The Fiestas Lustrales 2013 are entering the most important phase and this weekend until Tuesday an influx of 15.000 to 20.000 people is expected in the island's capital San Sebastian de La Gomera. Considering that La Gomera's total population is only about 22.000 this means that accommodation on the eastern half of the island will be almost impossible to find and some ferry sailings will be fully booked.
The events range from a craft fair opening today to an open-air concert with folklore groups from all the seven Canary Islands plus many folk sessions in the bars tonight. Street entertainment, open air salsa-pop dancing, Mexican music, a funfair, and much more will frame the religious events. On Sunday Oct. 6th the band Efecto Pasillo who landed a top-selling hit this summer will be in concert with internationally known DJ Ray Castellano from 11pm, followed by open air dancing until daybreak.
Monday afternoon the island's patron saint 'Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe' will be brought by sea in a procession of nearly 100 boats from her little chapel at a remote bay to the capital San Sebastian where thousands will be waiting to accompany the small statue to the main church at about 6pm. Then follows by a huge procession through the town and another night of dancing to pop-salsa bands.
Tuesday is a local holiday on La Gomera with another procession, many more events and a major fireworks display can be enjoyed at 10pm.
The following weeks the patron saint will be processed through every parish on the island framed by many more religious, cultural and entertainment events.
