Candelaria's pilgrimage town yesterday, today and tomorrow

Candelaria with its terrain of 48,52 km2 is famous for its apparition and honoring of the Tenerife black Madonna.

Indeed, the location was already a place of her homage by the Guanches, 104 years, prior to Tenerife's conquest by Spain. In fact, that was before the spot not far from a beach called Chimisay today known as Playa Socorro was named after the Latin expression for chandelier.

The reason for that name was a multiple light. It was illuminating the cave of the mysterious black Madonna of the Guanches day and night.

Old Guanche pilgrims' trails

Indeed, many old Guanche trails were leading to the place of worship of the statue of Chimisay of Guimar. Some are being cleared now from bush overgrowth for eager pilgrims. There is big demand for it by the walkers who often come from the capital Santa Cruz or from San Christóbal de la Laguna. Those Guanche pilgrimage routes of the forests to the west of Candelaria are still needed to be marked in international maps for walking in Tenerife off the beaten track.

Recovered Guanche mountain trails

• Castillo-Pasacola (Barranco Honda)
• Arguama, Joncho and Barranco de Araca -El Brezal (Igueste)
• Geba - Los Brezos (Araya)
• Chivisaya (Malpais)

You may also call for more hiking routes info at Tel: 822 029 064 of www.candelaria.es.(Red senderos)

Why so much fuss?

Nothing is good enough that concerns foresight for the future.

The climate in Tenerife for hiking, climbing and very long walks is very hard to beat. No harsh winters or extremely hot summers are health hazards in Tenerife. Therefore, the region of the Black Madonna becomes an excellent alternative to the famous route Camino Santiago de Compostela. Also, Guanche secrets remain many. This makes the Tenerife pilgrimage venture all the more intriguing. Meantime every August, thousands from all walks of life from all Canary Islands put on their walking shoes to get to the black Madonna's town.

Its designation as town of historical interest is totally justified.

Cave of Achbinico or San Blas

The black Madonna or Virgin of Candelaria was placed in this big cave on order by the Guanche leader Mencey Acaymo of Güímar. This cave and a famous old spring are just behind the Cathedral where the main reproduced Madonna sculpture is now. Much money was spent so far to turn the ancient place of religios Guanche ceremonies into one of real Tenerife attractions. Unfortunately, not its entire content is totally original, now.

The town of the virgin black Madonna has a second festival on February, 02 every year.

Seaside town part of Santa Cruz municipality

The seaside town of the black virgin pilgrims is part of the Tenerife capital's municipal district. Its suburb El Rosario is still on the old motorway which leads right down to Abona in the south. The modern TF1 freeway also connects with it. Candelaria Tenerife will be reached by a flash, once the new super train will connect north and south.

Healing miracles and spiritual journey

Both freeways help to get to the black Madonna festival of August 15 by car. Not everybody has a mind set to walking for a spiritual journey, as is custom for the true pilgrim. Not everybody comes there and expects health miracles by faith either. Many undertake the track for socializing, to see relatives, to make new friends and for a lot of fun. Just like in Santiago de Compostela of mainland Spain.

Tenerife Island connections

Meantime, Candelaria with its 25140 inhabitants (INE census 2010) opens its doors and commerce to more than the Canarian archipelago. Book your island hopping by ferries, Binter or other cheap flights Tenerife early for being part of the fun.

Where eat, drink and shop at the end of your Tenerife pilgrimage?

Indeed, this town which is only 20km from the capital is not at all without interest as an urban enclave. It has its fair share of commerce and shops.

Restaurants, cafeterias and bars offer Tapas, international and Tenerife cuisine, which is supported well by fresh produce from the local farming community.

Attractions besides cave and black Madonna?

Candelaria has its own carnival at the end of winter just like all bigger Tenerife harbour towns.

Nine bronze statues of the last Guanche kings called Menceys greet you, when you approach the place. Their more than life sized sculptures cannot be missed.

Beach Playa de la Punta Larga

• Townbeach Candelaria for the disabled
  by Avenida Marítima
• Inaugurated: 2010 with sand from port
  and two jetties which give the beach a horseshoe form
• Has sports facilities

Cathedral of Candelaria (Basilica de Candelaria)

Fit for real music raves of Spain

The cathedral square is more than just a Spanish Plaza. There, it's not unusual that 500 singers compete in its talent shows alone. That means that this town square has space for the most funky musical rave party, indeed.

Holiday home in Tenerife Candelaria

Just now discover the perfect private place to stay which is in a fabulous spot. It's a private villa in the most enchanting surroundings, not beach but in a spot fit for a Guanche king.

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