and Candelaria, will have increased services based on passenger demand to ease mobility during the busy period in the municipality.
Line 120 (Santa Cruz-Güímar, Candelaria, Puertito de Güímar) will have additional departures starting from 5:10 p.m.
Furthermore, Titsa will operate a special service for line 522, running the route La Laguna-Autopista-Candelaria from 6:00 p.m. on 14 August, available throughout the night and all day on Thursday, 15 August. The last departure from Candelaria to La Laguna will be at 8:30 p.m., following the same route in both directions: La Laguna-Autopista del Norte TF-5-Autovía de enlace TF-2, Autopista del Sur TF-1-Candelaria.
Pilgrims starting their journey on the Carretera General del Sur on 14 August can find several connecting lines at different points with their usual schedules, including lines 014 and 228 at Santa Cruz-Cruce de La Cuesta; lines 232, 233, 934, 936, 937 and 238 at Santa Cruz-Cruce de Taco; and lines 015, 102, 103, and 108 at Santa Cruz-Hospital Universitario de Canarias.
Travellers from the south of the island can utilise lines 111 and 711, connecting Santa Cruz de Tenerife with Costa Adeje via the TF-1 motorway, both on the outbound and return journeys.
Pilgrims using the bus service to reach Candelaria can benefit from free parking in the car parks of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife and La Laguna interchanges from 6:00 p.m. on 14 August until 11:00 p.m. on 15 August, confirming a trip on lines 120, 122, and 522. Users must present their proof of travel on the mentioned lines at the central cashier of the car park.
Additionally, there will be a special service available at the standard rate between Izaña, La Crucita, Los Loros, Arafo, and Candelaria with line number 529. The schedules will be on the night of Wednesday, 14th and early hours of the 15th at 22:00, 00:30, and 03:00, departing from Izaña. This line will also have connections between Candelaria and Güímar and Arafo at 23:15 and 02:30.
Titsa is dedicated to meeting passenger needs by ensuring excellent service and recommends bus travel as the best choice for attending events with large crowds due to its convenience, parking availability, and safety.
Travellers can access information on the website www.titsa.com, call the information hotline at 922 53.13.00, or check the company’s social media for details.
