Candlelight Procession, Candelaria
Bus Routes: 470 [Granadilla], 111/115 [Santa Cruz].
Return: 120 [Guimar], 111 [Las Americas], 470 [Granadilla]/483 [El Medano]
Return: 120 [Guimar], 111 [Las Americas], 470 [Granadilla]/483 [El Medano]
Hello everyone,
It is a public holiday here in the Canaries and possibly Spain, just think if Drake had lost at bowls or Henry had stuck with his first wife we would have had a lot more public holidays! This one is for the Madonna of Candelaria the patron saint of the Islands. I went up to Candelaria yesterday afternoon and managed to get back here just after midnight because they start the procession at a reasonable time. The service starts somewhere between 7 and 8pm depending on dusk I think. This is unique in that pilgrims travel from all over the islands to attend this procession which is conducted by candlelight as all of the street and shop lights are switched off in the old town during the procession.
Thousands of people attend and it is a very unique and moving experience. The voice of the bishop is amplified as he leads the procession so that one can actually hear the benedictions. The procession is repeated today in daylight commencing at 11am mainly followed by dignitaries, public services etc so I decided not to go back. It continues until Sunday with street parties and entertainment in the square. Interestingly the 'Festival' is also celebrated on 15th August where pilgrims walk from all over the island, they do it later because it is warmer! In the second one there will be a re-enactment down by the sea. The whole thing is based on the Virgin appeared out of the sea to the Guanches. They were frightened and tried to attack her but failed. When they realised that they could do her no harm she gained supernatural powers and since then she has been worshipped by all of the residents in the Canaries (incidentally this worship has spread to places like Venezuela where emigrants from the Islands have set up home). I also managed to get some photos of the interior of the Basilica this time, it is a very beautiful place. I also need to correct my previous comment of where the monks live, it is to the left of the Basilica the yellow building to the right is the old 'town hall/meeting hall' which now houses an art galley I think. It was interesting watching the 'Policia Local' using everything from 4x4s to motorbikes to scooters all in full police regalia supervising the event. There were 200+ coaches to ferry through the town and back in again after the event - no mean feat!
All the best till next time....
Thousands of people attend and it is a very unique and moving experience. The voice of the bishop is amplified as he leads the procession so that one can actually hear the benedictions. The procession is repeated today in daylight commencing at 11am mainly followed by dignitaries, public services etc so I decided not to go back. It continues until Sunday with street parties and entertainment in the square. Interestingly the 'Festival' is also celebrated on 15th August where pilgrims walk from all over the island, they do it later because it is warmer! In the second one there will be a re-enactment down by the sea. The whole thing is based on the Virgin appeared out of the sea to the Guanches. They were frightened and tried to attack her but failed. When they realised that they could do her no harm she gained supernatural powers and since then she has been worshipped by all of the residents in the Canaries (incidentally this worship has spread to places like Venezuela where emigrants from the Islands have set up home). I also managed to get some photos of the interior of the Basilica this time, it is a very beautiful place. I also need to correct my previous comment of where the monks live, it is to the left of the Basilica the yellow building to the right is the old 'town hall/meeting hall' which now houses an art galley I think. It was interesting watching the 'Policia Local' using everything from 4x4s to motorbikes to scooters all in full police regalia supervising the event. There were 200+ coaches to ferry through the town and back in again after the event - no mean feat!
All the best till next time....
Comments
Post a Comment