Quick Answer
Los Dolores is one of the most important traditional celebrations on the island. Today, Saturday 12 September, is Romería day in Mancha Blanca. The procession began at 16:30 from the football ground in Tinajo. The 37th Lanzarote Craft Fair is open until 15 September. And the whole thing finishes on Tuesday 15 September with a Malú concert at 21:00 and fireworks at 23:30. If you want to see Lanzarote beyond beaches and volcanoes, the next few days are the right time to do it.
What Is Los Dolores?
The celebrations honour Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores, also known as the Virgen de los Volcanes, the patroness of Lanzarote. Her story is tied directly to the island's volcanic past.
According to local tradition, during the major eruptions of the 18th century, people in Tinajo prayed to the Virgin as lava approached their community. The legend says that a cross was placed at the edge of the flow and the lava stopped or changed course at that point. The cross associated with the story can still be seen beside the Ermita de Los Dolores in Mancha Blanca today. That is a legend, not a geological fact. But it is also part of why Los Dolores carries a weight that a normal fiesta does not.
Timanfaya shows you what the volcanoes did to the landscape. Los Dolores shows you what they did to the people who stayed.
Today: The Romería de Los Dolores
The Romería is probably the most interesting part of Los Dolores for visitors and it is happening today. The procession began at 16:30 from the football ground in Tinajo. The first pilgrims and offerings are scheduled to arrive in Mancha Blanca from 18:00, followed by the Baile del Romero with Canarian parrandas from Pal' Porrón, Tinasoria, Son del Norte, La Polvajera and Pa'lante.
A Canarian romería is not a parade. It is a pilgrimage. Families and groups travel together towards the ermita in traditional dress, with music, food, offerings and a gathering that is as social as it is religious. This is not something created for tourists. That is exactly why it is worth experiencing.
If you are heading to Mancha Blanca this evening, leave time for crowds and transport. This is not a quick attraction you can drive up to, photograph and leave. Give it an hour minimum and let the evening unfold.
Getting There Today
The special Intercity Lanzarote bus service is running today and is worth using. Outbound buses from Arrecife operate until 23:00, approximately every 30 minutes. Return buses run until 05:00 on Sunday morning.
Between 16:00 and 22:00 the temporary Mancha Blanca bus stop is on the LZ-56 at Tinguatón due to traffic restrictions. There are also road closures around Tinajo and Mancha Blanca affecting the LZ-30, LZ-46, LZ-56, LZ-58, LZ-67 and LZ-409 at different times today. The bus is genuinely the easier option tonight.
What Is Still Happening
Saturday 12 September
Romería de Los Dolores from 16:30. Baile del Romero with Canarian parrandas after. Craft Fair open 10:30 to 21:30.
Sunday 13 September
Religious services at 09:00 and 12:00. La Trova concert at 18:00. Children's playback after. Craft Fair open 10:30 to 21:30. Sunday is the quieter day if you want the fair without the Romería crowds.
Monday 14 September
Merengazo Joven from 20:00 in Mancha Blanca with Edwin Rivera and Lauta, Orquesta La Sabrosa, Grupo Bomba, Banda Nueva, Mambo Latino and DJ Ángel Pérez. If traditional folklore is not your thing but you still want to be part of the fiesta, Monday night is the one for you.
Tuesday 15 September
Official island holiday in Lanzarote and La Graciosa for Nuestra Señora de Los Volcanes. Eucharistic services at 09:00, 11:00 and 19:00. After the 11:00 service, dancers from Lanzarote folklore groups perform Isa del Uno outside the ermita. Malú concert at 21:00. Fireworks at 23:30. Craft Fair open until 21:30.
Special buses on 15 September for the concert: outbound from Arrecife at 18:00 and 20:00, return at 23:30 and 00:00.
The Craft Fair
The 37th Feria de Artesanía de Lanzarote opened on 10 September and runs in Mancha Blanca until 15 September, opening from 10:30 to 21:30 each day. This is not a generic souvenir market. The 2026 fair brings together more than 140 participants including craftspeople from across the Canary Islands and invited artisans from Uruguay.
There are demonstrations, workshops and the chance to watch traditional skills being practised rather than just displayed. One section, Paisaje y Artesanía, follows traditional crafts using plant fibres from the raw material through to the finished work. If you want to take home something with a genuine connection to the island, this is a considerably better option than anything you will find in a resort gift shop.
What to Wear and How to Be There
Comfortable shoes. You will be walking and standing for a long time. Many local people taking part in the Romería wear traditional Canarian clothing. As a visitor you do not need to dress in costume. The better approach is to turn up respectfully, give it time and remember that this is a living religious and cultural tradition, not a themed attraction designed around your schedule.
Turn up. Watch. Listen. Give it more time than you think you need. That is almost always the right way to experience Los Dolores.
Frequently Asked Questions Is the Romería de Los Dolores today?
Yes. Saturday 12 September is Romería day. The procession began at 16:30 in Tinajo with the first pilgrims and offerings scheduled to reach Mancha Blanca from 18:00.
Is the Lanzarote Craft Fair still open?
Yes. The fair continues until 15 September, open 10:30 to 21:30 each day. More than 140 participants, proper craft demonstrations and significantly better than a souvenir shop.
When is the Malú concert?
Tuesday 15 September at 21:00 in Mancha Blanca. Fireworks at 23:30. Special buses from Arrecife at 18:00 and 20:00 if you do not want to drive.
Is there a bus to Los Dolores?
Yes. Special Intercity Lanzarote services are running today for the Romería and again on 15 September for the concert. Outbound until 23:00 today, returns until 05:00 Sunday morning. The bus stop between 16:00 and 22:00 is on the LZ-56 at Tinguatón due to road closures.
Is 15 September a holiday in Lanzarote?
Yes. 15 September 2026 is the official island holiday for Nuestra Señora de Los Volcanes in Lanzarote and La Graciosa.
Is Los Dolores suitable for tourists? Yes. Most of the events are public and visitors are welcome. Go respectfully, remember this is a genuine local celebration and give it more time than a quick look.
To Wrap Up
Most visitors come to Lanzarote for the beaches and the volcanoes. Both are worth it. But Los Dolores adds something those two things cannot: a direct line into how the island understands its own history, its own faith and its own community.
You do not need to understand every tradition or follow every religious detail. You just need to be there. The island does the rest.
