The canopy for the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands was transported from La Concepción to the Basilica of Candelaria.
The canopy from the main church of La Concepción has been taken to the Basilica of Candelaria so that the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands can pass through the belfry door during the pilgrimage to Santa Cruz.
Last night, the canopy – a special tent-like structure used during religious processions – was brought to the Basilica of Candelaria. It was transported all the way from the main church of La Concepción in the capital of Tenerife. The canopy was carried along the Southern Highway (TF-1) by Cuchi cranes and escorted by a motorcade.
This complex operation was managed by Pedro López and Daylos Gómez. They already had experience transporting the canopy of the Virgin Mary del Carmen from the church in Los Realejos to Santa Cruz on September 30.
Why was this canopy needed? The fact is that the one usually used for the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands in her Basilica simply doesn't fit through the doors of the bell tower of La Concepción in Santa Cruz. And it is through these doors that the Virgin Mary must enter on Saturday upon arrival and exit on the 24th when she returns. In addition, several celebrations are planned during her stay in the city, and the Virgin Mary should be closer to the square near the main church.
Now that the canopy of the Virgin Mary del Carmen is in the Basilica, the organizers are preparing to remove the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands from her place and install her on this structure, with which she will go on a pilgrimage to Santa Cruz. Together with the Brotherhood of Carmen de Los Realejos, they will take care of the decoration and preparation of the image of the Virgin Mary.