Stunning Event: The Carrying of the Virgin of Los Cristianos In September.

A wonderful procession filled with heart warming spirituality

In the heartwarming embrace of Tenerife's sunlit aura, the annual procession of the Virgin del Carmen is a profound testament to faith and tradition, woven deeply into the cultural fabric of Los Cristianos. This reverent event, held on the first Sunday of September, is not just a festival; it is a day-long spiritual journey that resonates with the deep blue of the Atlantic and the heartfelt prayers of the faithful in Los Cristianos.

Morning mass at the church of Los Cristianos

As the morning mass concludes, the air fills with anticipation and the scent of fresh white flowers, heralding the start of the sacred procession. The beloved image of the Virgin del Carmen, adorned with blooms as pure as her revered status, is carried with solemn dignity from the church to the bustling dock. Here, she is gently placed aboard a small vessel, setting sail on a poignant voyage across the bay's crystalline waters.

The flotilla returns

Accompanied by a flotilla of boats, each sounding their sirens in a symphonic tribute, the Virgin's journey is a spectacle of devotion and unity. The sea, dotted with vibrant boats and echoing with the sounds of homage, transforms into a moving stage for this holy pilgrimage. Onlookers, both residents and visitors, are swept up in a wave of emotion, their eyes fixed on the serene image that glides gracefully over the water.

Protector of the sailors

The Virgin del Carmen, revered as the patron saint of sailors and a symbol of protection, makes her way to the enigmatic Palm Mar Cave, locally whispered to be the Ali Baba Cave. As she travels, divers descend to honor the lost sailors, laying flowers on their watery graves, an act that beautifully marries the island's maritime heritage with its spiritual convictions. The cave, a sentinel at the cliff's base, stands as a silent witness to this homage, its secrets and stories mingling with the prayers that float up from below.

Back on dry ground

Back in the port, while the Virgin's journey unfolds, laughter and cheers fill the air as locals and tourists alike partake in the greasy pole competition. The quest for the elusive 50 euro ribbon atop the slippery mast provides a light-hearted contrast to the day's spiritual undertones. Yet, it is all part of the rich tapestry of the day, intertwining solemnity with celebration, reverence with revelry.

As darkness falls

As the night goes on and the Virgin's journey concludes, the sky bursts into a kaleidoscope of colors with fireworks heralding the end of the festivity. But the feeling it leaves behind, the sense of unity and spiritual depth, lingers much longer, like the afterglow of a sunset that refuses to fade into the darkening horizon. This is the Virgin del Carmen procession in Los Cristianos: a beautiful, goosebump-inducing experience that captures the heart and soul of Tenerife.

My wife and I felt truly blessed to have witnessed this wonderful event, we will definitely return for 2024, see you there?

This is a wonderful event for families and friends, it comes highly recommended from myself, I look forward to the next event on the 1st of September 2024.