Calendar of festivals and events in Lanzarote
The calendar of festivals and events in Lanzarote shapes the year on the island, between carnival, a pilgrimage across lava fields and patron saint festivities. Here are the dates worth knowing before you go.
In a nutshell
- Arrecife Carnival (February): the island's biggest carnival, in the capital.
- Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes (September, Mancha Blanca): Lanzarote's most iconic pilgrimage.
- Fiesta de San Ginés (August, Arrecife): the capital's patron saint festival.
- Exact dates to check each year, as they shift slightly with the religious calendar.
Arrecife Carnival (February)
Arrecife Carnival, in the island's capital, is Lanzarote's biggest: costumed parades, the election of the carnival queen and the traditional "Night of the Disguised", when the whole population takes to the streets in masks. As everywhere in the Canaries, carnival remains a major moment in local life, driven more by popular enthusiasm than international tourist numbers.
Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes (September, Mancha Blanca)
The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes, in Mancha Blanca, rank among the Canaries' most striking religious celebrations. They commemorate a vow made by residents during the 18th-century eruptions that shaped Timanfaya, when the lava stopped at the village's edge. The procession literally crosses the frozen lava fields surrounding the church.
Fiesta de San Ginés (August, Arrecife)
Arrecife's patron saint festival, in honour of San Ginés, brings the capital to life for several days: concerts, street events and celebrations along the Charco de San Ginés waterfront.
Lanzarote's cultural festivals
Beyond the traditional festivities, Lanzarote hosts three major contemporary cultural events, each with its own character.
Planning your trip around an event
The exact dates of these festivals shift slightly from year to year depending on the religious calendar: it's best to check precise dates with the tourist office before setting your trip, and book your accommodation ahead if your visit coincides with one of these events, which draw particularly strong local crowds.
And to compare destinations, head back to our Canary Islands guide.
Frequently asked questions
When does Arrecife Carnival take place?
In February, with dates that vary each year according to the carnival calendar — it's Lanzarote's biggest carnival.
What are the Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes?
A religious celebration in Mancha Blanca in September, commemorating a vow made by residents during the 18th-century volcanic eruptions; the procession crosses the lava fields surrounding the village.
What is Arrecife's patron saint festival?
The Fiesta de San Ginés, in August, with several days of events in the island's capital.
What are Lanzarote's main cultural festivals?
Sonidos Líquidos (June, La Geria), the only festival in the Canaries with the EFFE label; the International Film Festival (FICL, May, Arrecife), a Goya Awards qualifier; and the Lava Live Festival (June-July, Arrecife).
Should you book accommodation during these festivals?
Yes, these events draw mainly local crowds but can tighten accommodation availability in the villages involved — it's best to book ahead.