There are days that transcend the passage of time and remain forever etched in the collective memory of a people.
Saturday, July 18, will undoubtedly be one of those indelible days for the Catholic community of the municipality of Tías. A day of faith, emotion, gratitude, and a deep sense of belonging, it was the crowning glory of the commemorative events for the 230th Anniversary of the Founding of the Parish of Our Lady of La Candelaria, one of the most emblematic religious institutions in Lanzarote.
The events began at 11:00 AM with the closing of the "Sacred Art" exhibition, held in the "La Ermita" Exhibition Hall. The event was presided over by the Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Monsignor Cristóbal Déniz, accompanied by the parish priest of Tías, Leonardo José Graterol. The exhibition, of extraordinary heritage value, allowed residents and visitors to contemplate pieces that are part of the parish's historical and spiritual legacy, constituting a true testament to more than two centuries of faith and tradition.
At 12:00 PM, the church of Our Lady of La Candelaria presented an exceptional appearance, with absolute full capacity, reaching the permitted capacity, while numerous faithful followed the celebration from the portico, eager to participate in a unique event.
The Solemn Eucharist, the centerpiece of this historic commemoration, was presided over by Monsignor Cristóbal Déniz, concelebrating with the parish priest of Tías, Leonardo José Graterol, and the parish priest of Yaiza and Dean of Lanzarote and La Graciosa, Jonathan Almeida. A celebration marked by solemnity and reverence, in which music took on special prominence thanks to the brilliant participation of the Coral Marina of Puerto del Carmen, directed by Professor Miguel Ángel Cabrera, whose performances enriched every moment of the ceremony.
Among the numerous moments of deep emotion experienced during the Eucharist, there was one that will forever remain etched in the parish's history. Monsignor Cristóbal Déniz blessed the new mantle adorning the revered image of Our Lady of Candelaria, a piece generously donated by a person who wished to remain in absolute anonymity, making their gesture a true act of Christian faith and humility. After the blessing, the temple erupted in a prolonged and emotional ovation that resonated strongly within the walls of the small church, reflecting the shared sentiment of all present before a moment of extraordinary symbolic and spiritual weight.
The closing of the 230th Anniversary of the Founding of the Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria also featured a distinguished institutional representation led by the mayor of the municipality of Tías. José Juan Cruz Saavedra, accompanied by members of the Municipal Corporation, who wished to join a celebration that transcends the religious sphere to become an inseparable part of the history of the municipality and of the island of Lanzarote itself.
After the liturgical celebration concluded, attendees moved to the municipal facilities of the football field, where they shared a heartwarming get-together. It was a space for meeting, conversation, and gratitude, marking the end of a day lived with intensity and joy for all present.
With this celebration, a very special chapter in the parish's history closed, but a new page was also opened to be read by future generations. Because for 230 years, the Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria has been much more than a temple; it has been the spiritual heart of Tías, a witness to the passage of centuries, of baptisms, marriages, farewells, celebrations, and shared hopes for thousands of residents.
Saturday, July 18, 2026, is now part of that history. It was not merely the closing of an anniversary; it was the living celebration of a community united by its faith, proud of its roots, and committed to the preservation of a religious, cultural, and human legacy that will continue to illuminate the path of those who come after.
Because there are events that conclude at dusk, and others that begin to write eternity in the memory of a people. The Closing of the 230th Anniversary of the Parish of Our Lady of Candelaria undoubtedly belongs to the latter.
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