Candelaria’s annual Carnaval de Día celebrations drew record crowds on Sunday, March 1, filling the town with music, color, and a festive atmosphere that lasted from morning until night. The event, a cornerstone of the local cultural calendar, showcased a diverse program designed for all ages.
“The Carnaval de Día has surpassed our expectations, with a magnificent reception and more attendees than usual enjoying a program designed for all ages,” said Mayor Mari Brito. “It’s a satisfaction to witness our streets and our venue filled with life, music and community.”
The festivities kicked off at noon with “El Cosito,” a lively parade that began in the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias and wound its way to the municipal venue. Children from local centers Los Menceyes, Indalín, and Higo Pico participated, alongside the En Paralelo Danza group, the Tropicana children’s comparsa, and the Bella Mariana comparsa, bringing a sense of joy and fantasy to the streets.
Following the parade, the venue hosted a vibrant Choreographic Festival featuring performances by En Paralelo Danza, the Municipal Dance Schools of UPCAN, the Andreina Acosta Sports Club from Güímar, Crew Of Dreams, Ballet Beanky, and the Odali Sports Club from Arafo. A special performance by Arodi Llanos added to the spectacle, all presented by Eva García and directed by Jonathan Barroso. The festival highlighted the talent and quality of the participating schools and groups.
The afternoon brought more entertainment with a performance by the Tropicana Comparsa, followed by Andrea Rodríguez & La Banda del Trópico, the Corinto Band Orchestra, the Monterrojo group – who traveled from Uruguay for the occasion – and El Combo Dominicano, who closed out the musical performances. Luis Deseda served as the master of ceremonies, and inflatable attractions were available for children, reinforcing the family-friendly nature of the event.
The day culminated in the traditional parade and burning of the sardine, accompanied by the Fanfarria Los Realejos and coordinated by Rumbera Ultraperiférica, symbolically bringing the Carnaval to a close with music and community participation. The Orquesta Nueva Línea then took the stage, providing a final musical flourish to this year’s Candelaria Carnaval.
Councilor for Festivities, Manuel González, expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thank the involvement of all the groups, schools, comparsas, artists and technical teams who made such a complete day possible, as well as the exemplary behavior of the public and the collectives of the municipality.”
The Candelaria Town Hall extended its thanks to all the collectives, artists, and residents who participated, contributing to the continued success of the Carnaval de Día as one of the most anticipated events on the town’s festive program. The event underscores the importance of community celebrations in fostering local pride and cultural identity.
