Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Agüimes

Introduction and local significance

The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Agüimes take place this year from 18 September to 13 October 2026 in the Gran Canarian municipality of Agüimes. This major patron saint festival holds the official designation of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional and centres entirely around devotion to the Virgen del Rosario. The programme brings together a wide variety of cultural, religious and sporting events designed for residents and visitors alike. The Ayuntamiento de Agüimes coordinates the schedule of events that turns the town into a festive focal point throughout the weeks of the celebration.

Historical origins and tradition

The weight of tradition is reflected in well-established milestones within the municipality. This year marks over twenty years of the unique Subida del Millo, one of the most participatory events on the calendar. Likewise, nearly half a century of history is celebrated for the Traía del Gofio y el Agua, another of the most deeply rooted customs. The traditional programme also includes the zanga tournament, established as a true emblem of traditional card games in the island's south-east. In historical and cultural terms, a highlight is the reenactment at the Teatro Auditorio of the Agüimes mutiny that occurred in 1708. Traditions are rounded off with the traditional Feria de Ganado (livestock fair) and the Campeonato de Lucha del Garrote (Canarian stick-fighting championship).

Programme and main events

The official schedule of the Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Agüimes features numerous gatherings spread across several weeks. Visitors can take part in the various events planned for the main days:

• 18 September at 20:30: Seventh edition of the Elección de Romera y Romero Mayor 2026 at the Teatro Municipal de Agüimes.
• 19 September at 17:00: Subida del millo y descamisá de piñas.
• 26 September at 16:30: Traía del Gofio y del Agua.
• 30 September at 19:45: Reading of the pregón (opening proclamation) of the Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario.
• 1 October at 20:00: Ofrenda (offering) to Nuestra Señora Virgen del Rosario.
• 2 October at 19:30: Talk entitled ‘Restauración de la imagen de San Juan Apóstol’.
• 2 October at 20:30: 43rd Festival de Bailes Regionales Villa de Agüimes.
• 3 October at 18:00: 30th Romería y ofrenda.
• 3 October at 19:30: Talk entitled ‘Camino de devoción a María en nuestra Parroquia’.
• 4 October at 10:00: Feria de ganado.
• 4 October at 10:00: Campeonato de lucha del garrote.

Traditional festival food

The most prominent culinary product of these festive dates is gofio (toasted grain flour), a traditional staple that plays an absolute starring role during the celebration of the Traía del Gofio y el Agua. This historic ingredient of Canarian gastronomy is directly linked to the most popular and participatory rituals of the programme. Its consumption and presence in the streets reflect the survival of the district's oldest culinary traditions. Visitors can sample this product in local establishments while taking part in the municipality's various events.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To comfortably attend the events of the Fiestas de Nuestra Señora del Rosario en Agüimes, it is highly advisable to book accommodation well in advance due to high demand at this time of year. Staying in the municipality itself or in nearby towns makes it easy to attend both evening events and morning activities without travel complications. During the busiest days, it is best to use public transport or leave your vehicle in designated parking areas outside the town centre. In addition, before travelling to the municipality, it is recommended to check the official programme to verify any possible changes to event times or locations.