Walk to the Virgin of Candelaria
Enter the municipality of Candelaria, belonging to the island of Tenerife and experience the authentic and honourable tradition of the pilgrimage to the Virgen de la Candelaria, also known as Nuestra Señora de Candelaria or popularly as La Morenita.
It is worth noting that its origin comes from "candlestick" or "candela", which refers to light: the holy light that leads to the right path and enlivens faith in the merciful God.
All those who wish to make this walk can do so from anywhere on the island of Chicharras, as the starting point will depend on the promises, offerings and sacrifices they have proposed to make to the majestic Virgen de la Candelaria.
This festival is celebrated on the night of 14-15 August. However, some groups also perform it on February 1 and 2, although in much smaller numbers than in August. It depicts Jesus the Redeemer in the Temple in Jerusalem after his birth and the purification of Mary.
For this reason, through this post, we will give you the opportunity to know first-hand, the history and many relevant aspects of the municipality of Candelaria that you can not miss when attending this great event.
If you wish to live a sublime experience in which religious beliefs and customs will prevail, surrounded by thousands of local pilgrims, these are more than enough reasons for you not to think twice and immerse yourself in this solemn celebration. You won't regret it!
What background knowledge should you have about the history of the legendary pilgrimage to the Virgen de la Candelaria?
Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria is a Marian advocacy of the Catholic Church, considered an Asset of Cultural Interest and the historical heritage of Spain. The image is approximately 1 metre high and is located in the Basilica chapel, in the Candelaria municipality on the island of Tenerife.
During the feast, she is placed on a splendid processional throne embossed in silver, where she remains close to her devotees until the feast ends, when she returns to the chapel.
As you may know, the Virgen de Candelaria, classified in the group of black virgins, is the patron saint of the Canary Islands. It should be noted that she is known as the "greatest treasure" of the Canarian Archipelago. For this reason, she has many faithful who come from all the islands and even from all over the world to venerate her.
Likewise, this primitive image of neoclassical style, dating from 1827, disappeared in the sea as a result of an alluvium, which is why a replica was created, the author being the sculptor Fernando Estévez, from Orotava.
Today, she is a fundamental symbol for the Canary Islands. Many of her followers have even created a popular song about the Virgen de Candelaria: "Virgen de Candelaria, la más bonita, la más morena, la que tiende su manto, desde la cumbre hasta la arena" (Virgin of Candelaria, the most beautiful, the brownest, the one who spreads her mantle, from the summit to the sand).
I therefore invite you to take a closer look at this famous commemoration in order to appreciate worship, tradition, history and religion from a more festive perspective.
The Municipality of Candelaria
This municipality, located in the southeast of Tenerife, is considered to be the sacred place of pilgrimage par excellence in the archipelago, as well as one of the most charming villages in the Canary Islands, as it reflects a notable religious impetus.
It is worth noting that once you immerse yourself in this municipality, you are completely enveloped by its atmosphere, together with the sea breeze and the tranquillity, to the point of wanting to return again.
Without a doubt, you can't miss the opportunity to go to Candelaria and do this walk, which apart from providing you with a lot on a cultural level, will give you the opportunity to be in contact with religion and practice the Christian faith.
The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
This beautiful Basilica is the first Marian temple in the Canary Islands. It is worth knowing that, once you have finished your walk, you will have the opportunity to stay here, as it is considered to be the meeting point for all pilgrims.
You can also admire the Pilgrims' Fountain, which is located right next to the Basilica.
Therefore, once you finish your pilgrimage and arrive at the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, do not hesitate for a second to enter, as both its exterior and interior are worthy of admiration.
If you liked this publication, don't forget to leave us a comment and also see our various posts about other content related to the Canarian Archipelago!
There is no Tenerife resident who has not made the walk to Candelaria one year or another. Some take it as a religious festivity, but there are also those who have a great time with family or friends, and along the way enjoy the exercise of the walk or a good chat during the night walk while drinking a beer.
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