Candelaria celebrated the Day of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands with thousands of pilgrims
Candelaria grandly celebrated the Day of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, bringing together thousands of pilgrims in a celebration of faith, culture, and unity.
In the town of Candelaria, Tenerife, the Day of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands was celebrated with great fanfare. It was a true celebration of faith, culture, and unity, which brought together thousands of pilgrims.
The mayor of the city, Mari Brito, emphasized: "August 15 is a special day when we all honor our Patron Saint together. People come to Candelaria from all corners of the Canary Islands and from abroad. We are proud to be able to host this holiday, and we thank everyone who contributed to its organization."
Due to repair works on the square, the military parade was moved to the town hall and held a little earlier – at 10:45. The official meeting of the King's representative, María Concepción Brito Núñez, who is the mayor of Candelaria, took place there as well.
After the parade, at 11:30, a solemn procession set off from the town hall to the square, accompanied by the Las Candelas orchestra.
At noon, a festive mass was held in the Basilica, led by Bishop Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago. The Voces para la Esperanza Villa de Candelaria choir sang, and the Las Candelas chamber orchestra provided the music.
The service could be watched on a large screen near the town hall, as well as on television on the channels La 2 TVE Canarias, TV Canaria, COPE Canarias and Candelaria Radio.
After the mass, the statue of the Virgin Mary of Candelaria was carried through the square under festive fireworks, accompanied by the Las Candelas and Nuevo Igueste orchestras. The President of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijo Batlle, government officials, military personnel, representatives of the Civil Guard and local police were present at the celebration.
The head of the Island Council of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila Mémeli, with her team, the Vice-President of the Council of La Gomera, Isabel de Esteban Ramos, deputies, senators, consuls of various countries and mayors of other cities of the Canary Islands were also present at the event.
In addition, representatives of the government, Anselmo Pensa and Jesús Javier Plata, were present at the celebration.