Fiësta del Carmen

Written by:
Hans Kruit, 1 August 2010

FIËSTA DEL CARMEN

Today the fishermen here on Gran Canaria celebrate the festival of the Virgen del Carmen.

The festival is especially important in the fishing villages Arguineguin and Puerto de Mogan.

To understand why the Virgen del Carmen should be held so dear to the inhabitants of villages such as Arguineguin or Puerto de Mogan, we need to go back to the Old Testament.

Downshifting in his old age, the prophet Elias retreated to a cave in Mount Carmelo near Haife (Israel). Many centuries later, hermits following in Elijah's footsteps asked for the protection of the Virgin Mary of Mount Carmelo - the Virgin of Carmen.

Stella Maris, as she was also known, was soon adopted by mariners and fishermen everywhere as their patron.

Two weeks ago the fishing boats from Arguineguin brought the Virgen del Carmen to Puerto de Mogan.
Today the the boats of Puerto the Mogan brought the Virgen back to Arguineguin.


Hans

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