Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria

Could a simple candle hold the key to a community’s faith? Here at the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria in Chipude, it certainly seems so. This unassuming church, perched on the slopes of La Gomera, holds a story as captivating as the island’s volcanic landscape. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria isn’t just a building; it’s a testament to the enduring faith of the people of Chipude. The original hermitage, dedicated to Our Lady of Candelaria, dates back to the 16th century. It was later elevated to parish status in 1655, a sign of its growing importance to the community. Tragedy struck in 1604 when the original structure was partially destroyed. However, like the resilient islanders, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria was not easily deterred. It was expanded in 1655 when Chipude became an independent parish. Inside, you’ll find a captivating piece of history: a Baroque monstrance brought from the Americas, a tangible link to a world across the ocean. The current statue of Our Lady of Candelaria, a beautiful 19th-century work, stands as a symbol of hope and devotion. She holds the Divine Infant in her right arm and a silver candle in her left, a symbol of her name and the light she brings to her followers. This very church safeguards the pendón, the sacred banner of La Gomera, brought out in procession with the Virgin. The Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria is not simply a place of worship. It’s the heart of Chipude. It is where the islanders’ joys and sorrows are shared with their beloved Virgin. This deep connection was recognized in 2013 when the statue of Our Lady of Candelaria received the honor of canonical coronation, right here in the plaza of Chipude. Time, disaster, and change have all touched this sacred place, yet the spirit of the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria remains undimmed. Its story is interwoven with the very fabric of La Gomera, a testament to the enduring power of faith.