Festivals in Lanzarote

 

You can be forgiven for thinking that Lanzarote is one big carnival! During the year the island plays host to a number of festivals and carnivals, usually focusing on a date in the religious calender, that are well worth experience if you are lucky enough to be visiting at the time.

 

Just because the festivals are focused around religion doesn't mean they aren't both exciting and colourful to watch. People often dress up in outfits, play music and generally the Canarians know how to have a good time!

 

Carnival in Lanzarote - The main event

Any excuse for a party! One of the biggest events of the year is Carnival. Carnival takes place all over the island, with the main precesion taking place in Arrecife. It is thought that the origins are Carnival are religious where as others claim it goes back to Pagan times. Carnival celebrations often go on late into the night - if not the early hours of the morning.

 

The different carnivals and festivals on the island are something to be witnessed, and they provide an excellent reason to time your holiday in Lanzarote to coincide with the events.

Lanzarote Festivals Diary

January 5th	Cabalgata de los Reyes. Celebration of the 'Three Wise Men' delivering gifts. Crowds line the streets and children are handed sweets.
Mid February	Arrecife Carnival - A colourful week of partying and parades around the capital city of Arrecife including music, dancing and fireworks.
Late February	Puerto del Carmen Carnival - In similar fashion to the Arrecife Carnival it's party time in Puerto del Carmen with street partys galore!
Mid March	Holy Week. Religious celebrations leading up to Easter Weekend
May	Dia de la Cruz (Day of the cross) - Authentic Canarian celebrations with crosses decorated in flowers.
Mid June	Corpus Christi - Religious celebrations with Streets decorated in flowers.
Late June	San Juan - Celebtrating the heritage and history of Lanzarote with dancing, drinking, sports competitions and fireworks
Mid July	Fiesta de Nuestra Senora del Carmen - Religious festivities with celebrations throughout the island. You will find religious statues on boats around the coast of Lanzarote and lots of partying!
Late August	Dia San Ginés - Celebrations of the patron Saint of Lanzarote, San Ginés.
Mid September	Fiesta of the Virgen de los Dolores - Celebration of the patron Saint Virgin de los Dolores
October 12th	National Day (Dia de la Hispanidad) - Public Holiday on the island with lots of festivities and music!
December 31st	New Years Eve - Of course, what island would be complete without the New Years Eve festivities? Superb Fireworks displays around Lanzarote.