La Gomera to Throw Lustral Festivities in Honour of Patron Saint


Once every five years, La Gomera sets a scene of colour and faith in honour of the island’s patron saint

8 October marks the day when the faithful accompany the Virgin of Guadalupe in the most important religious event of the Canary Islands.

But this is just a prelude to nearly two months of parties. As the Virgin embarks on her maritime pilgrimage across the island, the capital of San Sebastián puts on its Lustral festivities. A full programme of events ensures a great time whether you’re religious or not. From September to December, the whole island will be celebrating.

The Descent of the Virgin of Guadalupe

Held every five years since 1872, the descent of the Virgin of Guadalupe sees people from all over the island and abroad praise their patroness. Dozens of boats guide the Virgin from her sanctuary in Puntallana to the bay of San Sebastián. Eager devotees carry the figure on their shoulders. Thousands march along, showing their love through prayer and song, to the beat of chácaras and drums.

The Madonna figure is carried to every community in La Gomera in processions that take place over several weeks. It stays for a few days in every town. Each village throws a party, where locals play traditional instruments and concerts fill the streets. After touring the parishes of the island, the Virgin is returned to her shrine on 12 December. There she will stay for another five years to watch over the Gomeros.

Lustral Festivities

La Gomera is known for its beautiful nature. This is a place to get away from it all. But tourists staying until December will be pleasantly surprised by how much there is to do. The gorgeously decorated streets of San Sebastián attract both young and old alike during Lustral. Even those who no longer live on the island return to celebrate with family and friends.
Before the Virgin’s descent, you can party with folk groups from each of the Canaries during the Festival of 7 Islands on 3 October. See a concert on 6 October performed by Juanes, one of the most recognised artists in Latin music.

The Tenerife Symphony Orchestra presents the legend of Gara and Jonay on 9 October. Similar to the story of Romeo and Juliet, this is without a doubt one of the most romantic Canarian tales of eternal love.

Like reggae and rock? The Reggae & Rock Festival on 11 October promises mellow moods, island roots and visceral rock riffs by artist Said Muti. Prefer traditional Spanish music and dance? Catch a mariachis festival on 14 October or a spectacular flamenco show on 19 October.

There’s a lot more where that came from. A variety of exhibitions and workshops are planned from September to December. This is an ideal time to combine the wild nature of La Gomera with all the fun of the Lustral festivities. Don’t miss the island-wide celebration. It only comes around once every five years. No matter if you’re visiting to praise or party, you’re sure to have a great time.

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