The Fiestas del Carmen in Arguineguín and Mogán begin on the 2nd weekend in July and last for a whole week until the following Sunday. On the Saturday, the Virgin del Carmen statue is carried to the harbour and put on a fishing boat in Arguineguin. On the Sunday the virgin statue is sailed with a whole fleet of fishing boats all the way to Puerto de Mogán. It is like a Romeria on boats. People party on the boats, eat and drink typical Canarian products and fire the odd rocket in the air in honour of their patron saint.
This is a very popular celebration with an intense religious background. Sailors ask the virgin for protection and also for good fishing conditions throughout the year. The Fiestas del Carmen in Arguineguín start with a Romeria on the Saturday – a parade through the streets. Hundreds of worshippers dressed in traditional fishing costumes accompany the virgin statue. The different folk bands of the municipality of Mogán add their music and dance to this central event.
The conservation of this historical patrimony is vital importance for the inhabitants of this municipality. Another important religious event within this celebration is the great day of the patron saint of sailors. On this day a service takes place in the church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen followed by a procession through most of the streets in this fishing town.
The Highlights of the Fiestas del Carmen
If you happen to be on holiday in the area, you can take advantage of the many highlights of the Fiestas del Carmen. One of those is the Merengazo El Carmen, in which numerous professional Latin artists participate. Another is the mad Fiesta del Agua- a water fight party, which starts in the early afternoon. Music from the different DJs is heard in all different parts of the town.
Another event which has become popular with younger people is the Election of the festival Queen. A number of young girls accompanied by dance groups from the area will try to win the crown. The winners will become the ambassadors for the town during the next year. After the celebrations come to an end in Arguineguín, the celebrations kick off in Mogán with a full program of events for the enjoyment of the locals and visitors.
Quick Overview
Name of Event: Fiesta del Carmen in Arguineguín
Place: Arguineguín
Highlights: Romería, Sailing, Water Fight
Date: Starting on the 2nd weekend in July
Dress Code: Traditional
Official Web Page: Ayuntamiento de Mogán
Facebook: Fiesta del Carmen Arguineguín
Tell us what you think
Tell us what you think! We would love to know. You can leave your comments below.
More from our Blog:
Our Latest Posts
Our Popular Pages:
ACTIVITIES – What to Do in Gran Canaria
My name is Amanda Belmonte and I am a web/graphic designer and photographer. I have lived in the Canary Islands for almost 15 years. Although I have lived in Lanzarote for most of that time, Gran Canaria has always been my dream Island to live on, yet it has taken me 13 years to get here.
The Gran Canaria Regional BLOG offers a platform for bloggers to write about Gran Canaria. This article represents the personal opinion and impression of the author. We like to offer a wide range of opinions and impressions to our readers. Do you have any suggestions for this article, did you notice an error? Do you have Canarian recipe you need to share? Would you also like to write about Gran Canaria? Please contact us here.