The romerías of Gran Canaria are a fundamental part of the island’s identity. Discover what the people of Gran Canaria have to offer through these genuine and vibrant celebrations that will connect you with the most authentic aspects of this land. Here are the 10 most important fiestas in Gran Canaria, so that when you plan your trip you can choose the ones that interest you the most and experience the cultural richness of the island.
Teror’s “Romería del Pino”
This is one of the most important romerías in Gran Canaria. Legend has it that many years ago the Virgin Mary appeared on a pine tree. This tree, which was marked by fate, finally fell during a storm. This event marked the place as sacred and the basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pino was built there.
During September, the people of Teror hold processions in which they carry offerings to commemorate this important event. There is a festive atmosphere in the streets, with music, folk dancing and traditional Canarian food.
Santiago de Gáldar’s Romería
On the second weekend in July, Gáldar pays homage to its patron saint, Saint James the Apostle. It is a celebration characterised by the good atmosphere and the typical Canarian costumes. The streets are filled with music thanks to the rondallas and people enjoy cheese, chorizo de Teror and papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes), among other traditional foods.
San Antonio Mogán’s Romería
This pilgrimage takes place on the first weekend in June, and to enjoy it it is essential to wear typical Canarian dress. It is one of the most important pilgrimages on the island and a wonder for those who have never seen it.
Throughout the day it is the floats, parrandas and folklore groups that provide the festive atmosphere. Lots of food, lots of music and a great atmosphere in a celebration that brings together more than 5,000 people every year.
Virgen del Carmen Romería
Every year on 16 July, the fishing villages of Gran Canaria immerse themselves in joy and tradition to celebrate the feast day of Santa María del Monte Carmelo, also known as the Virgen del Carmen or Nuestra Señora del Carmen. Although the way in which this day is celebrated varies from village to village, the essence of the celebration is the same, uniting all the fishing villages under the same worship of the “Star of the Sea” (Stella Maris).
This ceremony celebrates the deep faith of the fishermen and their gratitude to the Virgin, who is considered to be their protector and guide at sea. On this occasion, the fishermen of Agaete decorate their boats with coloured flags and go out in procession, following the boat with the picture of the Virgin on board. Arguineguín and Mogán also celebrate the day with their respective maritime pilgrimages, which are coordinated to take place on consecutive weekends.
Santa Brígida Romería
The beginning of August is a special time of celebration in Santa Brígida, where the Virgin is honoured with great fervour and tradition. The most deeply rooted and distinctive tradition is the offering of fruit and vegetables, a symbolic gesture of gratitude and devotion.
During the celebrations, the streets are decorated and music fills the air, creating an atmosphere of shared joy that lasts all afternoon. The final highlight of the festivities is a great verbena, an event that brings the community together to celebrate the most important day in their village.
San Roque Romería, in Firgas
Also in August, the town of Firgas comes together to celebrate its fiestas, a tradition that pays homage to the town’s patron saint. This tribute has its roots in the distant past, when the inhabitants prayed to the patron saint to free them from a serious plague of diseases, a request that, according to the story, was granted.
One of the most emblematic and eagerly awaited rituals of this fiesta is the Traída del Palo. In this act, the villagers carry a large wooden pole on their shoulders until they reach the Plaza de San Roque. There, the pole is decorated with a flag, which is then used as a challenge. The test consists of climbing up the pole to reach and kiss the flag, a feat reserved for the most daring and adventurous of the town, symbolising courage and skill to the assembled community.
Descent of the Gofio, in Agüimes
This is one of the most popular romerías on the island. It takes place on the last Saturday of September in the municipality of Agüimes and is a very popular festival among the inhabitants of Gran Canaria.
It is also known as the “Traída del gofio y agua” (Bringing of gofio and water), and is a revival of an ancient tradition. In the post-war period, the villagers had to walk to the outskirts of the village to roast and grind the corn. Once they had the gofio, they would return to the village with the sacks on their backs, collecting water from the springs along the way.
Nowadays, the same route is followed, but with music to liven up the walk. When they reach Agüimes, water buckets are thrown from roofs and balconies, filling everything with a mixture of water and gofio, which is very… fun! At the end of the day there is a big party in the Plaza de Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
Agaete’s “Fiesta de la Rama”
This romería, also known as the Virgen de las Nieves Festival, takes place in August. According to tradition, the ancient inhabitants of the village descended from Mount Tirma carrying branches which they used in a ritual to invoke the gods. The purpose of this ritual was to ask for rain, an essential element for the prosperity of the community. The act of beating the branches on the sea was the symbolic part of the petition.
Today, the tradition of waving the branches is still alive, although it is now done in the air as one moves towards the beach. This symbolic gesture precedes the presentation of the branches as part of the offering to the Virgin, maintaining the spirit of the ancestral petition. However, one of the highlights of this pilgrimage is the journey itself: the pilgrims move to the beat of the music and dance along the route, making the procession a joyful experience. The celebration culminates at the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, where the participants gather to pay homage and worship the Virgin.
The “Vará del Pescao”
This is one of the most deeply rooted festivals and has been held on the last Friday in August for more than two decades. Originally it was a tribute to the fishermen who went out at dawn to fish and returned to announce their arrival with the sound of conch shells, inviting the neighbours to come to the shore and buy fresh fish.
Today it has become the most popular fiesta, a day of music and celebration. The boats arrive on the beach laden with fish and the conch shells are sounded again.
Romería of San Nicolás de Tolentino
The romería of San Nicolás de Tolentino in La Aldea takes place every year on 10 September, a day on which the streets of the village dress up to pay homage to the patron saint. This friendly, family celebration precedes the Fiesta del Charco, one of the most eagerly awaited moments for the villagers of La Aldea. For months, the villagers prepare their traditional costumes and decorate their floats for this magnificent celebration of their culture and traditions.
The day begins in the church of San Nicolás de Tolentino, where the community gathers to begin the journey to the hermitage of the saint. Along the way, the image of San Nicolás is accompanied by songs and prayers, while traditional dances and melodies enliven the procession. The floats, beautifully decorated with flowers and flags, pass through the village, while the participants, carrying offerings of fruit, bread and other products, share them in a gesture of fraternity.
These are just some of the romerías that you can enjoy during your trip to Gran Canaria. Taking part in these fiestas will help you get to know the culture of this island from the inside and enjoy yourself like a true Canarian. If you are thinking of going on holiday during these fiestas and you don’t know where to stay, at the Lopesan Hotel Group we have a wide range of hotels in Gran Canaria so that you can make the most of your visit. Don’t think twice, come and discover the culture and traditions of our islands.
