Olvera street Merchants have been celebrating the Candlemas, or 'Fiesta de la Candelaria" on Feb. 2 for over 10 years, Candelaria is the Christian festival commemorating the Purification of the Blessed Virgin and the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. The name Candelaria comes from the procession of candles, inspired by the words of Simeon "a light to lighten the Gentiles" (Luke 2:32).