The programme combines tradition, devotion, culture, music and gastronomy around the island’s patron saint
Fuerteventura is preparing to celebrate the Fiestas in Honour of Nuestra Señora de La Peña, the island’s patron saint, from 17 to 20 September. It is the biggest event on the majorero calendar and a date that each year brings together thousands of people around tradition and culture.
This year’s programme will once again combine religious ceremonies with a wide-ranging cultural and popular offering, featuring local residents, pilgrims and visitors arriving from all over Fuerteventura. La Vega de Río Palmas will once again become the meeting point during these days, for sharing in a celebration deeply rooted in the island’s identity.
The programme was presented this morning in La Vega de Río Palmas, with the participation of the president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Lola García; the Councillor for Culture, Rayco León; the Betancuria Town Council (Ayuntamiento) representative, José Cerdeña, on behalf of the municipal corporation; Aday García, representing the Diocese of the Canary Islands; and the parish priest of Betancuria, Juan Antonio Artiles.
The president of the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, Lola García, stressed that “for the Cabildo de Fuerteventura, La Peña represents devotion to the Virgin, but also culture, tradition and, above all, identity. It is a time to make and keep promises, and the promise that we at the Cabildo uphold and renew every day is to keep defending this land, our roots and our traditions, and to always work to improve the quality of life for everyone.”
For his part, Rayco León noted that “few celebrations speak of Fuerteventura as much as the festivity of La Peña. It is an encounter with Fuerteventura and with our tradition, combining the pilgrimage and other traditional elements with religious ceremonies, gastronomy, sport and popular festivities.”
José Cerdeña said that “as every year, all roads in Fuerteventura lead to La Vega de Río Palmas. We invite everyone to take part in the activities and to keep our traditions and customs alive.”
Representing the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Aday García said that “it is an honour to be here, in this spiritual heart of the island of Fuerteventura, full of hope and enthusiasm to celebrate the patron saint of this island and of all majoreros. La Peña keeps alive a tradition and a devotion deeply linked to the history of Fuerteventura.”
Antonio Ravelo said that “it is a thrilling honour for someone from here, from this municipality and this village, to give the opening address for La Peña. I take it on with great responsibility, respect and rigour, but also with great joy, remembering the experiences and the people who are part of the history of these festivities.”
Tradition and celebration
Among the highlights of the festivities is the traditional Romería-Ofrenda (pilgrimage and offering) in honour of Nuestra Señora de La Peña, which will take place on Friday, 18 September, from 5.00pm. Pilgrims and folk groups will walk the route to the Sanctuary, keeping alive one of the most representative traditions of the celebration.
Saturday 19 September will see one of the main events of the festivities, with the image of the Virgin being carried to the square and the celebration of a solemn Eucharist, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands. The day will also include events centred on gastronomy, folklore and the coming together of generations.
The popular programme is rounded off with various musical performances, family and sporting activities, including the traditional wrestling bout (luchada) in honour of the Virgin, which will take place on Sunday, 20 September.
The festivities will also include the traditional MUGABE Livestock Show, linked to the island’s farming culture and to the rural character of Betancuria, reinforcing the presence of the primary sector within this celebration.
The celebration in honour of Nuestra Señora de La Peña will once again bring tradition and popular festivity together in La Vega de Río Palmas, keeping alive a festivity that forms part of Fuerteventura’s cultural heritage and identity.
See the full programme here: https://culturafuerteventura.es/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/programa-pena.pdf
