The Virgin of La Candelaria

The veneration of the Virgin of La Candelaria was brought to Latin America by Spanish settlers. According to legend, this image appeared to the native Guanches of Tenerife in the late sixteenth century, becoming their official patroness in the years to come. The figure of La Candelaria is characterized by her dark skin, which resonated with the natives of the Canary Islands and facilitated their conversion to Christianity. The same was true for the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, where La Candelaria remains as a central figure of local Christian identity to this day.