Playa Blanca took to the streets this weekend to express its infinite admiration for the Virgen del Carmen, Patron Saint of the town and of sailors, and did so on Saturday, July 16, Big Day, participating in the Eucharist and procession through the central streets of the town, but also did so massively on Sunday in the maritime procession embarking its 'Star of the Sea', its spiritual guide, on the town's beach amidst applause, cheers and expressions of affection and the follow-up of more than fifty boats that escorted the 'Simaraca', the boat in charge this year of taking the Virgin along the southern coast, demonstrate that the feeling towards the Virgen del Carmen is covered with a special aura capable of mixing devotion and a lot of joy.
Neighbors and visitors joined with respect the seafaring feeling that accompanies the Virgen del Carmen. Old and new generations of sailors together with their families were in the land and sea processions and in the different festive events that distinguish the 2022 celebrations as the most participatory of the last decade.
Despite the summer heat, the Plaza de Playa Blanca showed a very good attendance both in the religious function on Saturday and on Sunday, and not to mention both pilgrimages that were adding participants from their first steps of the route. The beach this Sunday concentrated so many people at noon that the locals themselves said they did not remember an image of such dimension.
On behalf of the City Council, the mayor of Yaiza, Óscar Noda, and the Councilor for Festivities, Javier Camacho, thank "not only the high citizen participation, but also the exemplary behavior of the public that leaves a balance of parties without incidents thanks also to the tireless work of the Local Police of Yaiza and the support of the emergency bodies that did preventive services day and night".
The town chanted the name of the Virgen del Carmen, launched cheers, shouted "beautiful" and even danced with her on their shoulders, enthusiastic about the interpretation of the Janubio band. That's what the adoration of the Virgen del Carmen has, which can be expressed in a more formal way as Playa Blanca did on the Big Day with the interpretation of the Vocal Group of Yaiza in the mass and the Municipal Band in the procession, and the more festive version with Janubio in the accompaniment of Sunday.
Playa Blanca prayed together with the parish priest of Yaiza, Jonathan Almeida, for its people and the well-being of its neighbors and also implored the Virgin especially for the victims of covid and for the sailors and immigrants who died at sea. As a novelty this year, in the route of the land procession you could see old photographs of fishermen working or meeting with friends and family to record, and even more if you want, the unforgettable roots of the south of Lanzarote. The government of Yaiza also makes public its gratitude to the Parish of Yaiza, the Festival Committee of Playa Blanca, the staff of the Festival Area and the municipal workers of the different areas that worked in the organization and development of the celebrations.