Traditions of Fuerteventura

Fiestas and Ferias

The Canary Islands are steeped in traditions and folklore.

Probably the most ancient tradition revolves around carnival. However there are also the ferias or fairs that every village no matter how small seems to enjoy every year. For anything between a couple of days to a week, the village grinds to a standstill, shops close early, vast amounts of alcohol and tapas are consumed at street stalls, there is dancing in the street, processions ... the fun just goes on.

The main ferias celebrate the patron saints in the various towns and villages. They usually consist of a religious ceremony and processions - in village areas, along the streets and in coastal areas, on the water. Coloured flags adorn the streets and village squares and churches are decorated.

At some time, there will generally be a big fireworks display. Fairs generally stay open until the early hours (even as late as 5-6am) so if you are on holiday here during a feria or fiesta, it could be noisy - but you'll have fun.

Apart from individual ferias there are national ones.  January 6 is the Dia de los Reyes - Three Holy Kings Day, The Three Holy Kings are celebrated all over the island, and the rest of Spain. In Fuerteventura the eve of Epiphany is marked by a street parade, during which the Three Wise Men distribute Christmas gifts to the children of the towns.

February and March is Carnival time – an event even Franco could not stop. This is celebrated all over the Canary Islands. Thousands of tourists are attracted by the fun and sheer spectacle of the carnival celebrations.

Easter is one of the most important weeks in the calendar. During Semana Santa there are solemn processions where religious statues are carried through the streets of many villages and towns. In some areas of Spain it is a tradition for a prisoner to be released from jail.

Other fiestas of note on Fuerteventura include:

 * Fiesta del Agua (water festival) in Agua de Bueyes
end of February

* Fiesta del Agua in Valles de Ortega beginning of March

* San Isidro Labrador in Triquivijate mid May

* Ntra. Senora del Cobre in Los Alares mid May

* Ntra Senora del Carmen, Las Salinas mid July
 

* San Roque in Valles de Ortega mid August

* San Francisco Javier in Las Pocetas end of August

* Ntra Senora de Antigua in Antigua beginning of September

* Ntra Senora de Guadaloupe in Agua de Bueyes beginning of September

* Fiesta de Los Peregrinos (Pilgrim’s Festival) End of September

* Feria Caleta de Fuste mid October

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