Basilica of Candelaria

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is the principal Marian shrine of the Canary Islands, standing in the coastal town of Candelaria on Tenerife. Its full title is the Basilica and Royal Marian Sanctuary of Our Lady of Candelaria, and the present-day church was built between 1949 and 1959. Inside stands the statue of the patroness of the archipelago, drawing thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year.

Why does this shrine matter so much to Canary Islanders?

The basilica in Candelaria is the spiritual heart of the archipelago. The venerated image, the Virgin of Candelaria, is the patroness of the entire Canary Islands. Local tradition holds that a wooden figure of Mary appeared on the shore of the Güímar valley before the Spanish conquest of Tenerife, in the closing years of the 14th century, and was already revered by the island's indigenous Guanche people, who called her Chaxiraxi. The figure was kept in a cave and later moved into the first chapel built by Spanish friars after their arrival.

What stands in front of the basilica?

On the square facing the church rise nine monumental statues of the rulers of the old Guanche kingdoms — before the conquest, Tenerife was divided into nine such territories. These statues are among the most recognisable features around the sanctuary and a favourite subject for visitors photographing Candelaria.

What rank does the church hold today?

In 2011 the church was elevated to the rank of minor basilica. It is now the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in the Canary Islands, and its religious standing dates back to 1867, when Pope Pius IX declared Our Lady of Candelaria the principal patroness of the archipelago.

When do the main celebrations take place?

The two key dates on the sanctuary's calendar are 2 February, the feast of Our Lady of Candelaria, and 14–15 August, marking the feast of the patroness of the Canary Islands tied to the Assumption of Mary. On these days the town receives its largest crowds of pilgrims from across the islands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria located? It stands in the centre of the town of Candelaria, on the eastern coast of Tenerife in the Canary Islands, close to the seafront.

Who is Our Lady of Candelaria? She is the patroness of the Canary Islands, venerated in the basilica through a statue that, according to tradition, the Guanches found on a nearby beach before the Spanish arrived and kept in a cave under the name Chaxiraxi.

What do the statues in front of the basilica represent? The nine statues depict the rulers of the ancient Guanche kingdoms into which Tenerife was divided before the Spanish conquest of the island.

When is the best time to visit for religious celebrations? The main festivities fall on 2 February and 14–15 August, the feast days of the archipelago's patroness, when large groups of pilgrims gather in Candelaria.