On September 19, 1602, one of the most pivotal disputes in the history of the Canary Islands was concluded: the second “Natives’ Dispute” concerning the ownership of the image of the Virgin of Candelaria. This incident marked a significant moment in the relationship between the Guanches and the colonial powers.
As per the academic investigation “Reflections on the ‘Pleito de los Natuarios’,” researcher Miguel Ángel Gómez Gómez notes that the disagreement emerged at the close of the 16th century involving the Guanches, council officials, and the Dominican friars.
Background and progression
The indigenous people of the Canary Islands sought to carry the image of the Virgin of Candelaria in a procession, giving rise to a judicial process that spanned several centuries. The contention was not merely of a religious nature but also cultural, as the Virgin epitomised a symbol of identity for the Guanches.
They even escalated to appealing to the monarch, asserting their right to partake in the Virgin’s processions.
The Virgin of Candelaria continues to be a significant emblem on this island specifically, as well as throughout the rest of the Archipelago.
Each year, thousands of devotees commemorate her feast, reinforcing her role as a symbol of identity and unity within the Canary Islands.
The resolution of the litigation in 1602 contributed to solidifying her veneration and forging a connection between Canarian history and traditions.
