The Cabildo de Lanzarote invites everyone to take part in the fiestas in honour of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, a celebration deeply rooted in Lanzarote's history that will once again bring residents and visitors together between 29 July and 5 August around one of the island's oldest traditions.
As in recent years, a large marquee will be set up next to the Ermita de Las Nieves as a meeting point for residents and visitors throughout the celebrations, along with a ventorrillo (festival food and drink stall), reinforcing the popular, communal character that defines these fiestas. This space will host many of the scheduled activities and allow people to enjoy the music and traditions in a setting prepared to welcome large crowds.
The festive programme begins on 29 July with the traditional envite tournament, while the truco tournament will be held on Monday 3 August. On 31 July comes the pregón (opening address), delivered by Santiago Ramírez Curbelo and followed by a performance by the group Calicanto, kicking off a packed weekend of celebrations.
1 August brings one of the most eagerly awaited events, the traditional popular romería (pilgrimage procession) to the Ermita de Las Nieves, which will once again draw hundreds of pilgrims. After their arrival comes the offering to the Virgin, accompanied by the Agrupación Altaja and the parranda Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, and the day ends with a big parranda night featuring Los Gurfines Son los del Puerto, Son del Norte and Los Valles.
The fiestas continue with the ronda tournament on 3 August and reach their main day on 5 August when, after the traditional hot chocolate and churros for the pilgrims, the Santuario de Las Nieves will once again gather thousands of people for the various religious celebrations, culminating at midday with the solemn service in honour of the Virgin and the procession that follows.
A living legacy
Lanzarote's bond with Nuestra Señora de las Nieves dates back to the 18th century. Historical records show that on 17 March 1725 the Cabildo General agreed to name her patron and protector of the island, pledging to carry her image to the Villa de Teguise for an annual novena as a sign of that solemn vow.
Although the Church has been responsible for organising the religious events since 1935, the celebration keeps its deep popular roots and is one of the most significant expressions of heritage in Lanzarote and La Graciosa. The involvement of the Cabildo and Teguise Town Council reflects a shared commitment to preserving a tradition that is part of the island's history and that every summer brings thousands of people together around a common legacy that spans generations.