La Guancha is marking Finados with four days of activities from 30 October to 2 November, bringing together local folklore, old traditions and a chance to remember those who have passed away.
The programme is designed to keep the municipality’s customs alive, including some of the stories and beliefs that have been passed down through generations.
Things get under way on Friday 30 October at 8pm with a talk called Ethnographies of Witches, Fears and Apparitions. Anthropologist and researcher Fernando Hernández will explore the popular beliefs and spooky tales that once formed part of everyday life.
Earlier that day, at 5.30pm, a Mass for the Solemnity of All Saints will be held at the Natero church cemetery. This will be followed by a commemorative event marking the cemetery’s 150th anniversary, with music from the Angelicus duo, featuring soprano Sally Li and pianist Romeo Mologni. The performance forms part of the 2025-26 Canary Islands Sacred Music Festival.
On Saturday 31 October at 6pm, visitors can join a free guided route outside the Natero church cemetery, exploring local traditions, legends and stories from another era. Registration is required.
Sunday 1 November brings one of the area’s more unusual customs: Pan por Dios. This tradition sees children taking part in a local custom that has long been rooted in the coastal neighbourhood of Santa Catalina. In recent years, it has also spread to Santo Domingo and the town centre, with local schools helping to pass it on to younger generations.
The programme concludes on Monday 2 November at 11.30am, with a Mass commemorating the Faithful Departed at El Roque municipal cemetery.
Finados is a chance to remember loved ones, but it’s also an opportunity to keep local history alive. From tales of witches and apparitions to customs passed down through families, La Guancha is making sure these traditions don’t simply disappear.