Day of “La Candelaria”, patron saint of the Canary Islands

The 2nd of February is celebrated the day of the Virgin of Candelaria, patron of the Islands Canarias. Her image is venerated in the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria in Tenerife and is popularly known as La Morenita.

According to the tradition, two aboriginal person saw the Virgin of Candelaria in 1392 when they were herding sheep.

In 1826, the image of the Virgin of Candelaria was lost as a result of a flood. Although the entire coast was removed, the image has never  appeared, so later a replica was ordered to the sculptor Fernando Estévez, which is the one  currently chairing the basilica.

Traditionally, the festivities in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria is celebrated on 15th August and get together faithful and visitors from across the Island which participate in religious ceremonies and other festivity events. Many of them do it as a pilgrimage from different parts of the island.

Photography source:

http://www.losviajesdebrujilda.com/
http://www.icoddelosvinos.diariodeavisos.com/