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The seaside town of Candelaria on Tenerife’s east coast celebrates its most important festivities each August. Streets fill with bunting, traditional music and food, while the historic basilica and its vast plaza host religious events. This gallery walks you through the atmosphere: an overview of the main square, decorated pedestrian areas, the basilica inside and out, folk dances, and the solemn procession of the Virgen de la Candelaria.
The celebration centers around the expansive square fronting the basilica. It’s the best place to start your visit, get oriented, and watch the evening crowd build up.
The basilica’s façade and tower dominate the waterfront. During fiestas, banners hang from the buildings and visitors flow in and out for services and music.
Step indoors to see the nave, chandeliers and the main altarpiece where devotional acts take place throughout the week.
The town dresses up for the occasion: bunting, banners and balconies frame cafés and pedestrian lanes. These areas are ideal for a relaxed stroll before the evening ceremonies.
Folk groups perform in traditional dress, weaving ribbons around the pole in a classic island dance that delights visitors between liturgical events.
The emotional high point is the evening procession. The revered image of the Virgin moves through the waterfront streets accompanied by music, volunteers and the faithful.
Official artwork and the printed program help visitors plan: daily masses, concerts, folk performances and the main days dedicated to the patroness of the Canary Islands.
The Candelaria fiestas blend seaside ambiance with heartfelt devotion. Spend the late afternoon exploring decorated streets and cafés, then move to the plaza for the basilica events and the evening procession. If you’re in Tenerife in August, this is one of the island’s most emblematic celebrations.