Yesterday, Valle de Guerra witnessed a significant occasion in the town’s history with the canonical coronation of its Virgin of Our Lady of the Rosary, during which the residents expressed their deep devotion to this image. The programme for this remarkable day in the Laguna region commenced around 5:30 p.m. with the procession of the image, carried on the shoulders of the town’s men and women, from CEIP Lope de Guerra to the church square. This procession was accompanied by a large representation of La Librea de Valle de Guerra, the Militias of Taganana and Tegueste, the Gesta del 25 de julio, and several brotherhoods from the diocese. The bands of bugles and drums from Our Lady of the Rosary of Valle de Guerra and San Miguel de La Laguna also took part in the parade.
Upon reaching the church square, which was filled with a large gathering of locals who welcomed the Virgin with applause and cheers, the solemn mass of canonical coronation was held. This was presided over by the bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Bernardo Álvarez, who placed crowns on the heads of both the child and the Virgin, crafted by the Sevillian goldsmith Alejandro Pérez. A significant representation of the administrations from La Laguna, Tenerife, and the Canary Islands were also in attendance.
The canonical coronation is a ceremony of profound devotion that acknowledges that an image has received centuries of worship, moving the faithful to heartfelt veneration for many years, if not centuries, by adorning the image with a crown.
The event yesterday follows considerable efforts led by parish priest Julio Ribot Rodríguez, who initiated the application process for its final endorsement, supported by the agreements of brotherhoods, neighbourhood, cultural, artistic and sports associations, alongside public institutions. At the end of January, the bishop of the Nivariense Diocese signed the decree.
Moreover, the privilege has been conferred for Our Lady of the Rosary to make a pilgrimage, every five years starting in 2028, through the various neighbourhoods of the parish, on the final Sunday of July, drawing on the precedent of the previous year’s event.
This image is the creation of the sculptor and painter from La Laguna, Mr. José Rodríguez de la Oliva. Last June, it underwent a restoration plan conducted by a team from Seville, led by the artist Beltrán de Castro Palomino, along with his assistant Andrés Hurtado Márquez.
