Candelaria Vigil: Thousands Light 'Path to Faith,' Pray for Health

On Sunday, February 1st, the eve of the Virgin of Candelaria celebration, thousands of worshippers gathered. Over 5,000 people, according to local police, lit candles to illuminate what they call "the path to faith." This event is considered one of the most spiritual in the Canary Islands' religious year. Unlike the larger festival in August, this February 1st gathering in the Marian Village sees devotees humbly ask "La Morenita" (a nickname for the Virgin) for one main thing: good health.

After a year's break due to bad weather, the Virgin of Candelaria returned to the streets around 9:05 PM. Her procession was marked by the solemn glow of lights from plastic holders, large candles, and other items, all serving to light the path and symbolize promises. The full moon shone brightly, adding to the special atmosphere, and a clear sky made the night even more beautiful in Candelaria.

The Eucharist service began around 7:35 PM, led by Prior Dailos José Melo González. This Candelaria celebration on Monday, February 2nd, was the first for Bishop Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago. Prior Melo explained that "lighting and blessing the candles is a simple, yet profound gesture. It is letting the light of Christ illuminate the deepest parts of our lives." The mass focused on the biblical story of Mary and Joseph taking Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, emphasizing the simplicity of that event. The prior also described the Virgin of Candelaria as a source of "solace and hope in difficult times," calling her "a light lit in the middle of the ocean for the Canary Islands."

Two buses full of worshippers arrived from Icod El Alto. Among them were Cleopatra Talavera Felipe and Rosi Rodríguez, who shared that this pilgrimage is "a tradition that a large group of us have." For one, it was her first time, while for the other, it was her fifth. Both agreed on their main prayer: "health. After that, everything else follows."

The Orfeón de La Paz choir from La Laguna provided music for the mass. The Basilica was completely full, with no seats left. "La Morenita" herself was the highlight of the celebration, drawing admiring comments like, "Look at her, how beautiful she is," heard at the temple's entrance.

As the solemn service neared its end, candles began to be lit – first at the altar, then spreading among the congregation. This candle lighting is considered one of the most special moments of the entire vigil. Parishioners helped each other pass on the "light of hope," symbolizing their wishes and promises, embodying a spirit of brotherhood and solidarity.

Emotion surged as people moved out into the street. Spontaneous shouts celebrating the Virgin, revered by all Canarians, filled the air. Voices trembled with feeling, but faith remained strong.

As the procession began, it felt like an ancient battle between light and darkness. The soft glow of candles gently lit the faces of the worshippers, showing their excitement for this unique moment. This year's celebration looked a little different because of renovation work in the Basilica of Candelaria's square. The construction covered more than half the area, and the main staircase at the front of the portico had been removed.

Loli Valeriano and Marta Acosta, who were selling candles featuring the Virgin of Candelaria, echoed this sentiment. "We ask for health; that's what we want for everyone. With health, we have everything," they stated.

The procession also highlighted a different kind of contrast: silence versus noise. Beyond the candles, this February vigil for "La Morenita" is known for its quiet and solemn atmosphere. It's very different from the louder, more popular celebration on August 15th. Here, hushed tones and whispers encourage meditation.

The striking image of the night – with worshippers' faces softly lit and the Virgin of Candelaria shining brightly – was a common topic of conversation along the procession route through Obispo Pérez Cáceres and Los Príncipes streets, two main roads in Candelaria. Worshippers from all over Tenerife traveled to the Marian Village to take part in this annual event.

The crowd of lights created a unique sight, like a sea dotted with countless small glows. A procession quite like this is hard to find anywhere else in the Canary Islands. And once you've joined "La Morenita" on such a day, many say they always want to come back.

Marce Díaz and Úrsula González were among the few who arrived in Candelaria on foot. They made the pilgrimage from Santa Úrsula with their dogs, Pancho and Cata. While this walk usually attracts more people on August 15th, they preferred the February date. "I think today is a better day because in August we won't know if we can do it due to the heat," they explained. They started their journey at 1:00 PM and reached the Basilica around 7:15 PM, though they expressed disappointment that "they haven't fixed the old path from Acentejo to Candelaria."