Page 13 - Demo

March 2026 | Gazette Life | 13Masdache is paella and in M%u00e1cher they barbecue jareas (wind-dried fish).Some fiestas have a romer%u00eda, which is a pilgrimage involving a walk that everyone does together. People wear traditional dress and there%u2019s always an excited atmosphere. The pilgrimage ends at the church, where the image of the saint or virgin is honoured. Last year, we revived the old romer%u00eda that was celebrated at Entremonta%u00f1as, the region between Conil and Masdache. It hadn%u2019t been celebrated for years because the church had closed, but it was lovely. Many older people told us how they remembered celebrating the fiesta as children. Is the religious element important?We always have to remember that the fiestas are held in honour of a Saint or Virgin, and that the church is a centre of some of the events. But it%u2019s just as important that they are social events, where people of all ages get together and meet. %u201cThese are social events where people of all ages get together. I think they%u2019re lovely.%u201d What are the biggest fiestas?In T%u00edas it%u2019s carnival and the fiestas de Carmen in August. These are big events and there%u2019s a lot of organisation to do. For example, food and drinks stalls need to be put out to tender, and we have to work with police and private security groups to arrange security measures, road closures etc. We hardly ever have any security problems, but we also need to plan %u2013 just as you would for any large event. What role does tourism play in the celebrations?Carnival and the fiestas de Carmen are very popular with tourists, because they take place in the main resort. I think it%u2019s great %u2013 they add a lot to the atmosphere. Many people say that the carnival parade in Puerto del Carmen is their favourite because it passes along the seafront, and because so many tourists are there to add to the atmosphere.Is there a risk that tourism might spoil the smaller local fiestas?I don%u2019t think so. It certainly hasn%u2019t been something we%u2019ve noticed yet. In T%u00edas, there are many foreign residents who live here, and we often see them at the local fiestas. They%u2019re more than welcome, and they help keep the traditions arrive. What are your favourite fiestas?I don%u2019t want to say because I don%u2019t want to offend anyone, and every single fiesta has its attractions, but I grew up in La Ti%u00f1osa, Puerto del Carmen%u2019s fishing village. That%u2019s my local fiesta and I love the maritime procession at sea during the fiestas for the Virgin of Carmen, which is unique.Do you attend all the fiestas?Yes, every one. I have my traditional costume ready for the romer%u00edas and I love getting out and meeting the people of the municipality.Are there any plans to bring back the market in Puerto del Carmen?We%u2019ve been in talks about it. There was a proposal to hold it in various places in the resort, but the association of stallholders have said they%u2019d prefer a fixed venue.What has been a huge success is the Christmas market at Los Pocillos. Last year the stalls sold more in two days than they had done in the previous four years.Arrecife Main O%u0014ce Calle Gin%u00e9s de Castro, 12 - 3%u00b0, 35500 Arrecife - Lanzarote Playa Blanca Office Calle Jaime Quesada El Maestro 8, Bajo - Playa Blanca - LanzaroteTel: (+34) 928 815 262info@lanzarotelawyers.comwww.lanzarotelawyers.comEnglish Speaking SolicitorsJorge de la Cueva TerrerEileen Izquierdo LawlorMario Izquierdo LawlorPablo de la Cueva TerrerClara Castanedo Izquierdo%u2022 Spanish Wills and advice on English Wills%u2022 Conveyancing and transfers of lease %u2022 Personal Liability %u2022 Litigation %u2022 Family Law %u2022 Specialists in Holiday Letting Law and Holiday Let Registration%u2022 Company Law %u2022 Assistance with Local AuthoritiesEstablished since 1986 ~ Serving you on Lanzarote for over 40 years