The mayor of Los Realejos unveiled a commemorative plaque in San Agustín that recalls the origin of devotion to the Virgen del Carmen, coinciding with her feast day and several significant anniversaries.
The mayor of Los Realejos, Adolfo González, unveiled this Thursday a commemorative plaque at number 6 La Alhóndiga Street, in San Agustín, which marks the place where the devotion to the Virgen del Carmen originated in the municipality. The event took place during the procession of the image, which made its way from the sanctuary to the main parish of Realejo Bajo, returning via La Cascabela.
The plaque indicates the former Augustinian convent of San Juan Bautista and the Espíritu Santo, where the Venerable Brotherhood of Our Lady of Carmen of Los Realejos was founded in 1664. It was also home to the first chapel and shrine of the image, which arrived from Genoa, until 1806. The initiative came from the brotherhood itself, which wanted to commemorate several anniversaries: the 775th anniversary of the appearance of the Virgen del Carmen to San Simón Stock, the 362 years since the creation of the brotherhood, the 125th anniversary of the Virgin's patronage over the Spanish Navy, and the 44th anniversary of her canonical coronation.
A mural that surprises in La Cascabela
During the return journey, the image encountered for the first time a large-format mural painted by the local artist Adán Pérez Farráis on the façade of a house in the La Cascabela area. The work, commissioned by the Los Realejos Town Hall, has received widespread applause from residents and worshippers, as highlighted by the mayor. The mural represents Carmelite motifs and has become a new point of interest for devotees.
The Navy present at the celebration
The naval commander of Tenerife and captain, José María Fernández López, attended the Eucharist and was named honorary brother of the brotherhood. Fernández López had proclaimed the Fiestas del Carmen 2026 on July 4, coinciding with the 125th anniversary of the Virgin's patronage over the Navy. His presence underscores the historical connection between Carmelite devotion and the naval institution.
The procession was accompanied by the Musical Philharmonic Society of Los Realejos and the Eucharist was sung by the San Andrés and Santa Mónica Choir. The residents of Los Realejos participated en masse in the events, which combine tradition, faith, and a renewed impetus for local historical memory.
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