San Miguel de Abona is getting ready for one of the biggest dates in its calendar, with more than 20 events planned for its Fiestas Patronales in honour of San Miguel Arcángel.
The celebrations run from 11 to 29 September, with a mix of traditional events, live music, sport, food, family activities and, of course, the big XLI Romería.
September is clearly a big deal in San Miguel.
The celebrations get started
The fiestas begin on Friday 11 September with a traditional lunch for older residents at the Centro de Mayores at 13:30.
Later that evening, at 20:00, the Festival Guargazo takes place in Plaza Don Ignacio Rodríguez López.
Saturday 12 is all about sport, with slalom, motocross and BMX getting underway from 09:00. The day finishes with the neighbourhood gathering ‘¡Ños, me supo!’ at 19:30.
On Sunday 13, there’s more sport with the XIV Cicloturista Irichen Bike Point, the Canary Islands Motocross Championship and an exhibition of classic bicycles.
Romera Mayor and a night of entertainment
On Thursday 17 September, the traditional speech will be given by Mariano González Delgado at 20:30. The candidates for Romera Mayor de las Fiestas Patronales 2026 will also be presented.
The big gala follows on Friday 18 September in the Plaza de la Iglesia.
The Gran Gala de Elección de la Romera Mayor starts at 21:00 and will include comedy from Kike Pérez, alongside performances from Vinomio Folk and Isabel González.
Then comes one of the newer additions to the programme.
Food, music and a bit of nostalgia
On Saturday 19 September, the second edition of the ‘Bendita Gula’ food festival gets underway from 13:00.
There will be street food, live music, a market and activities, with the whole thing given an 80s and 90s theme.
Meanwhile, over at the municipal circuit in Las Chafiras, the Spanish BMX Championship starts at 16:00. The competition continues on Sunday morning from 09:00.
Sunday 20 also brings an intercultural gathering with Puerto Rico, taking place at 13:00 at the Casino de San Miguel.
The big weekend
The fiestas really get into full swing on Friday 25 September, with the Banda de Música de San Miguel joining Delokos Sinfónicos for a concert in Plaza Don Ignacio Rodríguez López at 20:00.
Then comes the big one.
On Saturday 26 September, the Eucharist and transfer of San Miguel Arcángel will take place at 13:00, before the XLI Romería gets underway at 14:30.
The procession starts at Cooperativa CASMI and follows the Carretera General del Sur and the Carretera a Los Abrigos before finishing at Calle Antonio Alonso.
Expect plenty of traditional music, Canarian customs and the usual colourful atmosphere along the route.
The day finishes with performances from several orchestras in the plaza from 17:30.
Sunday 27 will then bring the Festival de Mayores, starting at 18:00.
The final days
The religious side of the celebrations continues on Monday 28 September, with a Eucharist for deceased residents at 18:30 in the cemetery chapel.
Then it’s time for the final day.
Tuesday 29 September starts at 10:00 with ‘Desayuna en familia’, followed at 14:00 by a large paella and dancing for local residents.
At 19:30, the ceremonial transfer of the banner will take place, accompanied by a fireworks display and the Banda de Música de San Miguel.
The celebrations finish properly at 20:00 with the solemn Eucharist in honour of San Miguel Arcángel, presided over by the Vicar General of the Diocese, followed by the traditional procession through the streets of the municipality.
So if you live in or around San Miguel, September is going to be a busy one.
There should be something for pretty much everyone, whether you’re there for the traditions, the music, the food, the sport or simply the chance to catch up with half the municipality in one place.