Virgin of Candelaria Festival 2022

The Virgin of Candelaria is the Patroness of the Canary Islands. She is honoured twice a year: on 2 February, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Candlemas, and on 15 August, the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The latter is a very popular festival, also known as “Fiesta de los naturales”, for it is deeply rooted in local and aboriginal traditions.

The two-day procession draws pilgrims from all over the island, eager to pay tribute to their Patroness. On 14 August, the Virgin of Candelaria gets a flower offering and the Marian apparition to the Guanches (indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands) is re-enacted by traditional associations in Plaza de la Basílica.