Folklore, Devotion, Stew & Livestock Fair at La Peña 2025

The Cabildo and the Betancuria Town Hall have presented the programme, which kicks off with the opening speech on Thursday, September 18, followed by the Pilgrimage‑Offering on Friday, September 19, a solemn procession and Mass on Saturday, September 20, and concludes on Sunday, September 21 with the ascent of the image to its niche. The MUGABE livestock fair will be held on September 13‑14.

The major cultural and festive event of September

The patron saint festivities of Fuerteventura, in honour of Our Lady of La Peña, will take place from September 18‑21 in the Vega de Río Palmas (Betancuria). The programme combines a pilgrimage, folklore, gastronomy, open‑air parties and religious acts.

• Opening speech by Inma de Armas – Thursday, 18 at 20:30.
• Pilgrimage‑Offering – Friday, 19 at 17:00.
• Procession and solemn Mass – Saturday, 20 at 12:00.
• Ascent of the image to its niche – Sunday, 21 at 18:00.

The weekend preceding the main events (Saturday 13 and Sunday 14) will host the VIII Betancuria Livestock Exhibition (MUGABE).

“La Peña, the essence of the people”

Lola García, President of the Cabildo, emphasized:

“September arrives with one of the most anticipated celebrations for those of us who live on the island. The festivities of our patron saint represent the essence of Fuerteventura: tradition, culture and community.”

She highlighted that the programme offers activities for all ages.

Rayco León, Councillor for Culture, added:

“These days are a meeting around the patron saint, with an intense schedule that includes children’s activities, music, sport, gastronomy, the traditional pilgrimage and folk gatherings, as well as heritage‑related events.”

Enrique Cerdeña, Mayor of Betancuria, noted:

“Everything is ready for the municipality to welcome visitors with open arms, hoping the celebrations will unfold with the tranquility that characterises La Peña and the quality that all island councils bring.”

Representing the Diocese of the Canary Islands, Aday García explained that the sanctuary’s rectorate has prepared the religious acts “to highlight the importance of this place and the devotion of Fuerteventura to the Virgin of La Peña.”

La Peña 2025 – Programme details

• Opening speech (Inma de Armas) will offer “a view of the history that unites the whole island, from north to south and east to west.”
• Thursday 18 – Children’s activities start at 19:00, followed by the opening speech at 20:30.
• Friday 19 – After a gathering of groups at 16:30, the Pilgrimage‑Offering departs at 17:00 toward the sanctuary. Afternoon and evening Masses will be held at 12:00, 20:00, 22:00 and 24:00. Musical performances include “Parranda Son de Antaño” (20:30) and “Que Chimba” (22:30). Fireworks will light up the sky at 00:30, followed by a grand open‑air party with Edwin Rivera & orchestra, Grupo Arena and Kandela (00:40). A street parade with the Banda de Agaete will roll out at 05:00.
• Saturday 20 – The solemn procession of the image occurs at 12:00, followed by a Mass presided by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands. A band performance and a tasting of traditional stew will take place at 14:00. The afternoon programme includes a meeting with senior centres featuring Pepe Benavente (17:00), a Canarian ball game (17:00), a soloist showcase (19:30) and an open‑air party with N‑Klave (22:00).
• Sunday 21 – Canarian wrestling in the town square (11:00), a Mass (12:00) and the ascent of the Virgin to her niche (18:00), which will close the festivities.

Mass schedule

• Monday 15 – Thursday 18: Church open 10:30‑20:00 (Rosary at 18:30, Mass at 19:00).
• Friday 19: Open 09:00‑24:00; the church remains open throughout the night.
• Saturday 20: Open 09:00‑20:00 (Masses at 10:00 and 12:00, evening service at 19:00 for seniors).
• Sunday 21: Open 10:00‑20:00 (Masses at 12:00 and 18:00, the latter coinciding with the ascent to the niche).

Origin and tradition of La Peña

Devotion to Our Lady of La Peña has been documented on Fuerteventura since the 15th century. Legend places the appearance of the small Gothic alabaster statue in the Malpaso ravine (Vega de Río Palmas), linked to Franciscan friars such as San Diego de Alcalá and Fray Juan de Santorcaz.

According to 16 centuries, the image is said to have been brought by Norman conquerors. After attacks by the corsair Xabán Arráez at the end of the 16th century, the statue was hidden and later transferred to its present sanctuary.

The current sanctuary/chapel was erected between the 17th and 18th centuries with community contributions. The modern pilgrimage around the patron saint solidified from the late 19th century. Today, the pilgrimage is celebrated on the third Friday of September, with the solemn feast on Saturday, preserving an island‑wide tradition that blends offerings, traditional music and historic routes from various municipalities.