Playa Blanca marked one of its most cherished annual traditions on Thursday, July 16, as residents gathered to celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Carmen, the town’s patron saint and the patroness of sailors.
The day began with a special Mass led by Yaiza parish priest Jonatan Almeida, where prayers were offered for the well-being of the community and heartfelt tributes were paid to deceased residents. Following the service, hundreds of worshippers joined the traditional procession through the town centre, accompanied by the Yaiza Municipal Band.
One of the most touching moments came when the procession paused outside the homes of elderly residents unable to participate because of mobility issues. The gesture allowed them to share in the celebrations from their doorways and windows, creating emotional scenes marked by applause, cheers, and tears.
The procession started and concluded at Plaza del Carmen, with the return journey enhanced by performances from the Guanapay Folk Group, invited from the municipality of Teguise to showcase traditional Canarian music and dance.
Leading the municipal representation were Yaiza Mayor Óscar Noda and Festivals Councillor Daniel Medina. Streets throughout Playa Blanca were decorated with rosettes, banners, and large historical photographs celebrating the town’s rich maritime heritage.
The religious celebrations concluded back at the church with a performance by the Yaiza Vocal Ensemble, directed by Nuvi Tavío, whose sacred repertoire ended with the hymn to Our Lady of Carmen. The evening festivities then continued in the square with a concert by the popular group Cantadores, blending traditional Canarian music with contemporary influences.
Maritime Procession This Sunday
Celebrations continue on Sunday, July 19, with the traditional maritime procession, one of the highlights of the annual festival.
Following the 12:00 p.m. Mass, the statue of the Virgin will be carried to Playa Blanca’s small beach before being taken aboard one of more than 50 fishing and recreational boats expected to join the procession at sea. The Marinera Los Buches band will accompany the ceremony from the shoreline.
The festivities will continue throughout the afternoon, with Son del Norte performing near the beach huts at 2:00 p.m., followed by rock bands DeLorean and Salvapantallas from 4:00 p.m.
Football supporters will also be able to watch the World Cup final on a giant screen in the town square at 8:00 p.m., bringing an action-packed weekend of celebration in Playa Blanca to a memorable close.
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