The maritime procession of the Virgen del Carmen in Playa de Mogán has been brought forward this Sunday to 9:00 am due to the alert for maximum temperatures. The mass in Arguineguín is also modified and the joint land procession is suspended.
The municipality of Mogán in Gran Canaria has decided to bring forward the maritime procession of the Virgen del Carmen in Playa de Mogán, scheduled for this Sunday, August 2, due to the heat alert declared by the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands. The preceding mass, which was to be held at 10:00 am, will now take place at 9:00 am in Doctor Pedro Betancor León square, to avoid the hours of greatest solar intensity.
This measure, agreed upon with the parish priest, the parish community, and the Fishermen's Brotherhoods of Arguineguín and Playa de Mogán, also affects the neighbouring town of Arguineguín. There, the mass at the Parish of Our Lady of Carmen will be held at 10:00 am, and once it concludes, the image of the Virgin will be accompanied to the dock to receive its counterpart from Playa de Mogán.
The anticipated meeting of both images will take place, as well as the greeting to the small statue of the Virgen del Carmen located in the port facility. However, due to the high temperatures, the two virgins will not leave the dock together in a land procession. After the meeting and the performance of some pieces by the music band, the images will bid farewell, and the Virgen de Playa de Mogán will embark again heading back to her port.
The Councillor for Culture and Festivities, Mencey Santana, explained that this modification responds to the need to protect the health of attendees and participants.
“We urge all participants in the events to take extra precautions against the heat, avoiding prolonged exposure, using sun protection, hats or caps, and bringing water to stay properly hydrated,” Santana stated.
The decision has been made in coordination with the parish priest and the parish community of the municipality, as well as with the fishermen's brotherhoods, who have expressed their agreement with the change of schedule. This is one of the most deeply rooted celebrations on the coast of Mogán, which each year gathers hundreds of faithful and visitors.
The rest of the events planned for the weekend within the programme of the Fiestas del Carmen in Playa de Mogán remain unchanged, except for the mass and procession in honour of San Antonio 'El Grande', which will be held in the afternoon of Sunday, August 2. Local authorities recommend attendees to pay attention to the indications of emergency services and to follow recommendations to avoid heat strokes.
The alert for maximum temperatures, which affects several islands in the archipelago, has led the organisers to take this preventive decision, prioritising the safety of participants. Temperatures are expected to exceed 34 degrees during the central hours of the day, so the change in schedule aims to minimise sun exposure.
The maritime procession is one of the central events of the festivities in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors. In Playa de Mogán, the image sails through the bay accompanied by decorated boats, while in Arguineguín the tradition includes the meeting of both statues at the dock. This year, however, the joint land procession has been cancelled to avoid crowds under the sun.
Residents and visitors wishing to witness the meeting should arrive at the dock in Arguineguín before approximately 11:00 am, when the arrival of the Virgen de Playa de Mogán is expected. The Mogán Town Hall reminds everyone that it is essential to bring water, use sunblock, and seek shade whenever possible.
The measure has been well received by the faithful, who understand the need to adapt to extreme weather conditions. The organisation hopes that once the heat wave has passed, the celebrations can proceed normally and bring joy back to the streets and coasts of Mogán.
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