Fiestas on La Palma
Fiestas on La Palma
One thing is certain: the people of La Palma know how to celebrate. Almost every municipality, village and neighbourhood has its own fiesta devoted to a patron saint or a local tradition. These are joined by major island events such as Carnival, the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves and the religious feast days.
Many fiestas combine processions and religious customs with music, dancing, food and long evenings in the village square. Exact dates and programmes can change from year to year; councils and organisers usually publish current details as each celebration approaches.
Carnival and Los Indianos on La Palma
During Carnival, Santa Cruz de La Palma and Los Llanos de Aridane become lively stages filled with colour and music. Talcum powder is an essential part of Carnival on La Palma: it is thrown by hand, shaken straight from the container and, at some events, even fired from large cannons.
Santa Cruz reaches its high point on Carnival Monday with the Día de Los Indianos. Since the 1960s, the celebration has playfully portrayed the wealthy Canarian emigrants who returned from Cuba and other parts of the Americas. Today thousands walk through the capital in elegant white or beige clothes, carrying hats and suitcases amid Cuban music and clouds of talcum powder.
Los Llanos also hosts major parades and the Gran Polvacera. After Ash Wednesday, several towns continue Carnival with their own burials and burnings of the sardine. Read more in the La Palma 24 Journal.
Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves
The Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves is La Palma's largest celebration. It is held every five years, in years ending in 0 or 5. After the 2020 cycle was cancelled because of the pandemic, the lustral festival returned in 2025 and its next edition is planned for 2030.
The tradition dates back to the 17th century, and the first Bajada took place in 1680. For several weeks Santa Cruz de La Palma brings together religious observances, culture, music and reunions for many islanders returning from different parts of the world.
Its best-known events include the pilgrimage carrying the Virgin from the sanctuary of Las Nieves to the capital, the Dance of the Dwarfs, the Minuet, the Acrobats, the Dialogue between the Castle and the Ship, and numerous concerts and performances. Current reports are available in the La Palma 24 Journal.
The Crosses and the Mayos
During the night of 2 to 3 May, numerous crosses in Santa Cruz de La Palma, Breña Alta, Breña Baja and Villa de Mazo are elaborately decorated. Flowers, coloured paper, fabrics, seeds and jewellery transform streets, squares and small chapels into a route filled with handcrafted detail.
Santa Cruz also displays the Mayos: life-size figures made from fabric and other materials, depicting everyday scenes and commenting humorously on social or political events. On 3 May the capital also commemorates its foundation in 1493 and celebrates the Holy Cross after which the city is named.
Puerto Naos Water Festival
The Fiesta del Agua is one of Puerto Naos’ best-known summer celebrations. Music, shared festivities and water games turn the seafront avenue into a large and lively festival area. For generations of islanders and visitors, it has formed part of the coastal town’s collective memory.
After a break of several years, the Fiesta del Agua returned to Puerto Naos in 2026. Its date, programme and transport arrangements are decided for each edition, so check the latest information from the local council and island authorities shortly before attending.
Other important fiestas on La Palma
La Palma's festive calendar extends far beyond Carnival and the Bajada. Spring brings Holy Week in Santa Cruz and Corpus Christi in Villa de Mazo. For Corpus Christi, residents decorate streets and squares with arches, carpets and pictures made from flowers, seeds, moss and other natural materials.
The island's most distinctive traditions include the Almond Blossom festival in Puntagorda, San Antonio del Monte in Garafía, the Dance of the Devil in Tijarafe, the Romería del Pino in El Paso, San Miguel and the Caballos Fufos in Tazacorte, and the Borrachito Fogatero in Villa de Mazo. In many coastal towns, the Virgen del Carmen is honoured with processions on land and at sea.
Dates and programmes are confirmed afresh each year. Current news is available in the island fiestas section.