Cultural Agenda in Lanzarote 2021
The island of Lanzarote is one of the islands that make up the Canary Archipelago, located in the Atlantic Ocean; it is one of the oldest islands, a land of volcanoes and cliffs formed by solidified lava.
In Lanzarote you will find much more than just sea, sun and beaches; it is a place where nature, art and sports go hand in hand to please the tastes of those who visit the island.
The locals take pride in welcoming visitors and are willing to please them in every way; the food will be a delight to the palate with flavours of the countryside and the sea.
When touring the island, you will feel at times that you are in a different world, due to the aridity of some of the terrain and the palette of colours that can be seen in the landscape, reds, browns, ochres and blacks that unite to offer unique and unforgettable views of Lanzarote.
Main cultural activities in Lanzarote
Carnival
Carnival in general in the Canary Islands is one of the most awaited and world famous festivals, lasting a week and with celebrations on all the islands that make up the Canaries.
In Lanzarote, the main celebrations take place in the capital, Arrecife, where the mask party and many other open-air celebrations are held.
During the course of these days of celebration, various elections are held, such as the Carnival Queen, Drag Queen; there are also murgas and various types of comparsas for the public to have fun and enjoy.
Photo of the Carnival in Lanzarote held in 2020 | Source: https://www.hotellanzarotevillage.com/noticias/2020/02/carnaval-lanzarote-2020/
Lanzarote Iron Man
One of the biggest and toughest athletics competitions in the world takes place in Lanzarote; the Iron Man.
A competition that combines cycling, swimming and running over long distances; every year, more than 200 athletes from all over the world gather in May, crossing the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and climbing the volcanic mountains of the island to achieve one of the top places.
Puerto del Carmen is the starting and finishing point of these competitions, where the great festival of sport takes place.
Feast of the Virgen de los Dolores
On the 15th of September every year, the festivity of the Virgen de los Dolores or Virgen de los Volcanes, Patron Saint of the island of Lanzarote, is celebrated.
The inhabitants of the island dress up in their typical costumes and travel from different parts of the island to the locality of Mancha Blanca, where the Hermitage of the Virgin is located, which was the only survivor of a volcanic eruption that destroyed several villages.
In addition to this celebration, the Insular Crafts Fair and the Nanino Díaz Cutillas Folklore Festival take place, with the presence of craftsmen and groups from all the Canary Islands to celebrate in honour of the Virgin.
This pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin is one of the oldest celebrations on the island of Lanzarote, dating back more than 300 years.
Feast of the Virgen de los Dolores 2019 | Fuente: https://www.lancelotdigital.com/lanzarote/conozca-el-programa-de-las-fiestas-de-la-virgen-de-los-dolores-2019
Feast of the Virgen del Carmen
This celebration takes place every 16th of July in some localities of the island of Lanzarote, especially in the coastal area, since the Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of sailors.
On that day, the fishermen dress and decorate the image of the Virgin, put her in a boat and take her out to sea in a maritime procession, to ask for protection for all sailors and seamen in general.
Feast of the Virgen del Carmen 2010 | Fuente: Álvaro Cabrera
Festivities of San Ginés
These patron saint festivities in honour of San Ginés have a long tradition; many inhabitants of the islands travel to Lanzarote for this celebration, which in 1965 was declared a Festival of Tourist Interest.
They take place in the second week of August, in Arrecife, the city whose patron saint is San Ginés; there are 13 days of celebrations with parades, concerts, tastings, until the 25th, the Big Day of the biggest celebration.
Fireworks are a permanent feature of all these nights of celebrations.
Festivities of San Ginés in Lanzarote | Fuente: https://www.clublascalas.com/news/2018/08/10/fiesta-san-gines/
Feast of San Juan Bautista
This festivity is held in the town of La Haría to commemorate its Patron Saint, San Juan Bautista; every weekend in July, locals and visitors gather in the Plaza de la Constitución, for all kinds of recreational and fun activities.
It is an excellent time to enjoy the gastronomy of Lanzarote due to the number of traditional food stalls that are set up in the area.
Bonfires during the night of San Juan in Lanzarote, a festival to welcome the summer
Events and activities you can do in Lanzarote
Lanzarote is an island that enjoys good weather all year round; so you can choose your favourite activity and you will always be able to do it.
From simply enjoying the beaches, sun and sand to climbing the volcanic mountains, visiting the Timanfaya National Park, discovering the La Geria Wine Route, visiting La Graciosa Island, getting to know the architectural work of César Manrique and doing some of the most beautiful landscapes on the island.
Visit La Graciosa Island, see the architectural work of César Manrique and do any sport you like, from cycling, mountaineering, swimming, to one of the most popular, surfing.
In Lanzarote you can surf all year round; the island’s beaches have waves for all types of surfers, from beginners to experts.
Famara Beach is especially recommended for beginners, while experienced surfers can choose between La Santa or El Quemao, beaches with waves that are considered to be among the biggest and most dangerous in Europe.
