August has come to an end and something autumnal is making itself felt here. The colors painted by the sunlight have become more intense. The sky is bluer and the nights are cooler. But the strength of the currents in the sea and the power of the waves have also increased noticeably.
Now there is something else on Lanzarote that heralds the end of summer for us in the south of the island: the annual festival in the name of the patron saint, Virgen de los Remedios, with a small pilgrimage, called “Romería”, through Yaiza.
This traditional, colorful Romería is surprisingly unknown to those visiting from abroad. Accordingly, it is worth seeing, but even more so, worth experiencing. For and by the people of the village, this festival commemorates their valuable heritage. With its music, in which words and voices are passed on. Of dancing together. The coming together of young and old. Of neighborhoods. And above all, it is a celebration of gratitude, expressed in joy and generosity.
The pilgrims as well as the people on the roadside, the few spectators who have lost their way here, perhaps those who are tired of walking, are fed. Everyone is fed, both on the way and along the way. There are baskets of pastries hanging from arms, trays of goat’s cheese and dried fish conjured up from donkey carts. Proud women with bottles of sweet liqueur of hand-picked mulberries in their hands nimbly pull cups out of their apron pockets at the sight of eager tasters.
The pilgrimage ends at nightfall in front of the church on the village square. The Virgin Mary, Remedios, stands here at the gate in a radiant silvery robe adorned with lilies. Jonathan, the village priest, the mayor and other village authorities stand before her with folded hands and receive the gifts from the pilgrims. Wishes and requests to the dear Virgin hover in the room.
