The devotion of the people of Los Realejos to the Virgen del Carmen has a new point of remembrance in San Agustín with the inauguration of a commemorative plaque. The unveiling took place this Thursday, July 16th, coinciding with the Virgin's feast day, during the procession that carried the sacred image from its Sanctuary to the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in Realejo Bajo, returning via the La Cascabela neighborhood. The procession was accompanied by the Sociedad Musical Filarmónica de Los Realejos.
The statue, Honorary and Perpetual Mayor of the Villa de Los Realejos, was historically linked to the former Augustinian Convent of San Juan Bautista y del Espíritu Santo. This convent was located where the house at number 6 Calle La Alhóndiga stands today. It was at this site that the Venerable Hermandad Cofradía de Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Los Realejos was founded in 1664. The convent's walls housed the first chapel and dressing room for the sacred image from its arrival from Genoa until 1806.
The initiative to place this plaque comes from the aforementioned Brotherhood. Its installation coincides with several anniversaries: the 775th anniversary of the Virgin's appearance to Saint Simon Stock, the 362nd anniversary of its confraternity's creation, the 125th anniversary of its proclamation as Patroness of the Spanish Navy, and the 44th anniversary of its canonical coronation.
In the La Cascabela neighborhood, the image encountered a large-format mural recently painted by local artist Adán Pérez Farráis on the facade of a house. This mural, commissioned by the Ayuntamiento de Los Realejos, has been met with "widespread applause" from residents and devotees, according to Mayor Adolfo González.
The naval commander of Tenerife and captain, José María Fernández López, who delivered the opening speech for the 2026 Carmen Festivities, was also present at the Eucharist. This year marks the 125th anniversary of the Virgen del Carmen's patronage over the Spanish Navy. Fernández López was named an honorary cofrade of the Venerable Hermandad Cofradía de Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Los Realejos.
