The municipality of La Frontera, in El Hierro, was the chosen venue for the presentation of the Festivities in honor of the Virgen de Candelaria, General Patron Saint of the Canary Archipelago. This presentation completes the initiative by the Candelaria City Council, started in 2020, to tour the islands with the presentation of the Festivities, sharing the regional character of the Patron Saint with all of Canary Islands.
The event featured performances by the Las Candelas Music Band, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the voice of Angélica Pérez. The mayoress of Candelaria, Mari Brito, highlighted the completion of the institutional tour across all islands, bringing 'La Morenita' closer to the entire island geography and uniting faith, culture, and admiration.
Pablo Rodríguez Cejas, mayor of La Frontera, extended a warm welcome, expressing the municipality's pride in hosting the event and emphasizing the unity under the faith of the Virgen de Candelaria. The design of the poster by artist Ayelén Marrero was also mentioned.
The parish priest of La Frontera, Juan Antonio Rodríguez, and the Prior of the Basilica, Fray José Melo González, underscored the Virgin's message of unity and invited everyone to visit her home in Candelaria.
The opening speech, delivered by retired magistrate and former State Attorney General Eligio Hernández Gutiérrez, will take place on Wednesday, August 5th, at the Basilica de Candelaria. The opening ceremony will feature the Baile de la Virgen de El Hierro and a performance by singer Claudia Álamo.
The musical program includes concerts by Ara Malikian, Café Quijano, Los Cantadores with Falete, and Anaé. The International Folklore Festival Villa de Candelaria and a concert by Los Sabandeños will also be held.
Sports will play a significant role with wrestling matches on Thursday, August 13th, including the XII Youth Wrestling, the VIII Women's Wrestling, and the XXVIII Institutional Wrestling between teams from Tenerife and Fuerteventura. Additionally, the 35th Athletic Flower Offering to the Virgen de Candelaria will take place on Saturday, August 15th.
Media outlets such as La 2 de TVE en Canarias and TV Canaria will broadcast key events. On Friday, August 7th, 'Radio from Candelaria' will be broadcast live from the Plaza de la Cruz Pérez.
In the cultural sphere, the book 'La Virgen de Candelaria en Cuba' will be presented, and the first 'Al Bernegal. Traditional Canarian Pottery from Candelaria' workshops will commence.
Eligio Hernández Gutiérrez, born in El Pinar, El Hierro, highlighted his Marian devotion and the importance of the Virgen de Candelaria in the history of the Canary Islands, considering being the speaker a great gift.
