Tinajo has once again become the focal point of Lanzarote Island with the celebration of the highly anticipated Festivities in honour of the Virgin of Los Dolores, the island’s patron. This past Friday, the programme was unveiled at the entrance of the Church of Los Dolores, attended by Tinajo’s Mayor, Jesús Machín, along with the Councillor for Festivities, Jonathan Pérez Olivero, representing the Cabildo Insular de Lanzarote, councillor Aroa Revelo, the president of CD Tinajo, this year’s heralds Miguel Ángel Tejera, and the parish priest of Tinajo, Francisco José García.
Mayor Jesús Machín invited “all people from Lanzarote, the rest of the Canaries, and Spain to enjoy these festivities in honour of Our Lady of Los Dolores, with a varied programme that will surely appeal to everyone who visits Mancha Blanca.” Machín reiterated his request for “traditional attire to be respected during the festivities” and encouraged civic behaviour and adherence to the rules throughout the celebrations.
Aroa Revelo, the Councillor for Craftsmanship at the Cabildo de Lanzarote, received personal commendation from the local mayor for her work over the years in organising the Island Craft Fair. She emphasised the event’s identity and the enthusiasm surrounding the 36th edition this year, highlighting that it will take place from 10th to 15th September, featuring around 120 craftsmen and craftswomen, and is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Mancha Blanca. Revelo also introduced the new promotional video for the Romería of Los Dolores, supported by the Cabildo and starring Darío López and Nacho Peña.
As September arrives, Tinajo hosts one of the most significant religious events throughout the Canaries each year.
Festivities Overview
The festivities will commence on Monday, 1st September, with various competitions in Mancha Blanca. The next day, 2nd September, will feature the Empleíta Workshop. The Roseta Workshop is scheduled for 8th September. The festival programme includes activities suitable for all tastes and ages, featuring events every day at the Socio-Cultural Centre of Mancha Blanca.
On Friday, 5th September, the weekend will kick off with a “Foam Party” and hiking, preceding the 7th edition of the Tinajo You Trail and the 2025 Los Dolores Basketball Tournament to be held at the Municipal Pavilion.
Key Events
On Tuesday, 9th September, the Fairground will open on an inclusive day dedicated to children and young people with autism spectrum disorder. At 21:00, there will be the opening proclamation for the festivities, delivered by CD Tinajo in its 50th anniversary, featuring performances by Ciro Corujo (vocals), Adrián Niz (guitar), and Alexis Lemes (timple).
On Wednesday, 10th September, at 17:30, the 36th edition of the Craft Fair will be inaugurated.
The festivities will include humor, with comic performances by Yanely Hernández and Guarapo Gomero on Thursday, 11th September, coinciding with “Children’s Day” offering popular prices at the Fairground, alongside a children’s playback and a tribute to Joaquín Sabina.
On Friday, 12th September, the much-anticipated Folklore Meeting, Nanino Díaz Cutilla in its 35th edition, will feature the Choirs and Dances Group from Arrecife, Beatriz Alonso and Javier Cerpa from Gran Canaria, Víctor Estárico from Fuerteventura, Almudena Hernández from La Graciosa, the Palmeros “Los Arrieros”, Candelaria Gorrín and Juanma Benítez from El Hierro, Juan Mesa and Tetrabaifo from La Gomera, and Calicanto from Lanzarote, all presented by Yeray Rodríguez.
The offerings for Our Lady of Los Dolores will take place on Saturday, 13th September, followed by the Dance of the Rosemary.
On 14th September, the highlight concert of the festivities will feature singer Vanesa Martín at 21:00, which will lead into a popular street party with performances by Grupo Bomba and Banda Nueva.
Monday, 15th September, will also be special with a solemn Eucharist at 11:00 presided over by Monsignor Don José Mazuelos Pérez. The Craft Fair will conclude, and at 20:00 there will be a concert “Balada de Sabanda” featuring Los Sabandeños, Olga Cerpa, and Mestisay, followed by a concert at 21:00 by Lanzarote singer Rosana Arbelo.
Councillor for Festivities, Jonathan Pérez Olivero, and Mayor Jesús Machín have invited “all residents of Lanzarote and the other Canary Islands, including those who come from other parts of the country, to enjoy these festivities in honour of the island’s patron. We again offer a varied and complete programme aimed at ensuring everyone enjoys these festivities on the esplanade of Mancha Blanca in their finest attire. We must also thank the parish priest of Tinajo, Francisco José García, for his dedication, commitment, and love towards our patron. We hope these festivities unfold peacefully and that the romería is a joyful event for all, as Our Lady of Los Dolores is the patron of the entire island. May the warmth and joy of these festivities bring smiles to the faces and hearts of our Mother, the Virgin of Los Dolores. Enjoy the festivities. Long live Our Lady of Los Dolores.”
