Virgin of Candelaria’s Festival 2023

The Virgin of Candelaria is the General Patroness of the Canary Islands. Her feast is on 15 August, when the Catholic world celebrates the Assumption of Mary, and the celebrations have their nerve centre in the coastal town of Candelaria. Designated as a Feast of National Tourist Interest, this festival is also known as “Fiesta de los Naturales”, as it is deeply rooted in local and aboriginal Guanche traditions.

Most activities take place in the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria and the square next to it, Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias. However, the crowds pour into the adjoining streets and venues, and they fill every pilgrimage trail on the island. The festival’s highlights include the procession that brings high numbers of pilgrims who want to show their adoration of Mary along the island’s roads and across the woods, and the Guanche Ceremony, held on 14 August at sunset, which recreates the moment when the Guanches (the indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands) met Mary.