The Vega de Río Palmas will be the epicenter of the majorero calendar's largest celebration, which annually gathers thousands of people around tradition and culture. This edition's program will merge religious acts with a varied cultural and popular offering, featuring participation from residents, pilgrims, and visitors from across the island.
The program presentation was attended by the president of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, Lola García; the Minister of Culture, Rayco León; the councilor of the Betancuria City Council, José Cerdeña; Aday García representing the Diocese of the Canary Islands; and the parish priest of Betancuria, Juan Antonio Artiles.
Lola García highlighted that "for the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, La Peña is devotion to the Virgin, but also culture, tradition, and above all, identity. It is a time to make and fulfill promises, and the promise that we from the Cabildo maintain and renew daily is to continue defending this land, our roots, and our traditions, and to always work to improve the quality of life for everyone".
Rayco León noted that "few celebrations speak as much of Fuerteventura as the festivity of La Peña. It is an encounter with Fuerteventura and with our tradition, combining the pilgrimage and other traditional elements with religious acts, gastronomy, sports, and popular celebrations".
José Cerdeña invited "all the population to participate in the activities and to keep our traditions and customs alive", adding that "all roads in Fuerteventura lead to the Vega de Río Palmas".
Aday García affirmed that "it is an honor to be here, in this spiritual heart of the island of Fuerteventura, with great enthusiasm and hope to celebrate the patron saint of this island and all majoreros. La Peña maintains a tradition and devotion deeply linked to the history of Fuerteventura".
Antonio Ravelo, who will deliver the opening speech, expressed his excitement and responsibility in "remembering the experiences and the people who are part of the history of these festivities".
Among the central events, the traditional Pilgrimage-Offering on Friday, September 18, at 5:00 PM, where pilgrims and folk groups will walk to the Sanctuary. On Saturday, September 19, the image of the Virgin will be moved to the main square for the solemn Eucharist, presided over by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands, followed by gastronomic, folk, and intergenerational activities.
The popular program also includes musical performances, family, and sports activities, such as the traditional luchada (Canarian wrestling) in honor of the Virgin on Sunday, September 20. Additionally, the MUGABE Livestock Fair will be held, linked to the island's livestock culture and the rural character of Betancuria.
The celebration in honor of Our Lady of La Peña reaffirms its role as part of the cultural heritage and identity of Fuerteventura, bringing together tradition and popular celebration in the Vega de Río Palmas.
