Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Salud en Santa Brígida

Introduction and local significance

Las Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Salud in Santa Brígida are celebrated this year from 8 to 16 August 2026 in the Gran Canarian municipality of Santa Brígida. This patronal event brings together locals and visitors for a wide-ranging calendar of religious and popular events organised in the neighbourhood. Devotion to the patron saint is the focus of much of the area's summer activity, combining rural tradition with community participation.

Historical origins and tradition

The celebrations feature elements of deep-rooted popular tradition, most notably the presence of the Rancho de Ánimas de Arbejales-Teror. This group maintains an ancestral tradition of popular religiosity of an animist nature dating back to the 16th century, dedicated to singing couplets and traditional verses in exchange for alms for masses for the souls. This cultural manifestation was declared an Asset of Intangible Cultural Interest on 24 February 2025 in the categories of social uses, rituals and festive events, and forms of collective socialisation and organisations. Las Fiestas en Honor a la Virgen de la Salud in Santa Brígida also incorporate agricultural and livestock customs that revalue traditional island farming tasks.

Programme and main events

Given that the official programme is already detailed at the beginning of this file, it is worth noting the key moments that define the festive agenda. Events begin with the reading of the opening proclamation by the Rancho de Ánimas and continue with proposals such as the day dedicated to traditional farming tasks, the reception of pilgrims coming from Arbejales and San Isidro, the romería-ofrenda (traditional pilgrimage-offering) to the patron saint, and the solemn religious service with its subsequent procession. The days are completed with musical street dances, tastings and theatrical shows adapted for all audiences.

Traditional festival food

The culinary offer of the festival is linked to local produce and dishes shared by the residents. During the days of the festive calendar, preparations closely linked to local tradition stand out.

• Leche y gofio: Basic and traditional food (toasted maize or wheat flour served with milk) distributed popularly during the day dedicated to agricultural traditions.
• Platos típicos vecinales: Homemade recipes prepared by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood that can be enjoyed together at popular gatherings.
• Chocolatada con churros: Traditional sweet (hot chocolate with fried dough pastries) served to attendees as the finale and closing of the festive events.

Visitor guide and where to stay

Due to structural damage affecting the hermitage, entry to it remains restricted, so the celebrations of the Eucharist and other prominent events are moved to the Outdoor Marquee installed at the Sports Court. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance for the dates of the festival, either in the municipality of Santa Brígida itself or in nearby towns, which makes it easier to follow the night-time events. On days of greatest turnout, it is preferable to opt for public transport or park in the surrounding areas outside the main hub. It is also useful to check any schedule updates before planning travel to the different venues.