Coastal cave located on the former Güímar. Today this place belongs to Candelaria, in the south of the island. According to some authors, «Achbinico» is a toponymal that means «here is the spill». The east-oriented cave was used to milk goats and, according to some archaeological research, for some kind of worship. Guanches brought the primitive carving of the Virgin of Candelaria to this cave. After Tenerife’s conquest on February the 2nd 1497, the first celebration or Candlemas was held in this cave. It later became the first parish church of the district. In 1526 and after translating the image to a new church, the cave was known as Cueva de San Blas (St Blas’ cave). A fire destroyed the old Basilica and the Convent of the Dominican Fathers, so the image was returned to the cave. Later on, in 1789, the annexed chapel we see today was built.
This is one of the most emblematic places of Candelaria’s history. The chapel of San Blas can be visited and is just a few minutes’ walk from the square. Once you access it, you will discover a small cave and a virgin image, a reproduction of the original Candelaria. Achbinico’s cave was the place chosen by the Guanches for her worship. Perhaps this choice may have been linked to their magical-religious world. After they translated the image to the cave, it represented a female superior that belonged to their cosmogony. One thing is certain: archaeological research has confirmed the aboriginal presence in this area. Subsequently, this cave also had special relevance for the local people. The cave was also the only burial site of the Güímar Valley until the first quarter of the 16th century. Over the years, a hermitage devoted to the Virgin of Candelaria was built near this cave. Therefore, Achbinico’s Cave has been devoted to Saint Blas since 1526, and his festivity is celebrated on 3 February. After a fire destroyed the old Basilica and the convent in 1789, Saint Blas chapel was annexed to the cave. Saint Blas wooden sculpture was carved by the sculptor Fernando Estévez. In the year 2000, the chapel was refurbished and a bronze reproduction of the original Candelaria was installed inside. The sculpture was entrusted to the Güimar-born sculptor, Ángel Bermúdez.
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