The Candelaria Town Hall has restored the Mosaic of the Virgin of Candelaria that was vandalised this August.
The image, cherished by the locals, had suffered damage to its face and appeared next to an offensive graffiti, leading to an outpouring of community outrage.
The new piece has been installed and differs from the previous model: it is not made of majolica, but a different type of ceramic tile.
This replacement was made possible through the efforts of the Dominican Friars, guardians of the original image, who provided the new representation to the Town Hall.
The mosaic is located in a highly frequented area by residents, particularly those who stroll along the promenade between the Basilica and the old Tenerife Tour building, where the niche is situated. It serves as a regular passage for walkers and worshippers alike.
Transforming the Surroundings
The area where the vandalism occurred is part of a changing landscape. The former hotel complex, closed since 2011, is now in a state of abandonment.
The municipal plan aims to convert this site into a residential and commercial space, which would include a square, a supermarket, the extension of the promenade, and a viewing terrace in the previously occupied space by the swimming pools.
A Symbolic Gesture
The restoration of the mosaic represents a symbolic gesture of reclaiming public space and respecting the religious and cultural symbols of the municipality.
