Tenerife Splits Traditional Pilgrimage Over Climate Change and Fire Risks
Tenerife is splitting its traditional Candelaria pilgrimage into two dates, adding a February event to mitigate safety risks posed by extreme summer heat and forest fires.
Climate change is forcing a rethink of how religious festivals are managed in Tenerife. The Candelaria City Council has announced plans to split the traditional pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands into two separate events, adding a new date in February to complement the long-standing tradition on August 15th.
Mayor Mari Brito explained that the proposal is a matter of public safety. In recent years, extreme heat and the high risk of forest fires in August have frequently forced officials to close the traditional trails used by pilgrims. By moving part of the pilgrimage to the cooler winter months, the council hopes to keep these routes accessible and safe, particularly for residents in the north of the island who rely on forest paths to reach the town.
The project now moves into a phase of institutional planning. In the coming weeks, local officials will meet with the Dominican Fathers, who oversee the sanctuary, and other organizers to discuss the change. The goal is to establish a two-part pilgrimage that allows devotees to continue this deeply rooted tradition safely and sustainably, despite the challenges posed by changing weather patterns.