Candelaria celebrated the feast of its patron saint despite the renovations and restrictions.
Despite the renovation of the usual location and restrictions, the August celebration of the Patron Saint of Candelaria took place in the Canary Islands, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
In Candelaria, in the Canary Islands, the August holiday dedicated to their patron saint was celebrated again. However, this year the celebration venue was slightly different.
Usually, everything takes place on the square of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, but it is currently under renovation. Therefore, the main events were moved to the site near the town hall. And another unusual thing: for the first time in 30 years, there were no figures of Beneharo and the Guanches, who usually "guard" the coast, at the celebration.
It is hoped that this is temporary, and that the celebrations will soon return to their usual location.
From early morning, services were held in the Basilica of Candelaria. Believers from all over the archipelago came to Mass and prayer.
The day was hot. Pilgrims, guests, and locals hid in the shade, fanning themselves, waiting for Morenita (as the Virgin Mary of Candelaria is affectionately called).
In the afternoon, the streets were filled with people walking to Candelaria with various promises and intentions. Everyone wanted to see one of the most important moments of the celebration – the Guanche ceremony.
At 6:45 p.m., the statue of the Virgin Mary of Candelaria was carried out of the Basilica. To applause and songs, the procession moved to the site that replaced the square this year.
Petals were showered from the balconies, and people shouted: "Long live the Virgin Mary of Candelaria!"
At 8:00 p.m., the Guanche ceremony began. The artists recreated the legend of how a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary was found on Chimisay beach.
Goats ran around the square, and the square itself became a stage for this important event. Thousands of people watched every detail with interest. Luisa Machado and José Luis de Madariaga told the story of how two shepherds found the statue of the Virgin Mary on a rock, and about the miracles that, according to legend, accompanied this finding.
The silence was broken only by the sounds of the bucio (shell) and the tapping of spears on the ground – symbols of respect for the image that the Guanches called Chaxiraxi.
After the performance, the procession moved to El Pozo. Returning to the site near the town hall, the rector of the Basilica addressed those present, and then Alba Fariña and Fernando Santana performed musical works.
The Ave Maria performed by Chago Melián evoked the most emotion. People applauded for a long time.
In the evening, fireworks were launched from the pier, and then the procession returned to the Basilica.
The temple was open all night, and the Rosary was read every hour for the believers who continued to arrive.
The day ended at 11:00 p.m. in Terror Square, where the "Night of Parranda" concert in memory of Rosaura Marrero Fariña took place.
600 people were involved in ensuring safety during the pilgrimage to Candelaria. It is expected that about 100,000 people from all over the island will arrive by tomorrow.
Due to the high risk of forest fires and extreme temperatures, certain restrictions were introduced this year.
Pilgrimage was allowed only along the Old Road (21.2 km between La Laguna and Candelaria) and along the TF-28 highway.
Despite the restrictions and the absence of the usual stage, Candelaria once again proved how important traditions and the connection between the islands and their patron saint are.