As every year, when the second day of February arrives, the municipality of Tías, on the island of Lanzarote, celebrates its big day in honor of its Patroness, Our Lady of Candelaria. From the first light of dawn, numerous neighbors ascend to the parish church to greet and congratulate the Mother, some to thank for favors received and others to implore her help, especially in matters of health, thus continuing their journey of faith and prayer under her protectionAt twelve noon, with the permitted capacity completely covered, the Solemn Function of the Holy Mass began, presided over by Samuel Aguilar Mazzey, Vicar of the parishes of Teguise and Haría, and concelebrated by the parish priests Leonardo Graterol, from the municipality of Tías; Juan Carlos Medina from the parish of San Ginés in Arrecife, Francisco José García, from the municipalities of San Bartolomé and Tinajo: and Clemente López from the parishes of Altavista and Valterra, also in Arrecife.The liturgical chants were in charge of the choir "La Candelaria", which knew how to enhance such a special celebration, also counting on the active participation of the parishionersAfter the Eucharist concluded, and due to the rain that was falling at that time, the traditional procession of the image through the town streets could not take place. In its place, the revered image of Our Lady of Candelaria was moved to one of the tents set up next to the church, where it remained surrounded by the celebrating priests and numerous civil and military authorities. Among them were the mayor of Tías, José Juan Cruz, the vice-president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, María Jesús Tovar, the national deputy María Dolores Corujo, the parliamentarian Marcos Bergaz, as well as several councilors from the municipal corporation
Next, the Music Band "La Unión Musical de Lanzarote", directed by professor Alfonso Duro Cabezón, performed a carefully selected set of compositions prepared for the occasion, which were long applauded by the numerous audience in attendance. Subsequently, the Folkloric Group Gaida, from the municipality of Tías, offered an emotional display of the most representative songs and dances of Lanzarote's folklore, receiving the warm recognition of those present.
Amid cheers and applause, the image of Our Lady of Candelaria finally crossed the temple's portico, putting the finishing touch on a day marked by devotion and popular sentimentThe celebration this year takes on a particularly relevant meaning, as next July will commemorate the "230th Anniversary of the church of Our Lady of Candelaria", an emblematic building and a spiritual and heritage symbol of the municipality of Tías, a faithful witness to the faith and history of generations of neighbors over more than two centuries