Considered one of the major fiestas in Tenerife, the Festival of the Virgin de Candelaria, the patron of the Canary Islands, occurs every year on August 15th, and the festivities are attended by over two million visitors annually.

Candelaria, located on Tenerife within the Canary Islands, is a suburban area of the Santa Cruz City area and is a popular pilgrimage destination, due to its noteworthy status as a place of veneration of the Virgin. However, due to the city's diverse array of entertainment and culture, it is currently a tourist hot spot for those wishing to soak up some sun and immerse themselves in its rich history. Check out flights to Tenerife to ensure you don't miss out on any last minute deals.

History dates the original sighting of the Virgin of Candelaria back to the Guanche aboriginal era in the 14th century, when two natives herding cattle discovered her on a beach. They moved her to Achbinico's Cave and the image was later adopted by Christian Conquerors as the Virgin Mary. Curiously she is also venerated by the Hindu community of the Canaries.

As part of the festivities, there are various processions, a floral offering, folklore groups and even a theatrical representation of the apparition of the virgin to the Guanches. Local veneration of the patron saint comes in the form of "romeria," a colourful pilgrimage of sorts featuring oxen-drawn carts, folk music, and traditional Canarian attire.

In 2006, British R and B star Craig David performed to an audience at the Eleventh Festival de Candelaria at the Candelaria Football Stadium and has influenced other modern Canarian artists such as Tony Santos.

The Tenerife climate is tropical with scarce rainfall due to the island's relative closeness to the Tropic of Cancer. Tenerife is classically considered a place of summer all year round.

Tenerife's gastronomy is influenced by many foreign factors and its diverse culture - African, European, Latin American. Known for its freshness, its simplicity and originality, it can be attributed to three essential factors: the weather, the sea and the island's history. You can dine like a king on this creative, innovative cuisine for which Tenerife is famous for just a few Euros.