Arrecife celebrated its main patron saint day on Monday, 25th August, honouring San Ginés Obispo with a day of intense religious activity that brought together hundreds of residents and visitors in the city’s historic centre. The Matriz Church of San Ginés hosted the principal mass of the festivities, presided over by Aday Josué García Jiménez, parish priest of San Diego de Alcalá (Tuineje) and archpriest of Fuerteventura.
The ceremony was attended by key local authorities. The Mayor of Arrecife, Yonathan de León, and the deputy mayor, Echedey Eugenio, joined the citizens in the liturgical activities and expressed their gratitude for the extensive participation recorded. Civil and military representatives stationed in Lanzarote were also present.
In his address, the mayor reflected on how Arrecife’s history is closely tied to the parish of San Ginés. He noted that it was the existence of this church that spurred the city’s growth to become a municipality and, since the second half of the 19th century, the capital of Lanzarote. “The history of Arrecife is united with San Ginés Obispo, and today the city has celebrated him on his special day,” he affirmed.
Meanwhile, the deputy mayor emphasised the involvement of the community and the institutional support throughout the day. He also highlighted that the high participation observed in the religious events has been a consistent feature of the San Ginés celebrations, which have combined popular, cultural, and sporting activities.
After the mass, the image of San Ginés was taken in procession through the central streets of Arrecife. The route was accompanied by the Banda Unión Musical de Lanzarote, which provided a solemn tone to a path followed with devotion by hundreds of people. Attendees expressed their fervour as the patron saint passed by, marking one of the most entrenched religious manifestations on the island.
