More than 100,000 pilgrims are expected in Candelaria for the festivities in honour of the Patroness of the Canary Islands. The 'Morenita 26' security operation will mobilise 600 personnel and activate the Self-Protection Plan from 14 to 15 August.
The Candelaria City Council coordinated this Friday the 'Morenita 26' security operation ahead of the festivities in honour of the Patroness of the Canary Islands, which each year attract over 100,000 pilgrims. The meeting, chaired by Mayor Mari Brito, was attended by the island’s Councillor for Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, the Councillor for Security, Francisco Alonso, and the Chief of the Local Police, Rhodia Jurado, as well as representatives from the Civil Guard, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Cabildo of Tenerife, Red Cross, and civil protection from several municipalities.
The mayor thanked all administrations for their coordination and reminded that the Self-Protection Plan will be activated from 15:00 on 14 August until 15:00 on 15 August. Brito pointed out that this year the celebration coincides with a weekend, so a high influx of pilgrims and visitors is expected. Furthermore, she noted that in recent years there has been a trend of pilgrims arriving in a staggered manner throughout August, making it difficult to predict exact arrival times.
The island councillor, Blanca Pérez, explained that the Cabildo will deploy around 600 personnel, along with a healthcare operation in collaboration with Red Cross, present in forested areas and at the Field Hospital located in the centre of Candelaria. Pérez warned that weather conditions will determine whether it is necessary to adapt the operation.
The meeting also included representatives from the Civil Guard Command of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the General Directorate of Emergencies of the Government of the Canary Islands, the Canary Police, the Canary Health Service, the Natural Environment and Security Management Area of the Cabildo, as well as Red Cross, Emergency Aid Anaga, and Civil Protection from the municipalities of Candelaria, Santa Cruz, and La Victoria.
The operation includes traffic restrictions to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It is recommended to travel to Candelaria using public transport. The parking areas designated for 14 and 15 August are the cemetery esplanade, the La Cardonera parking lot, the vicinity of CEIP Punta Larga, the parking area over the Bruno Alberto Saina Football Field, and the end of the Rambla de Los Menceyes.
Traffic will be prohibited from the Valle de Güímar Industrial Estate along José Miguel Galván Bello street towards Candelaria. Access to La Magdalena street from the same road, above the Civil Guard barracks, will also be cut off, and Frailes Dominicos street will remain closed in the descending direction from the cemetery bridge. Vehicles travelling on these streets will be diverted towards the Industrial Estate.
As usual, the TF-28 will be closed to traffic in the section between El Chorrillo and Las Caletillas from 18:00 on 14 August until the passage of the Athletic March, estimated around 9:30 on 15 August, to ensure the safety of pilgrims and participants in the offering. Additionally, access to Las Caletillas from the TF-1 will remain closed in both directions.
The Circular Coast Line will modify its usual route towards Las Caletillas on 14 and 15 August, as the Avenida de la Constitución will be closed. After leaving the Plaza de Teror, it will connect with the Avenida Marítima via Los Sabandeños and Neptuno streets.
The mayor reminded that the Octava will take place on Sunday, 16 August, so an intense weekend of activity is expected in the municipality. The 'Morenita 26' operation aims to ensure the safety of all attendees at one of the most crowded celebrations in the Canary Islands.
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