Arguineguín and the Fiesta del Carmen

Arguineguín is a pretty village on the south coast of Gran Canaria and the only naturally grown settlement in the area. Although there are now numerous hotels around the village, it has still preserved its original character. Here, you can truly feel authentic Spanish life.

The village lies beautifully right by the sea. The narrow lanes and charming houses hint at how life once unfolded in this former fishing village.

The beach is well-kept and clean, and the sea shimmers in the most beautiful shades of blue.

In the restaurants along the promenade, you can taste the daily catch of fresh fish as well as luscious seafood—a true delight.

Every Tuesday is market day.

The market takes place on and around the large car park located at the entrance of the village. Here, you can find a wide variety of goods—from clothing and shoes to ubiquitous aloe vera products, souvenirs, jewellery, and much more.

We’ve wandered the market for hours, and most of the time we end up buying far more than we intended.

But the real highlight in Arguineguín is, year after year, the “Fiesta del Carmen,” a folk festival celebrated during the week of July 16.

The Virgen del Carmen, the patron saint of fishermen, is honoured along the Spanish coast.

In Arguineguín, the festival mainly takes place in the car park where the market is held on Tuesdays. There are numerous food stalls, live music, rides. The atmosphere comes alive especially in the evening and remains joyful late into the night.

In addition, there are many religious processions and a fireworks display that lights up the sky and reflects on the sea.

The “Bajada de la Rama” is probably the most unusual part of the festivities. As people move through the town—accompanied by live musicians—they throw water on each other. Even from balconies, water is poured down. Nobody stays dry, and the fun factor is enormous.

The main celebration, however, takes place on July 16: the statue of the Virgin is carried from the church in a procession through the entire village to the beach. There, a mass is held. Afterwards, the fishermen take the statue on board and head out to sea.

The atmosphere is unique—somewhere between religious devotion, celebratory mood, and admiration of the village’s beauty in the light of the setting sun.

Following that, the usual party resumes. People drink, eat, laugh, and dance until the early hours of the morning.

Whenever we have been in Gran Canaria in July, we never miss this festival.

Once, we also attended the festivities in Puerto de Mogán, which we enjoyed very much.

Especially the evening stroll through Mogán was a lovely change. But in my opinion, the atmosphere in Arguineguín can’t be beaten.