Mala celebrates Las Mercedes: romería on Saturday 19, verbenas and Tapa Day until the 24th

From today Mala, the prickly-pear village between Guatiza and Arrieta, is celebrating its patron saint, Nuestra Señora de Las Mercedes. Haría town hall's programme runs from 17 to 24 September: eight days with the whole village out in the street.

"They are a chance to share, keep our traditions alive and enjoy life together as neighbours," says mayor Alfredo Villalba.

Dates to note

Friday 18, 9pm, adults' playback show "La Voz"; at 11:30pm the first verbena, with Swing del Norte and Vocal Force.

Saturday 19 is the big day: at 7pm the popular romería, accompanied by Agrupación Tisalaya, followed by the Baile del Romero with Son del Norte, Los Gurfines, La Aldaba and Son de Mar.

Sunday 20, from noon, Tapa Day: bouncy castles, a foam party for children, DJ Juan Hernández and music from Swing del Norte, Grupo Alegranza and Grupo Arpegio. In the evening, at 9pm, an arts gala.

The weekdays are the real village: a truco card tournament on Monday, a tortilla contest and a ronda tournament on Tuesday at 6pm, and a dance gala at 8:30pm. It all ends on Thursday 24, the feast of Las Mercedes.