The popular holiday island of Lanzarote is starting to prepare for one of the biggest festivals of the year. As the Fiesta de Nuestra Senora del Carmen gets underway on July 29th.
Nuestra Senora del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen – an icon who is in fact honoured all across Spain, most especially in coastal areas and on islands such as Lanzarote with strong nautical links and traditions.
The evolution of this festival can be traced back to a small maritime town called Haifa – now part of Israel – where local fishermen worshipped the cult of Carmel (ie Carmen in Spanish).
This tradition then started to disseminate throughout the Mediterranean. Until reaching Mallorca in the 18th Century. Where a local Admiral Antonio Barcélo Pont de la Terra encouraged his crew to honour Carmen each year (a custom that survives to this day in Port d’Andratx on the island).
On Lanzarote this celebration has been observed for centuries and the festival is treated with much fervour – especially in the islands main resort – and one time fishing village – Puerto del Carmen.
The celebrations last for no less than ten days. And the event’s high spot is a very well attended procession – where an effigy of Nuestra Senora del Carmen is paraded from the local church, through the packed streets of the town. And then down to the waterfront in the Old Harbour district. From where she sets to sea on board a flotilla of sailing vessels.
Once out on the waves Carmen is asked to cast her blessing on the waters – so ensuring a good and plentiful haul of fish for the year ahead.
Back on dry land there’s plenty of traditional folk dancing and singing. Along with a full on fun fair, food stalls and a huge fireworks display that marks the end of the event on August 10th.
Nuestra Senora del Carmen is a must for anyone visiting Lanzarote during this period.
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