After more than 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional ( |
| Bronze sculpture outside the Theatre Guimera by Polish sculptor Igor Mitoraj |
Thursday, 2nd February 2023 is a Public Holiday in Tenerife, for the Feast of the Purification of the Virgin or Presentation of Jesus, or Candlemas. This is the only public holiday this month and is specific to the island (the other Canary Islands have their own days at various times). The Patron of the Canary Islands, the Virgen de Candelaria or Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Virgin of Candelaria), is housed in the Basilica of Candelaria in the town of Candelaria. And Candelaria translates to Candlemas, which 40 days after Christmas, also marks the end of the of the Christmas Period and the Eve of Candlemas (1st February) is when Christmas decorations and greenery should be removed from homes and churches.
The night of the 1st to the 2nd February is celebrated with the "Procession of the Candles" in Candelaria, during which the lights are extinguished in the town. The faithful pray the Rosary carrying lighted candles, which symbolize Jesus as the light of all people. Nuestra Señora de La Candelaria is also celebrated on 2 February in Alcalá, Guía de Isora in La Vera, San Juan de la Rambla and in Puerto de la Cruz.
Candelaria also celebrates San Blas on 3 February.
San Valentín: February country fiestas in Fuente Nueva La Zarza, Fasnia.
Carnival 2023 in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, inaugurated on 20 January, is the biggest event taking place on the island this month and the contests leading up to it continue, culminating with the Election of the Carnival Queen on Wednesday 15 February 2023. Carnival in the street then begins with the Opening Parade on Friday 17 February 2023 and comes to an end on Sunday 26 February 2023.
Wednesday, 15 February is also the annual appointment when the Santa Catalina convent in La Laguna will be opened to view the incorrupt body of Sor María de Jesús (Sister Mary of Jesus de León y Delgado) (1643 – 1731). This year, the traditional visit to 'la Siervita' recovers complete normality. The day will start with the traditional mass, at 07:00, in the sanctuary of the convent, after which the doors will be opened for visits, as confirmed by the Bishopric.
The Rutas de Almenros en Flor (Almond Blossom Routes) continue. On Saturday 4 Feb there is a Ruta sin barreras (Disabled); on Saturday 11 Feb, a Route for Lovers and on Saturday 18 Feb a Route for Families. These are part of the Cultural Program of Santiago del Teide Town Hall, but booking is essential and must be made via El Cardón NaturExperience HERE. The walks cost a nominal €5. The routes are all in Spanish, but the staff at El Cardón, in my experience, are likely to speak English for bookings and queries. Even if you don't wish to join a guided route, this is the season to go up to the area to see the blossom.
Martes de Carnaval, Shrove Tuesday, February 21st 2023 will be a municipal holiday on much of the island; in Arafo, Arico, Arona, Candelaria, El Rosario, El Sauzal, Fasnia, Granadilla de Abona, Icod de los Vinos, La Matanza de Acentejo, La Orotava, La Victoria de Acentejo, Los Silos, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, San Miguel de Abona, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Santa Úrsula and Tacoronte. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, this is the day of the Coso Apotheosis (Carnival Main Parade) which begins at around 4 pm, processing along the road in front of the city's port.
