Autumn Rituals in Lanzarote: La Noche de los Finaos
In Lanzarote, we celebrate both All Saints’ Day and the day before it (Hallowe’en) with chestnuts, stories and traditions that are part of our Noche de los Finaos. If you visit us this autumn, you can share in this ancient tradition with the added bonus of enjoying the best weather of the year.
Chestnuts and stories: La Noche de los Finaos
It’s no secret that autumn transforms the island. It’s a time of gentle winds, clear skies and, around All Saints’ Day, the aroma of roasted chestnuts, memories and traditions. Of course, here on the island we have our pumpkins (one of the most characteristic crops of El Jable) and our costumes (our carnival spirit lasts all year round), but our custom at this time of year is to celebrate Noche de los Finaos.
Between the end of October and the beginning of November, we dedicate our thoughts to those who are no longer with us through stories, music, seasonal products and community gatherings. It’s an opportunity to savour dried figs or sweet wine (our naturally sweet variety that’s the king of international competitions), while attending one of the street performances that bring the old ghost stories back to our towns and streets.
Arrecife: stories with a sea-faring heart
In recent years, the narrative tradition has become an opportunity to learn about the myths and legends of Noche de los Finaos through theatrical performances held against a traditional backdrop.
Every 31st October, Arrecife’s seafaring streets and corners – such as the Castillo de San Gabriel (the Archaeological Museum) or La Recova Municipal – are transformed into a stage for dramatizations, storytelling, traditional music concerts and tastings of typical products. This night that is so special for our community is the perfect time to lose yourself in the narrow streets near Charco de San Ginés, where stories of spirits and ghosts that are now part of our historical heritage are still remembered.
San Bartolomé: tradition in the agricultural heartland
San Bartolomé is one of the island’s towns that celebrates All Saints’ Day and its eve with theatrical performances that take place on its historic streets and in its architectural monuments. The stately Casa Ajei usually hosts a theatrical performance on 30th October.
This municipality maintains its strong agricultural roots, inviting you to immerse yourself in its local customs, since it preserves the essence of rural life from earlier times almost intact. If you decide to take part in its celebrations, don’t forget to soak up the local ethnography at the Museo Tanit, where objects, photographs, and historical documents of everyday life are preserved.
Incidentally, very close to the village of San Bartolomé is the Casa Museo del Campesino (Farmer’s House Museum), created by César Manrique in tribute to the people who work the fields. If you are in Lanzarote during All Saints’ Week, you may be able to take part in one of the workshops or traditional cuisine tastings that are usually organised here.
And if its wine culture that interests you, the wineries in the Protected Landscape of La Geria hold activities on certain days during these autumn months, such as volcanic Malvasia wine tastings, guided tours of the lapilli-covered vineyards and grape harvest workshops.
Femés: legends among the mountains
The small enclave of Femés, in the municipality of Yaiza, celebrates Noche de los Finaos with hot chocolate, children’s workshops, open-air theatre and Canarian parrandas. However, what makes these celebrations special is their location in the heart of the Monumento Natural de Los Ajaches.
Don’t miss this cultural experience in the heart of an absolutely spectacular landscape. While you’re there, sign up for one of the most beautiful hiking trails on the island, winding through the mountains until they reach Papagayo beach. Yes, Lanzarote can even please those who want it all: nature, tradition and legend.
Cementerio Viejo de Teguise: funerary heritage
The custom of visiting cemeteries is renewed every 1st November in Lanzarote. If you are on the island, come and explore one of the most emblematic examples of our funerary art: the Cementerio Viejo de Teguise, inaugurated in 1814, when the town was still the island’s capital. Although it no longer hosts burials, its heritage value makes it a must-see location, and it was recognised in 2017 by the organisation Adiós Cultural as Best Cemetery and Best Environmental Initiative.
Take a stroll within its white walls – which contrast with the volcanic landscape – and explore the mausoleums and tombs which are the resting place of the members of the ancient noble families of Teguise, such as Bethencourt, Herrera, and Perdomo, as well as of the many illustrious figures of the town. The best way to learn about the lifestyle of these personalities is to visit their former homes and temples, such as the Palacio Spínola and the Convento de Santo Domingo. And, if it’s Sunday, don’t miss the Teguise market, one of the most popular in the Canary Islands.
A volcanic tombstone for César Manrique
A beautiful way to celebrate All Saints’ Day in Lanzarote is to visit the tomb of César Manrique in Haría’s cemetery. The Valley of a Thousand Palm Trees was the place chosen as the final resting place for the genius who transformed the island into a harmonious canvas of art and nature. The tomb is moving in its simplicity, just a slab of volcanic stone guarded by a palm tree, a cactus, and other plants that have been growing since the artist’s death in 1992. This resting place is consistent with his philosophy of integration with the environment that he advocated during his lifetime.
Wandering around the municipality of Haría will help you understand the love César felt for this genuine and vibrant corner of the island. The best place to experience the island’s peaceful northern life is the Saturday craft market, a secluded gathering of producers and neighbours that gladdens the soul and connects you with the essence of this community.
This autumn, why not come and discover our rituals and let the Finaos tell our story?