The President of the Canary Islands Parliament attended the main events honouring Our Lady of Candelaria, the patroness of the Canary Islands
Candelaria was once again at the centre of the Canary Islands on Saturday as Astrid Pérez, President of the Canary Islands Parliament, represented His Majesty the King at the main celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Candelaria.
The annual festivities brought together civil and military representatives, along with thousands of residents and visitors taking part in one of the Canary Islands’ most important religious traditions.
A day of tradition and ceremony
The programme included the official reception for Pérez as the King’s representative, followed by a military parade and the main religious ceremony at the Basilica of Candelaria.
The solemn Eucharistic celebration was held in honour of the Virgin before her traditional procession through the streets of the town.
Pérez highlighted the importance of the celebrations and the need to preserve a tradition that has been passed down through generations.
Her presence also underlined the significance of the event at an official level, with the Royal Household represented during one of the biggest dates in Candelaria’s calendar.
Candelaria at the heart of the Canary Islands
Every year on 15 August, Candelaria becomes a meeting point for people from across the Archipelago.
For many, it is a religious celebration. For others, it is simply one of those Tenerife traditions that has become part of the calendar whether you’re particularly religious or not.
Either way, the Virgin of Candelaria remains one of the most important religious and cultural symbols of the Canary Islands, and the celebrations continue to attract thousands of people to the town each year.