Basilica of Candelaria facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
Basílica Nuestra Señora de Candelaria
Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria
Religion
Affiliation	Roman Catholic
District	Diocese of San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Province	Archdiocese of Seville
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Minor basilica, Royal Marian shrine and conventual church
Year consecrated	1959
Location
Location	Candelaria, Tenerife, Spain.
Architecture
Architect(s)	José Enrique Marrero Regalado
Architectural style	Neoclassicism
Groundbreaking	1949
Completed	1959
Specifications
Direction of façade	West
Capacity	5000

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is a very important Roman Catholic church. It is the first Marian shrine in the Canary Islands. You can find it in the town of Candelaria on the island of Tenerife, Spain. It's about 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the island's capital.

This basilica is dedicated to the Virgin of Candelaria. She is considered the special protector, or Patron, of the Canary Islands. A famous architect named José Enrique Marrero Regalado designed the building. The government of the Canary Islands has listed it as a "Site of cultural interest."

The statue of the Virgin of Candelaria is known as a black Madonna. This means it is a statue of the Virgin Mary with a dark complexion.

History of the Candelaria Basilica
Inside the Basilica
- Special Rooms and Chapels
Festivals and Visiting Hours
- Annual Celebrations
- Basilica Opening Hours
Gallery
See also

History of the Candelaria Basilica

Discovery of the Virgin Statue

Around the year 1390, Candelaria was a quiet place. It was often visited by Guanches herders. The Guanches were the native people of the Canary Islands. One evening, two herders saw their goats refusing to enter a ravine. They thought someone might be trying to steal them. Instead, they found a statue of the Virgin of Candelaria on a rock. This statue later became the main patron of the Canary Islands.

The statue was found on a beach near Candelaria. At first, it was taken to the cave of Chinguaro. This cave was the home of the king (called a mencey) of Güímar. Later, the Guanches moved the statue to the cave of Achbinico in Candelaria. People have worshipped it there ever since.

From Guanche Goddess to Christian Saint

The Guanches first thought the statue was their goddess, Chaxiraxi. She was known as the mother of the gods. But later, Christian explorers and conquerors arrived. They recognized the statue as the Virgin Mary. Soon after, a small chapel was built for the statue. This cave also became a burial place for Christians who loved the Virgin.

In 1596, King Philip III of Spain declared himself a protector of the Virgin of Candelaria. After he became king, he gave the church the special title of "Royal." This made it the first church in the Canary Islands to receive such an honor.

Interior of the basilica and altar.

Building the Modern Basilica

The current basilica was built on the site of an older church. That church was destroyed by a fire in 1789. However, building the new church was delayed many times. There was an economic crisis in 1931. Then came World War II and the Spanish Civil War.

Finally, the bishop of Tenerife, Domingo Pérez Cáceres, pushed for the construction. He hired architect Jose Enrique Marrero Regalado. The new church was designed in a "neo-Canarian" style. This style mixes different architectural looks found in the Canary Islands. People from all the islands donated money to help build it.

The basilica took almost ten years to finish. On February 1, 1959, the basilica was officially opened in a big religious ceremony. Today, Candelaria is the most important Catholic pilgrimage site in the Canary Islands. It is also one of the main ones in Spain. More than 2.5 million people visit the basilica every year. The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria can hold up to 5,000 people at once.

Important Visitors

Many important people have visited the basilica. These include leaders of countries and governments. Important church figures, military leaders, and famous people from sports and art have also come. For example, the former kings of Spain, Juan Carlos I and Sofia of Greece, visited in 1977. They came both as princes and later as kings.

Special Titles and Other Faiths

The church has a special title called "minor basilica." Pope Benedict XVI gave it this title on January 24, 2011. This honor was celebrated on February 2 of that year. This date is also the feast day of Candlemas.

Today, this Marian shrine attracts many people. Not only Catholic pilgrims visit, but also followers of other religions. Some people from the Hindu community in Tenerife have even donated special robes for the Virgin's statue. Every May, a festival called Festival Intercultural India - Canarias is held in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias. This festival shares Hindu customs through food and traditional performances.

Inside the Basilica

The statue of the Virgin of Candelaria, Patron Saint of the Canary Islands.

Inside the basilica, you will see many beautiful mural paintings. Most of these are found near the altar. They often show angels and other saints from the Canary Islands. These saints were very devoted to the Virgin of Candelaria.

On one side of the main altar, you can see the flag of Vatican City. This shows the close connection the church has with the Pope. This connection is because it is a minor basilica. The statue of the Virgin is placed above the altar.

Special Rooms and Chapels

The Camarín de la Virgen de Candelaria is a room right behind the altar. This is where the wooden statue of the Virgin of Candelaria is kept. It is usually opened for visitors after mass.
The Capilla del Sagrario is next to the sacristy (a room where priests prepare for services). It has a large painting of the Last Supper by José Aguiar. This painting shows Jesus with his apostles. The chapel windows also show scenes of the Virgin appearing to the Guanches.
The Capilla del Cristo de la Reconciliación was blessed on April 19, 1996. It has a statue of the crucified Christ. This statue was made by Ricardo Rivera Martínez in 1936. This chapel is used for confessions. The image of Jesus Christ was inspired by the Shroud of Turin.
The Sala de las Velas is near the main entrance of the basilica. Its name means "Room of Candles." This is because people leave candles and flowers there as offerings. You can also see a painting of the Canonical Coronation of the Virgin of Candelaria in this room. There are also phrases that tell the story of the Virgin and her church.

Festivals and Visiting Hours

Annual Celebrations

Every year on August 14 and 15, many pilgrims come to this basilica. They come to celebrate the Virgin of Candelaria, the Patron of the Canary Islands. On August 14, there is a special procession called the "Romeria." There is also a play that shows how the Virgin first appeared. On August 15, a special Mass is held. After the Mass, there is a procession with important leaders from the Canary Islands.

Also, every February 2, pilgrims visit the basilica for the Fiesta de la Candelaria. On February 1, there is a torchlight procession around the basilica. On February 2, another Mass and procession take place. The Bishop of Tenerife and other important leaders lead these events.

Basilica Opening Hours

The Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria is open almost every day of the year. Here are the opening times and Mass schedules:

Basilica Opening Hours:
- Closed on Monday mornings.
- Monday afternoons: 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
- Tuesday to Sunday and holidays: 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.