Tenerife Prepares Virgin of Candelaria for Papal Visit with Solemn New Look

The upcoming papal visit to Tenerife has brought the preparations for the Virgin of Candelaria into the spotlight. Local reports highlight the extraordinary care being taken to ensure every detail is both technically and symbolically perfect. Jaime Estévez, who has been responsible for dressing the statue for the past 35 years, confirmed that the patron saint of the Canary Islands will wear a modest, solemn outfit, moving away from the usual elaborate displays to better suit the tone of the meeting with the Pope.

The logistics go beyond just aesthetics. The statue will be carried on a wooden stand made of Santa Ana wood rather than her traditional silver throne. This deliberate choice is intended to keep the focus on the Virgin herself, preventing the stage from looking too cluttered. The ensemble, which includes a delicate lace cape for the Child Jesus, was designed under the guidance of the Dominican fathers, who incorporated Estévez’s expert advice into the majority of the final plans.

For the team, the task is a significant challenge. Dressing the statue is a delicate, two-and-a-half-hour manual process, and the team is now working under the pressure of global media attention. The usual schedule for rotating the Virgin’s wardrobe will be set aside for a 24-hour operation that covers the transport, security, and careful undressing of the statue once the event concludes.

Estévez’s long career, which began when he was 27, adds a sense of history to the occasion. His approach—which blends personal devotion with technical precision—highlights the Church's commitment to preserving the Virgin’s collection of over 20 mantles. While Estévez always keeps an "emergency kit" on hand for the statue, this papal visit marks a major milestone in his career. Despite his vital role in island liturgy, he continues to prefer working quietly behind the scenes.