Events in Lanzarote

In addition to the little fiestas held in each village below are some of the more important dates on the island.  The new Marina Rubicon in Yaiza does occasionally organise regattas we will keep you posted on this and any other events that may be announced.

Annual Events

January 6th

Epiphany is celebrated by Three kings riding on camels through the Capital, Arrecife, in the early evening.  The 3 kings throw sweets, from huge baskets on either side of the saddle, to all the children along the roadside. Later the camels carrying the kings make their way to Puerto del Carmen where the tourist can join the celebration ending in the old harbour with fairground rides, food and drinks until the early hours of the morning. Legend has it that catching a sweet is lucky as before leaving the house the children have to put a pair of shoes outside the front door, that are not too old to be worn again but that the child is happy to give away to the orphaned children of the world to wear. In the morning the shoes are replaced with new toys and presents from the 3 kings.  It is the Canarian Christmas equivalent.

February 14th 

Around this date, it changes each year, is the famous Carnival. It can be compared to the Mardi Gras. Starting at the beginning of the week with the Carnival Queen parades in the Capital Arrecife and also smaller events take placeto choose a queen for each area.  The island almost comes to a standstill and every day is party day. In Puerto del Carmen there is the most colourful parade with some 100 or so floats carrying costumed locals partying from late afternoon until the following day.  Everyone joins in and dresses up, even the spectators, and many tourist book their holiday around this time so as not to miss the Carnival.

May 24th  

Around this date Lanzarote is host to the famous Triathlon, Iron Man. Qualifying events have already taken place in such places as Hawaii and the UK and many other countries who compete in this very gruelling event. It consists of a 2.4 mile swim followed by a 112 mile bike ride around some of the hilliest parts of the whole island and finishes with a 26.2 mile run. The start and finish line is in the centre of Puerto del Carmen and a great spectacle for any holidaymaker.

July 14th 

For one week the old town of Puerto de Carmen becomes a fair ground. Starting with the carrying of the famous Virgin of Carmen statue, from the tiny old church to the hundreds of small fishing boats waiting in the harbour, laden with Canarian folk in their local costume. The statue is carried on board the largest fishing boat to songs in Canarian style and put out to sea with a fleet following. The ceremony is to bring good luck for fishing for the next year. For the rest of the week there is a fair with rides and dancing in the main harbour square with many famous Spanish music groups to entertain.

September 16th 

The most important festivities in Lanzarote are: Virgen de los Volcanes (Our Lady of the Volcanos) and St. Ginés. The first one dates back to 1780 when a procession carrying the image of Our Lady of Dolores managed to stop the lava flow which was threatening to reach the village of Tinajo. Since that miraculous event, the image of this Virgin has been the islands' patron saint and part of the folk lore. Legend also has it that Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, also known as Virgin of the Volcanoes, was also responsible for the salvation of the village of Mancha Blanca. In 1824, the Tinguatón volcano erupted and, as the lava flows were threatening to destroy the village, local inhabitants prayed to the Virgin for protection and – like a miracle – the lava stopped nearby the church where a cross on a small lava block still marks this spot. Since then, every year, the Virgin of the Volcanoes is honoured with big celebrations, including a large pilgrimage to the Ermita (church) de los Dolores, a folklore festival with representatives from all the Canary Islands, an artisan fair, lucha canaria competitions and other traditional island spectator sports.