Valterra moves in the procession of Carmen

On Sunday afternoon, the fishing neighborhood of Valterra, in Arrecife, experienced one of the most anticipated and emotional moments of its patron saint festivities with the traditional land-sea procession in honor of its Patroness, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Numerous neighbors, faithful, and visitors accompanied the revered image on a day filled with faith, devotion, and sentiment.

At 5:00 PM, the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel departed from its church in a solemn procession to the esplanade of the Insular Hospital. There, at 6:00 PM, the celebration of the Holy Eucharist began, presided over by the parish priest of San Ginés and Episcopal Vicar of Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, and La Graciosa, Don Juan Carlos Medina.

This is a very special and deeply significant celebration, as it is dedicated to the elderly and sick individuals who are admitted or reside in the Insular Hospital. Thanks to the effort and dedication of the doctors, healthcare staff, and families, the patients were moved to the front of the hospital, where the altar had been set up for the celebration of the Eucharist, with the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel facing them.

These were moments of immense emotion. For a few moments, our elders were able to leave their rooms and hospital facilities to come face to face with the Virgin of Mount Carmel. Their faces reflected the joy and emotion of sharing such a special moment, surrounded by the affection of family, friends, and neighbors who came to greet them and inquire about their health. Without a doubt, it was one of the most moving moments of the entire day, where faith and hope became especially present.

Once the Eucharistic celebration concluded, the procession began towards the pier of Puerto Naos. The procession was led by the La Unión Musical de Lanzarote Band, under the direction of Professor Pepe Artiles, performing a carefully selected repertoire of processional marches, followed by the image of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the numerous faithful accompanying her.

Upon reaching the pier, the image was embarked on the fishing boat "El Picao," owned by shipowner Francisco Martín Hernández, thus beginning the traditional maritime route along the coast of Arrecife. The vessel was accompanied by small fishing and recreational boats that, once again this year, wanted to pay homage to the Patroness of Sailors.

As a novelty in this edition, the participation of the brand-new catamaran "Juan Jorge R", owned by the shipping company Líneas Romero, captained by Juan Jorge Romero, a native of the island of La Graciosa, stood out, whose presence added a special attraction to the maritime procession.

One of the most solemn moments took place during the crossing, when all the vessels stopped their journey and formed a large circle on the sea. In an atmosphere of deep reverence, the priest Don Juan Carlos Medina led a prayer for all the deceased sailors. Afterwards, the participants threw flowers into the sea as an offering and remembrance to those who dedicated their lives to the sea and now rest forever. It was a moment of silence, respect, and great emotional weight that moved everyone present.

After the floral offering, the image of Our Lady of Carmen returned to the pier of Puerto Naos where the Music Band was waiting again, along with numerous faithful. From there, the procession continued through the streets of the fishing neighborhood of Valterra to its church, where the Patron Saint was received amidst the ringing of bells, long applause, and emotional cheers from the attendees.

With this heartfelt reception, the final touch was put on the festivities in honor of Our Lady of Carmen, Patron Saint of Sailors, culminating a day that once again demonstrated the deep devotion that the residents of Valterra profess to their Virgin.

However, if there was one moment that will remain etched in the memory of all attendees, it was the one experienced on the esplanade of the Insular Hospital, where the elderly and sick were able to share unforgettable moments with Our Lady of Carmen. An image full of tenderness, hope, and humanity that perfectly summarizes the true meaning of this celebration; to bring the comfort, faith, and affection of an entire town to those who need it.