The embarkation of the Virgin of El Carmen is one of the most popular festivities you can enjoy in Puerto de la Cruz and where you live and feel people’s genius.
When is it celebrated?
The embarkation of the Virgin of El Carmen takes place every year on the Tuesday before July 16 through the streets of Puerto de la Cruz to end up going out to sea. More than 100,000 people from very different places of the Canary Islands go to the embarkation. It is a mass celebration that has evolved over the years.
Where does the embarkation of the Virgin take place?
The Virgin of El Carmen leaves from the Church of Our Lady of the Rock of France through the fishing streets until it finally reaches the fishing port next to the central square of Puerto de la Cruz.
History of the Virgin’s embarkation
The present image of the Virgin of El Carmen that today is exhibited in the Church of Our Lady of the Rock of France and is shown through the streets was sculpted by the sculptor Ángel Acosta Martín. It was a donation he made as a devotion for this figure, as well as gratitude to the people of Puerto de la Cruz.
The tradition began in 1923, however, the route was different, since it began in Los Realejos. It was from 1954 when the Virgin of El Carmen began its journey from the current situation.
Other activities of the embarkation day in Puerto de la Cruz
In addition to the typical route of the Virgin’s embarkation, other recreational activities are also carried out these days, such as the traditional game of the cucaña (greasy pole), in which participants try to reach the end of a greasy pole placed three meters above the water, in the same port where the Virgin’s boat is made, whose purpose is to reach a flag located at the end of the pole without falling. It is a very difficult mission because of the highly slippery surface they have to overcome.
Celebrations in the streets of Puerto de la Cruz usually last until late, where young people stay enjoying this special day with music and friends in a perfect environment like the one offered by the Puerto de la Cruz.
If you are visiting Tenerife this day, we encourage you to get to know one of the best festivities and deeply rooted traditions of Puerto de la Cruz. The embarkation of the Virgin of El Carmen will leave no one indifferent.
