It must be emphasized that although it is true that devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria began in the Canary Islands (Spain), it spread and reached America. For example, her festival is celebrated in various places, such as Candelaria, Misiones (Argentina), a town formed under the inspiration of the ancient Jesuit reductions. Today processions and serenades are organized there in honor of the Mother of God.
Likewise, in the city of Humahuaca, Jujuy, the traditional ‘dance of the bulls’ is performed and fireworks are burned. While in the province of Tucumán, in the town of Villa de Leales, this festival brings together crowds. In Guaraní, province of Buenos Aires, the Virgin of Candelaria is the patron saint of the city.
Bolivia
In Copacabana (La Paz) they have the Virgin of Copacabana as their patron saint, whose figure is none other than that of the Virgin of Candelaria, carved by the famous artist Francisco “Tito Yupanqui” (1550, Copacabana, Alto Perú, today Bolivia – 1616, Cusco, Peru).