The Virgen de Los Remedios, patron saint of Yaiza, was the center of devotion this Tuesday, September 8, bringing together residents from the municipality and Lanzarote in a day marked by participation and religious fervor. Despite the high temperatures, attendees took to the streets to fulfill their devotion.
The religious service featured the participation of the Agrupación Vocal de Yaiza and was followed by a procession accompanied by the Municipal Band. The institutional representation was led by the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, and the Councilor for Festivities, Daniel Medina. Representing the Cabildo de Lanzarote were the president, Oswaldo Betancort, and the vice-president, María Jesús Tovar. The mayors of Tías, José Juan Cruz Saavedra, and San Bartolomé, Isidro Pérez, also joined.
During the celebration, a prayer was offered for the well-being of Yaiza, and deceased residents were remembered, acknowledging the work, sacrifice, and humility of the generations who have contributed to the municipality's development.
The history of the devotion dates back to July 3, 1699, when Bishop Vicuña y Suazo authorized the construction of the Los Remedios church, initially dedicated to San Francisco Javier. According to the official chronicler of Teguise and president of the official chroniclers of the Canary Islands, Francisco Hernández Delgado, the change to the Virgen de Los Remedios may have been due to famine and fear of pirate attacks in Lanzarote.
The Yaiza City Council has thanked the community's participation in the festivities, as well as the organizational efforts of the festival committee, municipal staff, and parish priest Jonathan Almeida. The performance of the Yaiza Local Police, Civil Protection, and other security and emergency services for the preventive measures, which ensured incident-free celebrations, was also appreciated.
