Hundreds of people have come this noon to the beach of the town of Paya Blanca to accompany and show their respect, from land and sea, to the patron saint of sailors and the tourist town during its maritime procession, an act that this year has been in charge of dismissing the festivities and that has had significant novelties.
The morning began with the parade of the centennial Banda de Agaete, which toured the main streets of the town with its particular festive atmosphere, summoning neighbors and residents to the party and bringing them to the square on the promenade where this year, for the first time, the solemn function was held in honor of the Virgen del Carmen.
The parish priest of Yaiza, Juan Antonio Gallego, who has not extended much in the celebration of the Eucharist, did want to thank the Patron Saint for everything we have received from her, in the first place, to later remember 'the importance and contributions of the fishing sector to society', a way to honor the men of the sea on such an important day for them. The mass featured the performance of Grupo Alborada, performing pieces such as 'Gloria a ti señor' or 'Ave María' to end with a 'Salve marinera' that received a great ovation, giving way to the shouts of 'Viva la Virgen del Carmen' by Gallego and the transfer of the image to the beach to be embarked. A transfer that, on this occasion and possibly for the first time in history, has been carried out by women of the municipality and that has been accompanied by the Banda de Agaete, this time with its gala dress and a somewhat more sober tone.
Around fifty boats, including fishing boats, recreational boats and even the optimist and laser boats of the Municipal Sailing School, were waiting in the bay of Playa Blanca ready to receive the Patron Saint and accompany her during her marine tour aboard the 'Isla de Alegranza', from the fisherman Samuel Cabrera Nieves, without a doubt the best way to show her devotion and pay her a well-deserved tribute. During his boat trip, followed by hundreds of people who crowded the promenade and the small beach of the town of Playa Blanca, the famous band from Gran Canaria has continued to set the atmosphere on land with a much more festive repertoire that has thrilled residents and tourists.
The mayor, Óscar Noda, together with members of the Government Group of Yaiza and Jacobo Medina, vice president of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, have followed, first in the mass and then from land, the celebrations in honor of the Virgen del Carmen.
After a generous boat ride, the figure of the Virgin has been received on land and carried again by women to the exit of the beach, returning to the temple accompanied again by the band and numerous faithful who did not want to say goodbye to her until the last minute.
Isas and folías performed by the Parranda Chasnera, from Tenerife, have put the finishing touch to the festivities in honor of the Virgen del Carmen de Playa Blanca in a recital in which they have also included Latin music themes such as the famous ranchera 'El rey'.
