Las Nieves Festival Returns to Celebrate Lanzarote’s Oldest Traditions

Teguise Ayuntamiento has invited residents and visitors to take part in this year’s Las Nieves Festival, one of the island’s oldest and most cherished religious and cultural celebrations.

Running from 29 July to 5 August, the festivities honour Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, whose links to Lanzarote stretch back more than 300 years. The celebrations combine religious devotion, traditional music, sporting competitions and community gatherings at the Santuario de Las Nieves.

Nuestra Señora de las Nieves was declared Lanzarote’s first patron saint by the island’s General Council in 1725, after local representatives made a solemn vow seeking her protection from drought and other hardships. Three centuries later, the annual festival continues to draw thousands of people, reflecting its enduring place in the island’s cultural identity.

Cabildo president Oswaldo Betancort said preserving traditional celebrations also means preserving the memory of those who shaped Lanzarote.

“The festival is part of our shared heritage that unites us as a people and deserves to be passed on to future generations,” he said, adding that the island council remains committed to supporting events that strengthen Lanzarote’s cultural identity.

Pilgrimage and Traditional Music

As in previous years, a large marquee will be erected beside the Ermita de Las Nieves to provide a meeting place for residents and visitors throughout the celebrations. A food stall will also be available, with the venue hosting many of the festival’s musical performances and activities.

The programme begins on 29 July with the traditional envite tournament, followed by a truco tournament on 3 August.

The official opening ceremony takes place on 31 July, featuring a proclamation by Santiago Ramírez Curbelo, followed by a performance from the group Calicanto.

One of the festival’s most anticipated events, the popular pilgrimage to the Ermita de Las Nieves, takes place on 1 August. Hundreds of pilgrims are expected to make the journey before presenting offerings to the Virgin, accompanied by performances from Altaja and the Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe folk group.

The evening concludes with a major folk music festival featuring Los Gurfines, Son los del Puerto, Son del Norte, and Los Valles.

Festivities continue with the torneo de ronda on 3 August, before reaching their climax on 5 August. Following the traditional breakfast of hot chocolate and churros for pilgrims, thousands are expected to gather at the Santuario de Las Nieves for religious services, culminating in the solemn Mass at midday and the traditional procession.