Due to the ongoing heatwave across the Canary Islands, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees, authorities strongly advise pilgrims planning to visit Candelaria today or tomorrow to strictly adhere to designated routes in order to reach the Villa Mariana. Alongside the usual restrictions against using the motorway, there’s also a prohibition on traversing through the countryside and walking along the Los Peregrinos road, which connects Barranco Hondo to Candelaria. It’s worth noting that this road was constructed for the purpose but has never been officially opened.
For convenience and in consideration of the conditions, officials recommend using public transportation. There will be designated parking areas in the industrial estate, the land behind the Guardia Civil barracks, and the rambla Los Menceyes in Punta Larga. Despite the heat, an estimated 100,000 people are anticipated to congregate in Candelaria over the next two days. Some have already used the weekend to reach the presence of La Morenita, who is adorned with a coral-colored mantle for the occasion.
Candelaria is set to take the spotlight as the epicenter of the most significant events in honor of the Archipelago’s General Patron Saint. Commencing with a historical nod to our ancestors, the Guanche Ceremony will unfold. This representation of the image’s discovery marked the first religious and festive dramatization in the Canary Islands during the 18th century. It pays homage to the memory of the ancient settlers of the Archipelago and their descendants.
Year after year, the Guanche Collective of Candelaria, recipients of the Gold Medal of La Villa a few years back, are tasked with orchestrating the Ceremony. This vital legacy is perpetuated from one generation to the next.
The Guanche Ceremony in Candelaria
The Guanche Ceremony will commence at 8:00 PM and will be live-streamed by Televisión Canaria. Following its conclusion, the Virgin of Candelaria will embark to El Pozo to greet the pilgrims and then return to the Basilica of Candelaria. There, the rector of the Basilica, Juan Manuel Martínez Corral, will address the attendees from the balcony of the Old Town Hall. Alba Fariña and Fernando Santana will offer a musical tribute to the image, along with the customary Ave María by Chago Melián.
Throughout the night, the Basilica will remain open for pilgrims, while the square hosts the Noche de Parrandas in Memory of Rosaura Marrero Fariña, featuring parranderos and soloists from across the island.
