The municipality became the centre of traditional celebrations in Lanzarote this weekend with a pilgrimage that brought together participants from various parts of the island. Luisa Rodríguez and Rubén Valiente were chosen as the Pilgrim Queen and King for the San Bartolomé Festivals 2025.
San Bartolomé celebrated a massive popular pilgrimage on Saturday as part of the patron saint festivals of the municipality, one of the most anticipated days in the programme organised by the council through the department of celebrations.
Music, tradition, folklore, and a great atmosphere were highlights of this pilgrimage, which began at 7:00 PM from the municipal football field, where locals welcomed all participants dressed in traditional attire, complemented by carts and lively groups.
The procession moved through the streets of Sereno, Rubicón, Calderetas, and Párroco San Martín, ending at León y Castillo Square, where hundreds gathered to experience this popular expression of community and tradition up close. Throughout the route, there were displays of folklore, traditional dances, and distribution of local goods, all set in a warm atmosphere that characterised the day.
The Mayor of San Bartolomé, Isidro Pérez, expressed satisfaction and pride in the great turnout for this popular event. “The pilgrimage is the result of many years of history. It is an easily accessible celebration where the community generously embraces those visiting from other municipalities.”
For the governing team, it is a source of pride to see that “each year, more people are drawn by the good atmosphere and authenticity of this simple and heartfelt celebration, where the key players are the locals of San Bartolomé who feel their expectations are met.”
The councillor for Celebrations, Estefanía Luzardo, emphasised the importance of passing these customs on to new generations. “Over time, some traditions can fade, but the pilgrimage reminds us of the need to keep them alive and transmit them. This year we have seen a high participation rate of young people, which reassures us that our cultural heritage remains very much alive and has a future.”
Isas, folías, and typical products added flavour, colour, and rhythm throughout the pilgrimage route, culminating in León y Castillo Square, where the election of the Pilgrim King and Queen of the patron saint festivals took place. This year’s distinction went to Rubén Valiente and Luisa Rodríguez for rigorously representing traditional attire and attitude that contribute to the preservation and promotion of our festivities.
The popular pilgrimage was just the beginning of the evening, as the night continued with the highly anticipated Pilgrim’s Ball, featuring performances by Lanzarote Swing and Borrón y Cuenta Nueva, along with a public fair in Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente Park, where the music of Vocal Force, Rika Banda, and DJ Javi Fajardo brought the festive night to a close.
The San Bartolomé council extends its gratitude to all individuals, groups, associations, security bodies, and emergency and civil protection staff who made it possible for this popular pilgrimage to take place without any incidents and in total safety.
