The seafaring neighborhood of Valterra, in Arrecife, celebrated in grand style the festivity of its patroness, Our Lady of Carmen, in a day filled with faith, tradition, and emotion that once again brought together neighbors and visitors around the Virgin of the sailors.
From early in the morning, the organizers took charge of announcing that it was a big day for the neighborhood. The traditional rockets, the background music, and a heartfelt breakfast of churros with chocolate, shared outside the church, woke up the neighbors and created a festive and family atmosphere.
Throughout the day the church remained with its doors open, becoming an incessant coming and going of faithful and devotees who approached the image of the Virgin to pray in silence. Some came to give thanks for favors received, others to place their families under her protection and ask her for protection for the sailors and for all those who sail the sea.
At 7:30 p.m., with the allowed capacity completely filled, the solemn celebration of the Eucharist began, presided over by the priest Samuel Alirio Aguilar, from the Pastoral Unit of Arrecife, accompanied by the parish priest of San Ginés and Episcopal Vicar for Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa, Juan Carlos Medina.
The liturgical songs were performed by the Choir of the Parish of San Francisco Javier, under the direction of Professor Lizardo Vidal Yupanky, who with their voices, gave solemnity to the celebration. The entire assembly joined them enthusiastically, participating actively both in the songs and in the prayers, reflecting the deep devotion that the neighborhood of Valterra professes to its patroness.
The image of Our Lady of Carmen looked especially beautiful on her throne, carefully adorned with exquisite floral ornamentation that harmonized with the decoration of the temple, offering a scene of great beauty and solemnity.
Once the Holy Mass was concluded, the awaited land procession through the streets of the neighborhood began. The procession was led by the Band La Unión Musical de Lanzarote, directed by Professor Pepe Artiles, followed by the venerated image of Our Lady of Carmen, the celebrating priests, the authorities, and numerous faithful, who walked the streets with deep reverence and respect.
Upon returning to the church, one of the most moving scenes of the night awaited them. The members of the Murga Afilarmónica Los Simplones welcomed the Virgin by performing, with enormous affection and feeling, a heartfelt song dedicated to the patron saint of sailors, for whom they profess a special admiration and devotion. At the end of their performance, the large crowd that packed the surroundings of the church responded with a prolonged and warm ovation, recognizing the emotional tribute paid to the Virgin.
Next, the image of Nuestra Señora del Carmen made its entrance into the church amid the applause of those present, thus putting the finishing touch to an unforgettable day. Once again, the residents of Valterra, together with numerous visitors who had arrived from different parts of Arrecife, came together to support their patron saint, renewing a tradition that is part of the soul of this historic seafaring neighborhood and that continues to be passed down from parents to children with the same faith, the same affection, and the same enthusiasm.