10 traditional Canary Island festivals you have to experience

Ready to get up close and personal with the Canary Islands’ festival spirit? Discover the 10 most prominent traditional Canary Island festivals, and revel in the contagious joy, vibrant music and awesome traditions. It’s a unique experience!

Festivals in Gran Canaria

Agaete: Fiesta de la Rama

This festival dates back to the time of the indigenous people on the Canary Islands. At this event, participants pay tribute to an ancient indigenous rite; clashing branches into the sea to beg the gods for rain.

Today, the tradition continues on the streets of the village of Agaete. The event was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1972.

How is it celebrated?

At the ‘Fiesta de la Rama’ (Festival of the Branch), residents and visitors make their way through the town, shaking their branches (from heather, pine and laurel trees, etc.). It’s no quiet exploit – it’s all done to the tune of the traditional Agaete marching band, playing all the way to the beach. When they get there, the branches are given as an offering to the Virgen de las Nieves (the island’s patron saint).

Three big dances take place throughout the event: La Diana, at dawn; La Rama, in the morning; and La Retreta, at dusk, each with its own unique meaning and emotions. ‘Cabezudos’ (large-headed carnival figures, also known as ‘papagüevos’) also accompany this tour around the town, representing local personalities from the municipality of Agaete.

When is it in 2024?

Calendars at the ready! It’s on 4 August 2024.

Arinaga: La Vara del Pescao

‘La Vara del Pescao’ brings back a seafaring tradition from the coastal village of Arinaga. It depicts the ancient fishermen who would walk the streets sounding a conch shell to attract the locals to buy their fresh fish and seafood.

How is it celebrated?

This traditional Canary Island festival doesn’t have a religious theme; the highlight is the procession along the seafront promenade alongside the La Vara boat. More than 20 boats on wheels, converted into floats, distribute and grill the sardines, sharing them out amongst the crowds attending.

At dusk, when the procession of fisherman arrive at the beach, you can take in a spectacular fireworks display over the water. Oh, and don’t forget to go dressed in white! It’s the traditional dress for this festival.

When is it in 2024?

It takes place on the last Friday of August. This year, it’s on 30 August 2024.

Teror: Fiestas del Pino

The locals of Gran Canaria dedicate the beginning of September to the patron saint of their island, the Virgen del Pino. This is one of the island’s largest festivals, and it’s fully loaded with tradition and Canary Island sentiment. It’s famous for its religious offerings, as well as bringing together the archipelago’s faithfuls.

How is it celebrated, and when is it in 2024?

On the eve of 8 September, it’s common to see hundreds of pilgrims flocking on foot to prepare for their ascent to the Basilica de Teror, to give thanks to the Virgin for all the good things over the year and for fulfilling her promises. Afterwards, it’s on to a traditional sandwich made with Teror chorizo and a strawberry Clipper lemonade, both local products. Don’t miss your chance to sample them – they’re delicious!

When 8 September comes, it’s time for the ‘Romería’ pilgrimage, one of the island’s most iconic events. In this one, 21 municipalities take part, all arriving with their own carts brimming with offerings for the Virgin. And when the evening comes, the party continues with open-air dancing and musical performances!

Festivals in Tenerife

Puerto de la Cruz: Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo procession

Fishermen carry statues of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo in a procession to the little harbour in Puerto de la Cruz. This event draws thousands of devotees to line the city’s quay, and is part of the Puerto de la Cruz July festivities.

The festival, taking place in July, is part of a bigger celebration which also includes live music, open-air dancing and even a card game championship.

How is it celebrated?

A spectacle of devotion and maritime heritage unfolds in the streets of Puerto de la Cruz as the statues of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo are carried in a solemn procession. Accompanied by prayers and hymns from the faithful, the procession winds its way through the town, the air filled with the joyous sounds of festive music. This captivating display is a testament to the town’s deep connection to the sea and its long-standing seafaring tradition.

Upon reaching the quaint fishing harbour, the sacred figures are carefully placed upon a decorated fishing boat. As the vessel embarks on its coastal voyage, the devout follow the procession from the pier or from their own boats, their eyes fixed on the departing figures.

Upon their return to the harbour, the statues of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo are ceremoniously carried back to their respective churches. As the procession concludes, a breathtaking fireworks display illuminates the night sky, marking the grand finale of these religious and cultural festivities.

When is it in 2024?

It’s held every year on the Tuesday before 16 July (the day celebrating the Virgen del Carmen, the municipality’s patron saint). This year’s festival will be held on 9 July.

Icod de los Vinos: Tablas de San Andrés

Feeling a need for speed? On the eve of San Andrés Day, which is celebrated on 30 November, the steepest streets of Icod de los Vinos are transformed into racing circuits. But it’s not cars that are racing, or bikes or even skateboards. Just simple wooden boards.

How is it celebrated, and when is it in 2024?

Throughout the month of November, adrenaline fans attempt to make the most aerodynamic wooden board to record the best time on the descent.

It is said that this game emerged in the 16th century, when the wood industry held a high level of importance in this area of the island. Wood was transported from the mountains to the coast for the manufacturing of ships or barrels, for example.

La Laguna: Corazones de Tejina

Immerse yourself in one of the island’s most vibrant and eye-catching traditions: the crafting of the spectacular Tejina hearts. These cross-shaped structures are adorned with flowers, fruit and cakes, and all eyes are on them at the festival in honour of their patron saint, San Bartolomé, at the end of August.

With a 100-year history behind it, and declared an official Festival of Cultural Interest, the event reflects the festive spirit and creativity of the inhabitants of Tejina.

How is it celebrated?

The town’s three main districts compete to create the most impressive heart, with some weighing up to 900 kilos and towering 12 metres high. In this fun ritual, the men carry the hearts to the church square.

A programme of events is held in honour of San Bartolomé, one highlight being the traditional ‘Verbena de La Pamela‘ open-air dance. The streets of the town are filled with music, joy and… incredible hats. Attendees put all their efforts into wearing the most extravagant and unique hats.

When is it in 2024?

Bring out your ingenious creative side, and get ready to show off! Prepare to fall in love with the Hearts of Tejina at the next event on 25 August 2024.

Festivals in La Palma

Danza de los Enanos (The Dance of the Dwarves), Santa Cruz de La Palma

The Dance of the Dwarves in La Palma is a unique spectacle, and one you can only see every five years. Specifically, during the months of July and August, of any year ending in a 5 or 0. The five-yearly ‘Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves’ festivals transform Santa Cruz de La Palma into a party venue lasting more than 30 days.

How is it celebrated?

Twenty-four men, dressed in tunics and Napoleonic hats, dance and hop along to the rhythm of a centuries-old polka performed by the San Miguel municipal band. You couldn’t fail to be impressed by the perfectly synchronised, captivating dance. The magnetism of these figures has made them a symbol of the ‘Isla Bonita’, and the Canary Islands as a whole.

The festivities, officially declared a National Tourist Interest, date back to 1680, offering an unforgettable experience replete with music, dance, and fun. The mystical Dance of the Dwarves is a tradition that has endured through the generations.

When will the next one be?

The dwarves will be back to do their dance in July 2025. Don’t miss out!

Los Indianos, Santa Cruz de La Palma

This traditional Canary Island festival commemorates the Palmeros who emigrated to the Americas in search of fortune… and found it. To pay tribute, attendees dress in white, beige or brown, in an attempt to imitate the ostentatiousness they brought back from the Americas.

How is it celebrated?

At the height of the celebration, a talcum powder battle takes place, turning the cobblestone streets of the centre of Santa Cruz de La Palma white to match the guests’ outfits.

The official origins of this friendly battle remain unknown, but there are two theories. The first is that a shipment of poor quality flour arrived to the Port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, and was subsequently used as ammunition in this powder battle. The second refers to a tradition inherited from the Afro-Cuban Abakuá people, who whitened their skin with powder on Carnival Monday.

When will the next one be?

The capital of La Palma, Santa Cruz de La Palma, will next be a sea of white on Monday, 3 March in 2025. So it’s time to track down your finest attire, suitcase, watch and cigars, and get ready to go back in time at the Carnival of La Palma.

Festivals in Fuerteventura

Achipencos, Puerto del Rosario

What better challenge to undertake with family and friends than building a carnival raft or boat and hoping not to sink into the sea? That’s the magic of this celebration!

How is it celebrated?

The so-called ‘achipencos‘ are boats built from all manner of materials – generally recycled. In this famous regatta, participants try to stay on foot on their makeshift boats, avoiding falling into the water. Laughter comes guaranteed!

The concept for the festival came about in 1998, thanks to the carnival group Así Andamos. And there’s no doubt about it – they achieved their goal: to create an event that would come to define the carnival of Puerto del Rosario.

The regatta finishes at Los Pozos Beach, which is transformed into a festival stage, bringing the carnival to life with musical performances and other activities. This carnivalesque regatta has transcended beyond a simple local tradition, and is now a tourist attraction in its own right, bringing visitors in search of a unique and fun experience in their droves.

When will the next one be?

Grab your best costume and enjoy the Fuerteventura Carnival, which will take place during the second and third week of February in 2025.

Vega de Río Palmas: Romería de la Virgen de la Peña

Celebrated in honour of its patron saint, the Virgen de la Peña festivals are the most important ones in Fuerteventura. And they’re one of the Canary Islands’ oldest, dating back to the nineteenth century.

How is it celebrated, and when is it in 2024?

Every third Saturday of September, the people of Fuerteventura, known as Majoreros, embark on a special pilgrimage to celebrate their beloved Virgen de la Peña.

The pilgrimage to Vega de Río Palmas kicks off on the Friday before the main event. Groups of Majoreros set off, some on foot, some on donkeys or even camels! As they travel, they fill the air with traditional songs and folk music dedicated to the Virgen de la Peña, accompanied by the sweet melodies of timples (a small, ukulele-like instrument) and guitars.

You can also get involved in open-air dancing, live music festivals and card games. Don’t miss the next one on 21 September 2024.

Categories: Canaries, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, La Palma, Lifestyle, Tenerife