From 18th to 21st September, various religious, cultural, and sporting events will take place
Un año más, Fuerteventura celebra sus fiestas, del 18 al 21 de septiembre, en Honor a Nuestra Señora de La Peña, patrona de la isla. El Cabildo insular y el Ayuntamiento de Betancuria han presentado hoy, de manera oficial, el programa de actos, en el que se incluyen actividades dedicadas a la devoción, la gastronomía y la tradición.
Celebration Highlights
This year, Fuerteventura will celebrate its annual fiestas from 18th to 21st September in honour of Our Lady of La Peña, the island’s patroness. The Island Council and the Betancuria Town Hall have officially unveiled the programme of events, which includes activities dedicated to devotion, gastronomy, and tradition.
Lola García, President of the Cabildo, highlighted, “September brings one of the most anticipated festivals for those of us living on the island.” She added, “The celebrations for our patroness represent the essence of the people of Fuerteventura: tradition, culture, and community.” The varied programme, aimed at all ages, seeks to ensure that all paths on the island lead to the Church of Our Lady of La Peña.
García also praised the work carried out by the Cultural Department of the Cabildo and other areas in a collaborative effort, thanking the Betancuria Town Hall and its mayor, whose contributions enhance these festivities, along with other municipal corporations and everyone who makes it possible.
Cultural and Religious Activities
Rayco León, the Cultural Councillor, noted that “the events present an opportunity for gathering around our patron, featuring a packed programme that includes children’s activities, music, sports, gastronomy, traditional pilgrimages, and folkloric gatherings, as well as several heritage-related topics.”
Mayor Enrique Cerdeña of Betancuria mentioned, “Everything is prepared for the municipality to warmly welcome those attending the festivities, with hopes that it will be celebrated with the tranquillity characteristic of La Peña and the quality provided by all the island’s town halls.”
Representing the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Aday García explained, “From the rectory of this Sanctuary, we have prepared various religious events to highlight the importance of this location and Fuerteventura’s devotion to the Virgin of La Peña.”
During the event, Inma de Armas expressed her honour at being this year’s herald and revealed that she would offer a perspective on the history that unites the entire island, from north to south and east to west.
Programme of the La Peña Festivals 2025
The festivities will kick off with a livestock show. On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, the 8th Edition of the Betancuria Livestock Fair (MUGABE) will take place from 10:00 to 17:00. Throughout the day, there will be a traditional livestock exhibition, artisanal market, gastronomic showcase, and various displays.
On Thursday 18th September at 20:30, there will be the Official Opening by Inmaculada de Armas, followed by a musical performance marking the start of the popular events.
On Friday 19th September at 17:00, the long-anticipated Pilgrimage-Offering in honour of Our Lady of La Peña will commence, featuring folkloric groups and pilgrims from throughout the island heading to the Sanctuary.
On Saturday 20th at 12:00, the procession of the Virgin to the square will take place, culminating in a Solemn Eucharist presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands. The celebration will be complemented with a tasting of traditional stew, a gathering with senior centres, and musical performances.
On Sunday 21st September, following traditional wrestling in the square, at 18:00, the Virgin will be returned to her niche, bringing to a close an intense week of faith and tradition.
The Festivals in honour of Our Lady of La Peña transform the Vega de Río Palmas into a meeting place for thousands of pilgrims, locals, and visitors, sharing a unique experience where the religious and the popular unite in the most significant celebration of the majorero calendar.
