Canary Islands Week from May 19 to 30
In the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, the day of the Canary Islands is celebrated on May 30. To commemorate, on the same day in 1983, that the first session of the Canary Parliament took place.
La Oliva hosts Canary Islands Week from 19 to 30 May
The Town Council has unveiled an engaging programme. It blends tradition, culture, gastronomy, sports, and commercial renewal. The aim is to captivate residents and visitors alike during this vibrant celebration.
The Canary Islands Day festivities are coordinated by the Department of Commerce, led by Alexandra Martín. The Department of Culture, directed by David Hernández, also plays a role. During this period, the municipality will host a variety of Canary-inspired activities from 19th to 30th May. The Department of Culture is organising a special array of events in Los Lajares from 19th to 24th May. These will showcase a broad spectrum of cultural experiences that highlight local traditions, heritage, and identity. Visitors can enjoy workshops, presentations, and traditional games. There are activities designed for families and children, such as the Traditional Clothing workshop. Here, participants can learn how to wear Canarian attire and scarves.
Highlighting the programme are inaugural events. These include the Canary Islands Chef Master competition, the School-Age Championship, and the “Friends of the Canarian Bola” Friendship Tournament. On 23rd May, attendees will experience the “Atlantic Sounds” concert by Olga Cerpa & Mestisay. The festivities in Los Lajares will culminate on Saturday, 24th May, from 10:00 a.m. until late. There will be a bustling craft market and the Fuerteventura Island Council’s “Don’t Forget What’s Ours” initiative. Enjoy goat milking demonstrations and children’s performances featuring traditional music. The event ends with a grand finale featuring the “Baile Popular Canario” dance, folklore groups, parrandas, and popular bands. This event is notable for its strong local community support. It has contributed to its annual promotion across different towns within the municipality.
Meanwhile, the Department of Commerce announces its “Canary Islands Week Enyesque Comercial in Corralejo,” scheduled for 26th to 30th May. Avenida Nuestra Señora del Carmen will host a Canarian gastronomic and artisan market. It will be complemented by musical performances, show cooking, talks, workshops, and tasting events. A new promotional campaign titled “La Ruleta del Senderete” (The Shopkeeper’s Roulette) will also be launched. It offers €4,000 in prizes for shoppers in participating local businesses. Additionally, a culinary workshop focusing on the island’s renowned goat meat will be held in El Cotillo on 28th May.
Isaí Blanco, Mayor of La Oliva, expressed pride: “Every year, we demonstrate our firm commitment to celebrating Canary Islands Day. Our aim is to promote our traditions, hard work, hospitality, and sense of pride—values that define us. Through this programme, we continue to support local culture, gastronomy, and our artisans, chefs, and merchants, forging a vibrant festive atmosphere.”
Councilor for Commerce Alexandra Martín added: “Our goal is to unite tradition, cuisine, commerce, and community engagement during this week. It highlights what makes us uniquely Canarian. Initiatives like these invigorate our local markets, foster collaboration among sectors, and breathe new life into our streets.”
Furthermore, Councilor for Culture David Hernández highlighted the importance of preserving and sharing our cultural identity: “It’s crucial that we continue to promote awareness of our traditions. We should showcase the uniqueness of Canarian culture through folklore, dance, and gastronomy. We will culminate the cultural programme with a special showcase—the Taifa Dance in Lajares on 24th May.”
Complementing these initiatives, the Department of Education, led by Omaira Saavedra, will organise Canarian activity workshops in local schools. This reflects the Municipality’s strong dedication to embedding these traditions among younger generations during Canary Islands Day festivities.
