AEMET, the Spanish meteorological agency predict highs of around 26º celcius in the south accompanied by the possibility of some cloud cover, a few degrees lower is estimated for the north and summits and some probably cloud up there too.
Saturday is the Spain’s National Day which is always celebrated on 12 October, marking several anniversaries including that of having bridged the Atlantic for the first time.
It was known as Hispanic Day (up until 1987) or Día de la Hispanidad, now just termed Fiesta Nacional de España. Not only is 12th October a commemoration of Christopher Columbus fateful arrival in the Americas, while he tried to find Japan, swearing till his dying day he had reached India, but it is also the Official Day of Spanish speaking nations, the Feast Day of the Virgin de Pilar and Spain’s Armed Forces Day.
So it really is a combination of many sides of all things Spanish!
The Canary Guide 34 11-13 October 2019
The Canary Guide to your Spanish National Day weekend
Posted by The Canary News on Thursday, October 10, 2019
11-13 OCTOBER, LAS PALMAS
FIESTAS DE LA NAVAL
In La Isleta, celebrations are held every October to honour Our Lady of La Luz, patron of the Port and protector of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. The festivities commemorate the island victory over the ill fated attack by the British pirates Francis Drake and John Hawkins in October 1595. The festivities being are celebrated this year between 2-21 October.
The victory against the British privateer Sir Francis Drake gave rise to the celebration of La Naval, making this event and its Pilgrimage “one of the oldest on the island and possibly in the Canary Islands”, and has been commemorated in the Hermitage of La Luz since 1600.
On Friday, a eucharist and religious Novena procession at 19:00 travelling via the streets: Gomera, Sagasta, Fuenteventura, Lanzarote, La Palma, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Albareda, Los Gofiones, Paseo de Las Canteras. This is to be followed by one of the traditional events of these parties, a Night Dip, which will be preceded by a retreat with the Agaete Band and papahuevos, larger than life Papier Mâché dolls, from 20.00. The route goes via the streets Pérez Muñoz, Tauro, Benecharo, Tecén, Taliarte, Faro, Prudencio Morales, and travels along the main Las Canteras seafront promenade until the Real Club Victoria.
Subsequently, at the plaza del Diputado Eduardo Suárez, in La Puntilla, from 22.00 a performance by a murga group ‘Los Melindroso’. The day will end at Mercado del Puerto with a concert from the popular local music band ‘Los 600’, which will begin at 22:30.
On Saturday, from 10.00 there will be an exhibition of military materials from the Regiment of Artillery Anti Aircraft-94 in the gardens of the Castillo de la Luz. There is a concert ‘La Naval de día’ by Elegua at 13:00 at Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Luz. In the afternoon, starting at 18:00 a tribute event at the Castillo de la Luz to the gunners who fought to defend the castle. At 20:00 the religious procession with the image Our Lady of the light. The day will end with the Great Night Concert of La Naval at 22:30 at Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Luz
On Sunday, facepainting and popular games starting at 10:30 at Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Luz. A Concert by Última Parada at 13:00 at Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Luz and later in the evening at 20:00 the Election of the Dame and Grand Dame of the festivities at Plaza de Ntra. Sra. de la Luz
11-13 OCTOBER, LAS PALMAS FIESTAS DEL PILAR GUANARTEME
Fiestas del Pilar 2019 of Guanarteme, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and in honour of the very first apparition of the Virgin Mary, who revealed herself to the apostle James (Santiago) who later became the patron saint of Spain. From October 3 to 18. The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar is celebrated on 12 October and she is the Patroness of all Hispanic peoples and the Spanish Civil Guard.
On Friday at 20:00, a great night of traditions and the offering to the Lady of Pilar. With performances from the Agrupación Tamadaba, Agora and Xerach, Parranda de Guanarteme and other guests. This year, due to various road works in the neighborhood, there will be no pilgrimage through the streets however. At 23:45 Night departure of the Papagüevos, the larger than life Papier Mâché dolls, who invite the residents to go to Playa de las Canteras to enjoy the fireworks. Route: Plaza del Pilar, Simancas, Covadonga, Auditorium, Pavia, Castillejos, Cayetana Manrique Simancas and Plaza del Pilar. At midnight a fireworks spectacle at the height of the statue of Alfredo Kraus. At 00:30 Grand 40th Anniversary Concert of Harmony Show on stage in Plaza del Pilar.
On Saturday, at 13.00 the departure of Our Lady of Pilar with the song of Ave Maria sung by Mlou Kids. At 21:00 Grand Gala Election of the Drag Queen El Pilar 2019. Presented by local tv star Roberto Herrera. At 23:30 at the Plaza del Pilar: Performance of the Salvapantallas.
On Sunday at 13:00 the Popular Gran Paella at Plaza del Pilar. While the Paella is being enjoyed a great concert to mark End of Parties for the weekend. Performances: Midnight Soul band and Los Lola.
FRIDAY 11 OCTOBER, LAS PALMAS
CUMBRE DE MI GRAN CANARIA – CONCERT
On Friday, there is a solidarity concert at the Gran Canaria Arena to honour and show gratitude to all the people affected and those who fought the fires. “Cumbre de mi Gran Canaria” -concert will feature Los Gofiones, Cristina Ramos, Yeray Rodríguez, Marilia, Los Sabandeños and musicians from all the islands who have wanted to join the event in solidarity. You can buy solidarity tickets for 5 euros here. The event is organized by the ten affected municipalities with the collaboration of the Cabildo de Gran Canaria and several dozen companies.
Doors opens at 19:00 and the concert (120 minutes) starts at 20:00
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER, THE CANARY ISLANDS MAZDANZA 2019
The International Contemporary Dance Festival of the Canary Islands, MASDANZA, was born on Gran Canaria, in 1996. The festival has consolidated itself year after year, going from a small regional event, to gaining national attention by its second edition, and then on to an international festival of dance from its sixth edition until now, spreading beyond our national borders and open to the participation of international choreographers and dancers. The Festival runs from October 12 to November 02 and you can see the full program here.
On Saturday, the inaugural day, from the Maspalomas Dunes view point you will be able to watch some amazing free outdoor dance performances, starting from 19:00.
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER, SANTA LUCIA
MERCADO AGRÍCOLA Y GANADERO DE GRAN CANARIA
The Agricultural Market of Gran Canaria, this weekend in La Karpa, Vecindario offers an opportunity to purchase fresh produce directly from the primary sector (farmers) at an adjusted price. Vegetables, fruits, honey, cheeses, oil, bread and sweets are just some of the produce that can be found, constituted to support the primary sector of the region. The freshest produce at your fingertips.
The Market is open from 08:30-13:30
SATURDAY 12 OCTOBER, GÁLDAR FRONTONKING 2019
The bodyboarding world championship is held again this year on the coast of Gáldar, Gran Canaria between October 12 to 26.
On Saturday The most fun and diverse sporting festival returns to the coast of Gáldar on Gran Canaria. In addition to seeing the World’s Best Bodyboarders, you can also participate completely free in all workshops and activities, and enjoy some brilliant concerts. Highlights include the pop operatics of Cristina Ramos, winner of Got Talent Spain and La Voz México as well as Última LLave, Mel Ömana y Yet Garbey. As a novelty there is also to be a Skate Championship in the new Bowl Skatepark of Agujero de Gáldar.
There will be a Pool Party at the natural pools of Agujero sponsored by 7up. Naviera Armas as part of the Plastic Free project have organised a beach cleaning and many more activities for all audiences. Different sports clinics and endless activities so don’t miss the fun.
SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER, INGENIO
INGENIO COLOUR FESTIVAL 2019
The 3rd edition of Ingenio Colours festival in Carrizal and on Avenida de Carlos V.
This is a festival of inclusion consisting of a charity run with a little twist. People throwing different coloured powders at people who are taking part in the run , making it the most colourful charity running competition ever. The colours are all safe and natural.
After the run, there is a concert where there will also be different stands with food, drinks and a lot of colours. An outdoor music concert will be headlined by “Los Salvapantallas”
SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER, MOGÁN MERCADILLO AGRÍCOLA Y ARTESANAL DE PUERTO RICO
Farmer’s market and handicrafts. Every fortnight, on a Sunday, in an tranquil setting surrounded by palm trees and to the sound of typical Canarian music, early in the morning there is a farmers and crafts market.
Locally grown fruits and vegetables, cheese, sweets and so much more. This weekend also the new market season starts, so there are also tastings of typical Canarian delights.
The market is open from 08:30-14:30
SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER, GÁLDAR
VISITA DE LA VIRGEN DEL PINO A GÁLDAR
Sunday, the 13th is going to be a historic important day for the people of Gáldar and faithful Gran Canarians. It is going to be the first time that the patron saint of Gran Canaria and the Diocese of the Canary Islands will visit the original royal capital of Gran Canaria and celebrations will continue throughout Sunday. The visit of the Virgen del Pino to Gáldar is going to be a day full of magic and emotion for many locals.
Early in the morning at 07.00 Bajada de Guayarminas. Arrival of the image of Our Lady of the Pine and a procession along the street Captain Quesada and Plaza de Santiago accompanied by the Municipal Music Band of the Royal City of Gáldar.
On arrival to the front of the Municipal Offices and Town Halls, great petalada to the Virgen del Pino. Also, upon arriving at the Plaza de los Faycanes, uncovering of the plaque commemorating the historic visit of the patron saint of Gran Canaria and the Diocese of the Canary Islands, by the Vicar General of the Diocese, Don Hipólito Cabrera and the mayor of the city, Don Teodoro Sosa.
8.00 at the front of Santiago Matriz temple. Reception of the image by the ecclesiastical authorities and the Municipal Corporation chaired by the mayor of the city, Don Teodoro C. Sosa Monzón.
8.30/10:00/11:00/12:00/17:00 an eucharist at Santiago Matriz Temple.
At 18.00 a rosary prayer at Matriz Temple of Santiago.
At 19.00 A Solemn Eucharist presided by the Hon. and Rev. Mr. Don Francisco Cases Andreu, Bishop of the Diocese of the Canary Islands.
At 20.30 at the front of the Matriz Temple of Santiago. Institutional act of recognition and appreciation, with live music and the offering of the five neighborhoods affected by the fire in the municipality of Gáldar (Saucillo, Caideros, Fagajesto, Juncalillo and Barranco Hondo).
22.00 Prayer Vigil to the Virgen del Pino in gratitude for the visit to the municipality and farewell of the virgin.
22.30 Audiovisual show and great pyrotechnic exhibition in tribute to the First historical visit of the patron saint of Gran Canaria and the Diocese of Gáldar.
OTHER EVENTS:
11-13 OCTOBER, LAS PALMAS FESTIVAL ZERO ( TICKET EVENT ) Annex of the Plaza de la Música (next to the Alfredo Kraus Auditorium) of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
13 OCTOBER, MOGÁN, VI ACEBUCHES TRAIL ( MOUNTAIN RUNNING RACE )
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