Traditional spectacle, dwarves, devotion and a five years' worth of anticipation – all wrapped in Canary Island sunshine

 

Move over Glastonbury, there's a party brewing in the Atlantic – and, only on this occasion, it's been ten years in the making. This summer, the island of La Palma in the Canaries will host one of the world's most unique and endearing cultural celebrations: La Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves.  

A Sacred and Joyful Tradition

Running 29 June to 5 August, this joyful fiesta is sacred and spectacular. First celebrated in 1676, this tradition has become the heartbeat of the island's identity, and this year, it promises to be more vibrant, more moving, and more joyful than ever before. At its heart is the Virgin of Las Nieves, the island's patron saint, who is carried in solemn procession from her sanctuary down to the capital, Santa Cruz de La Palma. This moving pilgrimage marks time, honours tradition, and brings the community together. 

A Festival of Family, Food and Feeling

For over a month, the island beats to a different rhythm. Streets erupt with concerts, theatre, folklore, and spontaneous dancing. This grand homecoming is where families gather, friends reunite, and meals are shared on heirloom crockery saved just for the occasion.

The showstopper moment is the Bajada del Trono – the descent of the Virgin's 42-piece silver throne. Islanders dressed in traditional finery parade through the old city with baskets of gofio dumplings, chorizo rolls, almond treats, and wine skins. Balconies bloom with flowers; windows open to reveal bustling family feasts.

La Semana Chica – A Little Week of Big Joy

29 June – 6 July

The “Little Week” kicks off on 29 June with a burst of colour, folklore and comic chaos: Danzas Romeras – joyful dances fill the plazas, delightfully paired with Los Mascarones – towering papier-mâché characters. Beloved surreal characters like The Biscuit, Valencia Moon, The Asthmatic Gentleman and The Witch roam the cobbled streets.

La Semana Grande – Theatre, Dance, Acrobatics and Dwarves

6 July – 13 July

The “Big Week” raises the curtain on La Palma's most iconic spectacles. Monday kicks off with La Pandorga, a dreamlike lantern parade first lit in 1830, followed by the Minuet Festival on Tuesday, opulent occasion showcasing 24 elegant couples waltzing in powdered wigs and brocade. Wednesday wonders start with Danza de Acróbatas, circus-style flips and feats revived from 1885 tradition, while Thursday begins on a high note with Danza de los Enanos, The Dance of the Dwarves, a mysterious and jubilant transformation act that brings the house down – and the streets to life – until dawn.

Friday brings the Carro Alegórico y Triunfal, a theatrical procession dating back to 1685, and this year it is bolder and more festive to mark 340 years anniversary. Saturday sees the Virgin's long-awaited descent into La Encarnación, watched by thousands in a hush of awe and devotion, ending with a triumphant Sunday entrance to Santa Cruz with a chorus of bells and cheers.

Don't Wait Another Five Years

La Bajada de la Virgen is a once-in-a-lustrum invitation to experience living history. It's an emotional reset, a joyous reunion, and a window into one of Spain's most cherished cultural treasures. Unmissable opportunity for the UK visitors to be part of deeply meaningful, brilliantly festive, and unique island's traditions.

For more information, please see: Descent of La Virgen de Las Nieves La Palma | La Palma

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