Traditional festivals of Fuerteventura

In this article we will list all the traditional festivals of Fuerteventura, for whom like visit the most beautiful island of the Canary Islands.

Fuerteventura is considered an oasis of peace and tranquility, a paradise for lovers of the sea and unspoiled, wild nature.

It boasts many protected natural areas with palm trees, cacti, tamarisks, and aloe vera, which create a wonderful landscape.

Here the emerald green of the sea, the black and white of its beaches intertwine with the red of its volcanic rocks, which characterizes the island’s landscape.

Compared to its sisters, Fuerteventura is the Canary Island with the least social life, and has managed to encourage the development of tourism. 

The first hotel was built in 1965, and from here began a profound change in the history of this island.

Today in Fuerteventura , however, we find large complexes, resorts and highly developed tourist areas.

In 2012 Fuerteventura received the Gold Medal of the Quality Coast Gold Award , an international prize that distinguishes environmental quality.

Fuerteventura has been called the “perfect destination” for its protected and rich natural areas, ecological policies, and noise pollution management.

And on the other hand, the island, which is called a Biosphere Reserve, is appreciated for its cultural monuments and its traditional festivals , symbols of a thousand-year-old culture.

 

The Carnival of Fuerteventura

Carnival in Fuerteventura is a pagan festival that predates Christianity, whose rites and customs were later assimilated and adapted to the religion.

This festival arrived in the Canary Islands in the 16th century and is synonymous with freedom, joy and fun.

For a whole year, every town in Fuerteventura prepares for Carnival, which usually takes place between the months of February and March.

Each municipality chooses a theme and each group presents itself in parades of floats, with different types of costumes, music and dancers, cultural activities, where imagination takes center stage.

While the most fascinating events take place on evenings, the peak is reached on weekends.

In Puerto del Rosario , the capital of Fuerteventura the celebrations culminate with the event called Los Achipencos.

On this day the floats transform into rafts and set off on a marine parade that lasts all Sunday.

 

Día de San Buenaventura celebration

This holiday is celebrated on July 14th, in honor of the patron saint of the town of Betancuria .

In 1416, the convent of San Buenaventura was founded in Betancuria by the Franciscan friars, who has since become the patron saint of the city.

This tradition involves everyone in cheerful celebrations with masses and then music, dancing, and traditional Canarian cuisine.

The island of Fuerteventura , through the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, promotes popular festivals through specific programs.

One way to keep the cultural traditions of Fuerteventura’s villages alive is through a program that includes theater, music, dance, and cultural seminars.

Cultural groups, neighborhood associations, local authorities, foundations, and folklore associations are involved.

Throughout the year, more than 120 festivals are organised in all the towns of Fuerteventura .

Visitors and tourists who reach the island at any time of the year are increasingly interested in the traditional festivals in Fuerteventura .

In them they discover religious celebrations, the rhythm of traditional music and dances, a different way to experience this splendid island.

By getting to know and discover the local culture, you will learn more about the true character of the Canarians: reliable, calm, smiling, friendly and helpful.

 

Other ancient celebrations of the island

The island of Fuerteventura hides very deep roots of a centuries-old culture and history, which is told in its traditional festivals.

During these celebrations, the authenticity of the Majorero people and their strong connection to the past are recognized.

San Miguel Arcángel

Between the end of September and October, for about a month, the celebrations in honor of San Miguel Arcángel take place.

This event of the patron saint of the municipality of Tuineje in the south of Fuerteventura is celebrated with masses, processions, cultural and gastronomic events.

Fiesta de la Virgen de Rosario

The Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario is celebrated on the first Sunday of October.

On this occasion Puerto del Rosario , which celebrates and honors its patron saint, is transformed into a magical place.

Between music, dancing, culinary events, and local traditions, joy and fun reign supreme in this town.

Feast of the Virgen de la Peña

It is one of the most important traditional festivals in Fuerteventura and is celebrated on September 22nd 

Its main event, “la romeria,” takes place in honor of La Peñita, the affectionate nickname the inhabitants use for the patron saint of Fuerteventura.

During this festival, they pay homage to the Virgen de la Peña in a procession, with music, dancing, and local products, all the way to her sanctuary.

Betancuria , the ancient capital of Fuerteventura , hosts a festival of a religious and traditional Canarian nature in honor of the Virgen de la Peña.

The pilgrims who come here travel along the Palmas River for three days to celebrate the Virgen.

Whose statue was stolen centuries ago by Barbary pirates and then recovered in a cave by the monks of the Betancuria monastery.

There is no shortage of festivals, musical shows, “Lotta Canaria” fights and other cultural activities.