The Canary Guide Weekend Tips 16-18 August 2019

The summer month of August is already in its 3rd weekend and it’s going to be a hot one. There is a heatwave warning for the weekend and AEMET, Spain’s meteorological agency, are predicting highs of up to 40º in the shade for pretty much for the entire island. Plenty of liquids and staying out of direct sunlight will be the wise thing to do for the next couple of days, though there are still plenty of ways to enjoy yourself.

There are several patron saint festivities going on around the island. There is also a sports & swimming event in Playa de Mogán, a tapas route in La Aldea, the artesan market in Maspalomas comes to an end and much more to go and see. Here are our highlights for the coming weekend. Bare in mind that extreme weather conditions can have an affect on events and festivities.

16-18 AUGUST, AGAETE 
FIESTAS DE LAS NIEVES 

The Agaete festivities continue in the north, in honour of “our Lady of the Snows”.

On Friday in Puerto de las Nieves, a concert from the Banda de Las Nieves at 22:00 and at midnight Aquatic fireworks along the esplanade of the main parking zone at Calle Ntra Sra. de las Nieves and followed by an after party from 00:30 with the Orquesta Maracaibo.

On Saturday in the morning,  at 09:00 a solemn eucharist in the Parish Church of Ntra. Sra de La Concepción, There is a another eucharist at 11:00 and following that, a religious procession with the image of Virgen de Las Nieves being paraded through the streets from the church to the Hermitage in Puerto de Las Nieves. Later in the evening music at Plaza Rosa de los Vientos
20:00 with three music groups (AM Guayedra at 20:00, Grupo Muelle Viejo and La Próxima Escapada after 22:00 ) will perform on a night dedicated to the live concert

16-18 AUGUST, MASPALOMAS 
XII FERIA DE ARTESANÍA – FARO DE MASPALOMAS 

The crafts fair below the Faro de Maspalomas lighthouse will come to an end this weekend so there is still plenty of time to go and enjoy the 12th edition of summer artisanal work and handcrafts on display. From 17:00-23:00.

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST, PLAYA DE MOGÁN
CHALLENGE SWIM RUN – 2ª ETAPA – NOCTURNA

Playa de Mogán will be a busy place this Saturday afternoon with the second stage of the Challenge Swim Run – this time… the night challenge. The event starts at 19:00 and the Trophy ceremony is held at midnight.

CHALLENGE SWIM RUN KIDS. ( departure at 20:30 ). From 4 to 17 year olds. Family assistance is not allowed.

CHALLENGE SWIM RUN FAMILY. ( at 21:10) From 4 to 17 years, 50 meters in the water and 200 meters on land, which must be repeated 3 times. Family assistance is allowed.

CHALLENGE SWIM RUN. ( at 22:00)  a circuit of approximately 250 meters of swimming and 1km of running on asphalt, a circuit that will have to be completed a total of 5 times without stopping.

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST, LA ALDEA DE SAN NICOLÁS 
IV RUTA DE LA TAPA #Enyesqueando

This is the fourth summer that non-touristy La Aldea de San Nicolás has held a tapas route. A perfect way to see and visit the westernmost municipality of the island and the village known as La Aldea.

The Tapas route runs between 12:00-22:00 and there is a free bus between the various participating restaurants.  Delicious and original tapas from four local establishments from the neighbourhoods of Tocodomán to Los Espinos. Each restaurant will offer tapas and a drink (wine, beer or soda) for €2.50. Restaurante Grill El Palmito, Bar La Granja, Bar Tomás, Bar Caazapá Pelgre.  You can also vote for the best tapas during the day.

Did you know that in La Aldea you can also appreciate Canarian architecture in the old quarter of the town such as the stone and mud houses from the 17th and 18th centuries, and the houses with balconies from the 18th century. Examples of these are the Casa del Balcón, the first house in the town centre, Casas Blancas and the Casa del Corredor, which is in the Tocodomán quarter. Also recommended is a visit to see the beach and tiny fishing port of La Aldea, with an epic view of Tenerife. 

17-18 AUGUST, VILLA DE MOYA 
FIESTAS DE SAN BARTOLOMÉ DE FONTANALES EN LA VILLA DE MOYA

On Saturday, II Carrera colour Festival. It’s basically a fun walking and running competition with a twist. Holi style colour powder is thrown in the air, making it indeed the most colourful race on the island. Starting at 12:30 for the children and then 13:00 the adults. Both races starts from Parque de San Bartolome de Fontanales.

There will also be live music. Even if you don’t participate in the race, this event is great just to watch and get some amazing photos… be prepared to get a bit of colour in your hair too…

On Sunday,  IX Feria Artesanal y Comercial Moya en Fontanales.
At 10:00 opens the 9th Artisan and commercial fair of Fontanales. There is also bouncy castles for children. At 13:00 a music performance by “Aseres”.

17-18 AUGUST, LAS PALMAS 
‘VIVE EL ROCK’- EL CONCURSO

The second edition of the ‘Vive el Rock’, contest for local Rock bands.  Electric Alley and Los Coquillos, will perform alongside the finalist bands of the contest. This weekend on Saturday and Sunday its the final at Parque de Santa Catalina.

On Saturday starting at 17:30 and on Sunday at 13:30

Get to the capital if you want to rock out this weekend!

17-18 AUGUST, SANTA BRIGIDA
FIESTAS DE PINO SANTO ALTO

Every year around this time, the tiny little neighborhood of Pino Santo Alto in the municipality of Santa Brigida, up in the hills overlooking Las Palmas, is decorated to celebrate the festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Salud ( Virgin of Health).

This edition is marked by the closure of the Hermitage of Our Lady of Health, which has suffered damage to its structure, so the Eucharist celebrations will take place in the Hall from the Association of Neighbours or in the Main Plaza and its surroundings. The festivities are popular for their horse shows.

On Saturday, Romeria, the pilgrimage and offerings to the Patron Saint of Pino Santo Alto at 21:00. At 21:30, a night equestrian show. Horses and riders from Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria will participate
And the evening will end with a great Verbena, an after party with music group Güira Latina and DJ Álvaro Rodríguez.

On Sunday, starting at 10:30
An Exhibition of Dressage in different modalities at the field.
At 12:30 a solemn Eucharist is followed by a procession with the horses accompanying the image of the Virgin. At the end there is the very traditional Flamenco Dance with an Andalusian horse, rider and a dancer.
17:00 Gymkhana Automobile. At 19:30 Trophy delivery and chocolate with churros to end the day.

17-18 AUGUST, MOGÁN 
Fiestas en honor a la Inmaculada Concepción y San Andrés

The lovely little mountain neighbourhoods of Barranquillo Andrés and Soria (on the GC-505), up in Barranco de Arguineguín, past Cercado de Espino, in the municipality of Mogán and facing the water reservoir and massive Soria dam, are celebrating their fiestas until 25 August.

This Saturday , Soria is celebrating their Romería, the pilgrimage offering which starts at 19:30 from Cascada de Soria to the square just next to restaurant Casa Fernando. 

On Sunday, there is a foam party and water inflatables at 15:30 on Calle Antonio Mejias Navarro. At 16:30 live music by Apolo GV to enjoy a summer afternoon with some cold drinks.