The devotion of the people of Playa Blanca for their Patron Saint, the Virgen del Carmen, was evident this Wednesday, July 16, with dozens of neighbors who braved the heat to accompany her image on the pilgrimage through the streets of the town on the Big Day of the festivities. This is a deeply rooted event in the seafaring heart of the town that was full of religious and folkloric fervor, with an exceptional musical finale by Los Sabandeños.
Carmen Square hosted the mass in honor of the Virgin of sailors and fishermen, a ceremony officiated by the parish priest of Yaiza, Jonathan Almeida, in which heartfelt words were dedicated to the sailors who died at work but also to those who perish in their attempt to reach our coasts in search of a better life.
After the hymn to the Virgen del Carmen, the Yaiza Municipal Band marked the beginning of the procession, solemnly accompanying the image's steps through the streets of the town.
The entourage, headed by the parish priest, the mayor Óscar Noda, the Councilor for Festivities Daniel Medina, and other members of the Yaiza Corporation, included dozens of faithful,
sailors, and visitors to the tourist town. As is tradition, neighbors took turns with the privilege of carrying the Virgin on her journey, while the town sent her heartfelt cheers and kisses from windows, doors, and balconies, showing her adoration and unconditional faith.
Upon her return to the square, the Virgin was received with applause and songs by the toque and dance group of the Agrupación Folklórica Güerma, who paid their particular tribute in the form of folías, seguidillas, and malagueñas with a seafaring soul. The Vocal Group of Yaiza, directed by Nuvi Tavío, also did so, inside the church, singing traditional songs and a heartfelt interpretation of 'Virgen del Carmen'.
Golden finale by Los Sabandeños
The Big Day of festivities culminated in style with a vibrant performance by Los Sabandeños, who returned to fill Carmen Square eight years after their last visit.
For more than an hour and a half, the Tenerife group, considered an undisputed emblem of Canarian folklore, offered a luxury repertoire covering their almost six decades of
history.
From classics of island folklore such as 'La Isa de Luciano', 'El sacalejo', 'Himno a la lucha canaria', or 'Folías de la libertad', the repertoire included nods to the municipality with an emotional seguidilla by the popular poet from Las Breñas, Víctor Fernández Gopar, and 'El pescador de morenas', in tune with the seafaring festival. There was also space for universal themes that gave them greater popularity outside the Archipelago, such as 'La flor de la canela', 'Yolanda', or 'Guantanamera', as well as a powerful message of peace launched through the mythical 'Sólo le pido a Dios', with express mention of the conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine.
The public, engaged from beginning to end, bid farewell to Los Sabandeños with a unanimous ovation after their emblematic pasodoble 'Islas Canarias', which brought the entire square to its feet.
"It is exciting to see how tradition, faith, and culture go hand in hand and move an entire town," says the Councilor for Festivities, Daniel Medina, who appreciates the involvement of neighbors and groups, as well as the tireless work of the security forces "on these festive days in which there is still much to enjoy."
"Seeing Playa Blanca so dedicated reminds us that the Virgen del Carmen continues to be a beacon and refuge for our collective emotions," says the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, recalling that Sunday, July 20, is the date set for the seafaring tribute to the Virgin and that the festive program is available on the municipal website.