Hundreds of people gathered in Guía de Gran Canaria to venerate the Virgin of Guía on the Grand Day of her festivities. Devotees expressed their love and devotion by receiving the presence of the Sacred Image at the Church's portico amidst cheers and strong applause, also directed at the throne bearers.
The solemn Eucharist was officiated by the Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar General of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Cristóbal Déniz, accompanied by the parish priest of Santa María de Guía, José Luis Rodríguez, and other priests from the island. The Church Choir, under the direction of Patricia Muñoz, performed the Ave Maria, a particularly emotional moment.
Following the Eucharist, the Processional Route began, led by the mayor Alfredo Gonçalves Ferreira, accompanied by the mayor of Gáldar and counselor of the Presidency of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria, Teodoro Sosa, and the municipal corporation. Also in attendance were deputy Elena Máñez, island counselor Inés Miranda, director of Historical Heritage Sebastián López, and the mayors of Arucas, Juan Jesús Facundo; Valleseco, José Luis Rodríguez, and La Aldea de San Nicolás, Pedro Suárez, along with other civil, religious, and military authorities, and a large public presence.
An touching tribute occurred when the Virgin's bearers, during a stop at San José square, presented a bouquet of flowers to the family of their fellow bearer Víctor Reyes, in memory of his deceased father, Pepe Juan Reyes. They emotionally embraced his daughter, Yéssica Reyes Aguiar, and his daughter-in-law, Desiree Orihuela, requesting the gift be passed to his wife, Mary Aguiar.
At the end of the processional route through the historic center, the Ciudad de Guía Music Band, conducted by Arístides Sosa, performed the Hymn of the Virgin along with the Church Choir.
The festive afternoon continued with the Ribbon Race and the traditional Battle of Flowers, featuring floats and a crowd participating in a confetti ball fight. The highlight was the concert by Café Quijano, followed by parties with music from La Mekánika by Tamarindos, Leyenda Joven, DJ Javi Row, and Pronova DJ.
Tomorrow, Sunday, August 16th, the feast of the co-patron saint San Roque will be celebrated with a program of events extending until August 23rd. It will include masses, a processional route, and traditional children's games.
Tomorrow evening's festivities will conclude with a show by humorist Omayra Cazorla.
