The Romería de Los Dolores, 15 September: tens of thousands walk to Mancha Blanca

On 15 September, a public holiday across the island, tens of thousands walk to the Ermita de Mancha Blanca in the municipality of Tinajo. Many set out on foot from their villages the night before.

The reason lies in 1736: tradition holds that the Virgen de los Dolores — known here as the Virgin of the Volcanoes — miraculously halted the Timanfaya lava flows at the edge of the village. The pilgrimage is the thanksgiving, repeated ever since.

The week's programme

Celebrations run from 10 to 15 September. They include the opening address, given this year by staff of the Canary Health Service, the 35th Nanino Díaz Cutillas folk festival and the 37th Island Crafts Fair.

Visitors should know two things: roads around Mancha Blanca close, and mid-September heat at midday is still fierce. Water, a hat and walking shoes.

Sources: Ayuntamiento de Tinajo; Cabildo de Lanzarote.