The town of Candelaria in Tenerife is celebrating the feast day of the Virgin of Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands, on Thursday, August 15. The day will be filled with religious, cultural, and festive activities.
The day began with the celebration of Mass at the Basilica of Candelaria at 05.00, 06.00, 07.00, and 08.00. At 09.00, there was a drum reception and offering by the Cultural Association La Guanchería de Los Realejos, which has been a tradition for 25 years. The 33rd Athletic Floral Offering to the Virgin, organised by Base-Deportes Salud, will take place at 10.00 with the participation of 610 runners.
At 11:00, a civic procession will start from the Town Hall to the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias. At 11:30, there will be a military parade and the reception of the representative of His Majesty the King of Spain, Julio Salom Herrera, Lieutenant General Chief of the Canary Islands Command. This event will be broadcast live on La 2 de TVE in the Canary Islands, Televisión Canaria, Cope Canarias, and Candelaria Radio.
The solemn concelebration of the Eucharist will be held at 12:00 in the Basilica, led by Monsignor Bernardo Álvarez, bishop of the Diocese of Nivariense. The ceremony will include the participation of the Coral Voces para la Esperanza Villa de Candelaria and the Las Candelas Chamber Orchestra, and will be broadcast live on La 2 de TVE in the Canary Islands, Televisión Canaria, Cope Canarias, and Candelaria Radio, as well as on the screen in the square.
Following the Mass, there will be a procession of the Virgin of Candelaria around the square, accompanied by a fireworks display. In the afternoon, at 5:15, the Holy Rosary will be recited in the Basilica, and at 6:00, the final Mass of the day will be sung by the Choir of the Sacred Heart of Jesus of Pedro Álvarez.
At 9:00 p.m., the square will host the offering to the patron saint of the Canary Islands, featuring music and traditions from all the islands in honour of the Virgin. The music will be provided by Parranda Chasnera with guest singers from other islands and dance groups. The event will be hosted by Sergio de la Rosa and broadcast live on Televisión Canaria and TVE in the Canary Islands.
