50.000 attended Fiestas Lustrales

The highlight of the Fiestas Lustrales is the arrival of the Virgen de Guadalupe by boat procession
(Images: gomeranoticias.com)

The recent Fiestas Lustrales, held in San Sebastian de La Gomera and around the island every five years to celebrate the 'bajada' of La Gomera's patron saint 'Virgen de Guadalupe', attracted more than 50.000 revellers to the many events held from late September to mid October. This is all the more remarkable when you consider that La Gomera's total population is only 20.000. The highlight of the Fiestas Lustrales is the arrival of the saint by boat procession from her remote coastal chapel north of the capital and the following procession through the town. According to the mayor of the town Adasat Reyes the many visitors are supposed to have spent more than five million Euros in San Sebastian de La Gomera during the long fiesta period.

Fire-jumping fiesta

The picturesque town of Agulo in La Gomera's north will celebrate the highlight of the annual Fiesta de San Marcos', the spectacular fire-jumping event, tomorrow night Saturday 28th of April 2018 (see promotional video below). Following an old custom the fires are lit in honour of the town's patron saint San Marcos every year, and many of the town's population are rising to the challenge and jump over the bonfires. Visitors are welcome to join in and there's even a version with smaller fires for the children. If you're a bit older or just not as daring, you can wait until the fires have burnt down a bit and try the 'light' version. The organisers recommend to cover your hair and avoid wearing flammable synthetics. The bonfires will be lit following the procession and mass in the centre of Agulo.

After the spectacular fire-jumping, there'll be general merriment and dancing to live music all night, and and plenty of cold drinks to quench the thirst resulting from the bonfires. I can reveal that this year a Canadian film crew who are shooting a documentary about La Gomera intend to capture what must be La Gomera's most captivating and spectacular fiesta during its main event.

Jumping through fire

Following an old custom the fires are lit in the town of Agulo on La Gomera in honour of the town's patron saint San Marcos on April 24th every year, and many of the town's population are rising to the challenge and jump over the bonfires. Visitors are welcome to join in tonight and there's even a version with smaller fires for the children. If you're a bit older or just not as daring, you can wait until the fires have burnt down a bit and try the 'light' version. The organisers recommend to cover your hair and avoid wearing flammable synthetics.

After the spectacular fire-jumping, there'll be dancing all night and and plenty of cold drinks to quench the resulting thirst..

Fire-jumping tomorrow in Agulo

Tomorrow at 10pm you'll have the annual opportunity again to test your faith and jump through the bonfires (hogueras) at the San Marcos Fiesta.  Make sure to avoid wearing clothes that are highly flammable and cover your hair. The fire-jumping custom on La Gomera is very old and probably pre-dates the arrival of Christianity in the Canaries.

Impressions of bonfire night with super-moon

Video: Vaulting the bonfires in Agulo

Fancy jumping through these fires ?

Jumping the bonfires in Agulo, La Gomera 

Well, if you really fancy jumping over or through the bonfires seen in the image on the left, then make sure you'll be be in the picturesque town of Agulo on La Gomera on Wednesday, 24th of April 2013. Following an old custom the fires are lit in honour of the town's patron saint San Marcos every year, and many of the town's population are rising to the challenge and jump over the bonfires. Visitors are welcome to join in and there's even a version with smaller fires for the children. If you're a bit older or just not as daring, you can wait until the fires have burnt down a bit and try the 'light' version. The organisers recommend to cover your hair and avoid wearing flammable synthetics.
After the spectacular fire-jumping, there'll be dancing all night and and plenty of cold drinks to quench the resulting thirst.. For full festival programme and more about Agulo (in Spanish) click THIS.

Concert with wine tasting

Two renowned Spanish musicians will perform live improvisations on electric guitar and electronic drums in the newly opened 'Ars Septem' art gallery at the 'Casa Creativa' bar in Hermigua, La Gomera this Saturday, April 20th 2013. They will improvise on five themes related to the island's landscape. The event called 'Freeling' will also include a guided tasting of La Gomera's wines and starts early at 6.30pm. There's a cover charge of only 5 Euros.