The Tenerife town of Candelaria commemorated its patron, Saint Anne, this Sunday with a civic procession that started from the Alfarero Centre and a mass in the square of Saint Anne.
The drums of the Batucada de Almagec resonated this Sunday in Saint Anne, marking the start of the festivities for Candelaria's patron. At 11:45, the traditional civic procession began, presided over by the mayor of Candelaria, Mari Brito, accompanied by members of the Municipal Corporation, councillors from the Tenerife Cabildo, representatives from the municipalities of Arafo and El Rosario, Red Cross, Civil Protection, military personnel, Guardia Civil, and local police in gala uniform.
The procession set off from the Alfarero Centre with the municipal banner, carried by the councillor for Education, Fishing and Rural Development, and Youth, Maeva Tendero, and was accompanied by a group from the Banda Las Candelas until it reached the square of Saint Anne. At the church doors, the procession was received by the parish priest, Dailos José Melo Rodríguez, who took the banner from the mayor's hands before entering the temple for the celebration of the mass.
The mass was presided over by Antonio Gómez Santos, parish priest of San Antonio de Padua in Las Retamas, and featured musical accompaniment from the Chamber Orchestra of Las Candelas, conducted by Silvia Alonso Fariña, with solo vocals by Alba Fariña. The mass concluded with the performance of the hymn to Saint Anne, a piece by Bernardo Rodríguez composed 25 years ago.
The festive events in honour of Saint Anne will continue this afternoon, starting at 20:00, with a mass dedicated to grandparents, followed by the procession of Saint Anne and Saint Joachim, which will traverse the streets Isla de Tenerife, Santa Ana, La Cardonera, Juan El Cape Pescador, Santa Ana, and Isla de Tenerife. Throughout the route, local residents have adorned their homes and created traditional salt carpets to welcome the passage of the images.
The feast of Saint Anne, celebrated every 26th of July, is one of the most significant dates in Candelaria's calendar. The tradition of salt carpets, which decorate the streets of the historic centre, has been maintained from generation to generation, and this year residents have once again demonstrated their devotion with elaborate designs. This afternoon's procession will conclude the main events, although cultural and religious activities will take place throughout the day.
The mayor, Mari Brito, highlighted citizen participation and the work of the associations and groups that make the celebration possible. The Candelaria City Council has coordinated a special security and cleaning operation to ensure the smooth running of the events. Attendees are advised to arrive early to enjoy the carpets and avoid crowds during peak times.
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