In the heart of Lanzarote, Caleta de Famara is home to one of the most emblematic festivities of the island: the Romería Marinera in honour of the Sacred Heart of Mary.
This event, which intertwines the history and traditions of a fishing village with the festive spirit of its inhabitants and visitors, has established itself as an unmissable event every August, attracting thousands of souls in search of culture, brotherhood and fun.
The genesis of these celebrations goes back to the beginning of the 20th century, in a context where Caleta de Famara was beginning to take shape as a community thanks to the families of fishermen who settled and built the first chapel dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary in 1915.
Since then, 22 August has become a date of deep spiritual and communal significance.
From those early years, when the light of bonfires and bonfires was the only illumination in the festivities, to the present day, the Caleta festivities have undergone a remarkable evolution.
What began with modest gatherings and moonlight serenades has now transformed into vibrant celebrations that light up the quayside with large verbenas, turning Famara into a meeting point for more than twenty thousand people every year.
The Romería Marinera, in particular, stands out as the beating heart of these festivities, offering a space where the seafaring tradition is dressed up as a fiesta.
The participants, adorned with traditional costumes, congregate to pay homage to their heritage, sharing parrandas, dances and the warmth of the community in an atmosphere where respect for the old ways of life merges with the joy of the new generations.
The programme of events for the pilgrimage includes not only the mass in honour of the Virgin and the maritime-terrestrial procession but also sports activities, tournaments and barbecues that fill the nights of Famara with life. This set of events reflects the inclusive and festive spirit of the Caleta, where every corner becomes a stage for coexistence and collective enjoyment.
The seafaring pilgrimage symbolises the indissoluble union between Caleta de Famara and its roots, a celebration that, year after year, reaffirms the importance of keeping traditions alive in an ever-changing world. It is a homage to the essence of a people that, despite its evolution, never forgets its origins or the deep bond with the sea that defines its identity.
Discover the history of Famara.
Caleta de Famara, with its incomparable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, invites locals and visitors to be part of this unique festivity, where past and present meet to celebrate life, friendship and the continuity of a tradition that, far from fading away, grows stronger with each new edition of the Romería Marinera.
Caleta de Famara Festivities Programme 2023
This was last year’s programme:
Friday 1 September: Activity and Skate Day
- 11:00 – Active Summer: The esplanade of the pier becomes a hive of energy and fun with activities designed to enjoy the sun and the sea breeze.
- 17:00 – Skateboard Championship: Skateboarders will have their moment of glory on the esplanade of the pier, showing off their skills and competing for the title.
Saturday 2 September: Sport, Music and Verbena
- 10:00 – Fun activities: From bubble football to artak, the day promises laughter and fun for everyone.
- 14:00 to 22:00 – Verbena Popular: Music takes centre stage with a stellar line-up including Di Juan Antonio Hernández, °Galita, Dj Ael Ossorio, Banda Nueva, Sagrado Corazón de Maria, and Leyenda Joven 2023, guaranteeing an unforgettable festive atmosphere.
Sunday 3 September: Devotion and Feast Day
- 12:30 – Solemn Mass and Terrestrial and Maritime Procession: A moment of devotion in honour of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart of Mary. The Municipal Band of Teguise “Teguiband” will accompany the event, which also celebrates the twinning with the neighbours of La Graciosa.
- 14:00 – Water Verbena: To refresh the spirit after the solemnity, the New Band will animate the traditional Water Verbena.
