Fuerteventura honors its patron saint with a traditional La Peña offering

Thousands of pilgrims and the island’s institutions gathered this Friday at the Vega de Río Palmas to honor the Virgin of La Peña, fulfilling promises and celebrating the traditional offering to the island’s patron saint, this time without a pilgrimage due to the heat.

Tradition and devotion filled the patron saint festivities of Fuerteventura, which honor Our Lady of La Peña in La Vega de Río Palmas. Pilgrims from all over the island arrived to keep vows, demonstrate their faith, or simply follow a custom that stretches back generations.

The traditional offering to the Virgin of La Peña was held without the usual descent down the ravine from Betancuria because of the high temperatures, yet that did not stop thousands of faithful from every corner of Fuerteventura from reaching the sanctuary—many setting out at dawn to take advantage of the cooler air.

The institutional part of the offering began right at the Vega de Río Palmas with a display by the Canary Federation of Palo (the traditional stick‑fighting sport). The Island Council’s contribution was led by President Lola García and Canary Islands Government Tourism Counselor Jéssica de León, accompanied by the Folkloric Group of Tetir.

Six municipal governments then took part, together with cultural groups such as Morro de la Cruz, the Rondalla of the Antigua Senior Center, A.F. La Pioná, Parranda Manitaga, the Dance Group Farroga, Parranda La Sebada, and other local formations.

Puerto del Rosario also participated in the traditional offering to the Virgin of La Peña. Additional participants included the Friends of the Peña Pilgrimage, the Tefía Neighborhood Association (Facay), and the collective La Alcogida with the Parranda Merita La Peña. Civil Protection units from the various municipalities provided support throughout the day, creating a bustling atmosphere that contrasted with the empty squares of some towns—such as Antigua, whose residents departed early for the Vega.

The celebration concluded with musical performances by “Parranda Son de Antaño” and the group “Que Chimba,” followed by fireworks and a grand evening party featuring Edwin Rivera and his orchestra, Grupo Arena, and Kandela.

Whether during this festive weekend or at any other time of the year, the patron saint of Fuerteventura will continue to await visitors in the hermitage of the Vega de Río Palmas, ready to welcome all who come to pay their respects.