Fuerteventura’s Diwali celebrations continue in Caleta de Fuste and Morro Jable

Fuerteventura’s Hindu community is celebrating Diwali with gatherings across the island, bringing families and friends together for the Festival of Lights and the start of the year 2086 in its calendar.

The celebrations began in Corralejo on 7 November. The next event is Diwali Bollywood Night at Bambú nightclub in El Castillo, Caleta de Fuste, on Saturday 14 November, followed by a gathering in Morro Jable on 28 November.

Diwali Bollywood Night in Caleta de Fuste

The Caleta de Fuste evening will run from 9.30pm until 4am, with Bollywood music, dancing, traditional dress and Indian food. The event is organised in collaboration with Shivam Restaurants.

Organisers Vikas Arora, Denis Sadhwani, Kunal Chhabra and Manoj Gianchandani have invited people across Fuerteventura to come and learn about the community’s customs.

For Janvi Gianchandani, a young Canarian of Hindu origin, Diwali is a way to share an identity shaped by both cultures. She describes growing up with India at home and the Canary Islands in her heart, and values the chance to share the celebration with curious islanders.

A tradition shared across generations

Diwali has roots in Hindu religious and cultural tradition and is also celebrated by other religious communities from India. The festival symbolises the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

Traditionally celebrated over five days, it includes Lakshmi Puja, when families light small oil lamps called diyas to honour Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity. Families also gather and share sweets and gifts. This year’s main day fell on 8 November.

Fuerteventura’s community of Indian origin has been established on the island for decades. Young people born and raised in the Canaries are now helping to preserve traditions brought from India by their parents and grandparents.