The feast of the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands drew thousands of pilgrims to Candelaria, exceeding previous years' numbers. The August 15th celebration was marked by religious and institutional events.
The mayor of Candelaria, Mari Brito, emphasized the day's importance for all of Canary Islands and expressed satisfaction with the celebration, calling the location "the home of all Canarians." She thanked the organizers for ensuring the event's smooth running.
Brito announced the City Council's intention to discuss with the Dominican Fathers and other entities in the coming months the establishment of two annual pilgrimages: one in August and another in February. The goal is to enable "everyone to come and see the Patron Saint," particularly for those wishing to travel along the trails in more favorable weather conditions.
“"Let there be two pilgrimages, the one in August and the one in February, when the weather is better, cooler, because many people want to pilgrimage along the trails, especially those from the north of the island. We want to work towards making it possible so that everyone can come and see the Patron Saint."
The day's events included performances by the Cultural Association of La Guanchería de Los Realejos with drums and chácaras, as well as the 35th Athletic Floral Offering to the Virgin of Candelaria, which saw over five hundred runners participate.
The King's representative, Astrid María Pérez Batista, president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, presided over the military parade and official reception at 10:45 AM, with an honor guard unit of approximately 140 soldiers from various regiments.
Subsequently, the Civic Procession with the Municipal Banner took place to the Basilica of Candelaria, led by Mayor Mari Brito, the municipal corporation, and representatives from the Ayuntamiento de Teror. The banner was carried by the Councilor for Security, Francisco Alonso, accompanied by councilors Mónica Yanes and Juan Moisés Rodríguez Santana.
The delegation from the Government of the Canary Islands included President Fernando Clavijo and the Minister of Social Welfare, Candelaria Delgado, along with undersecretaries and directors general. The Government delegate, Anselmo Pestana, and sub-delegate, Javier Plata Vera, were also in attendance.
The Cabildo of Tenerife was represented by its president, Rosa Dávila, vice-presidents Lope Afonso and José Carlos Acha, and insular councilors. From the Cabildo of La Gomera, first vice-president Rosa Elena García attended. Representatives from the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the Congress of Deputies, the Senate, the Government Delegation, various city councils, the consular corps, and military authorities also joined.
At the Basilica of Candelaria, the bishop of the Nivariense Diocese, Eloy Alberto Santiago Santiago, and the rector of the Basilica, Fray Dailos José Melo, welcomed the King's representative. The religious celebration featured the Coral Voces para la Esperanza Villa de Candelaria and the Las Candelas Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Silvia Alonso.
Following the religious service, the procession of the Virgin of Candelaria through the streets Obispo Pérez Cáceres and Los Príncipes was canceled due to wind.
