Belenes route amidst volcanoes, beaches and wineries
Christmas in Lanzarote: tradition among volcanoes
The nativity scene route in Lanzarote is much more than a Christmas itinerary: it is an opportunity to discover the island from a different perspective. Each nativity scene reflects the identity of this region and becomes a journey through unique landscapes, traditions and flavours. Will you join us?
The monumental nativity scene of Yaiza
The Yaiza nativity scene is the jewel in the crown of Christmas. Installed in the volcanic crater setting of Los Remedios Square, it covers 400 square metres and recreates the island of Lanzarote in miniature. Every detail of this monumental work has been crafted by the Town Hall’s own team of workers: a true homage to the slow, tranquil life of this southern town.
We recommend you set aside a day to fully enjoy a visit to Yaiza, the gateway to Timanfaya National Park. Take the opportunity to explore the Fuego Mountains, enjoy the Route of the Volcanoes or visit the Charco de Los Clicos lagoon in El Golfo, with its volcanic green lagoon.
Arrecife: beach and nocturnal nativity scenes
The capital’s traditional nativity scene, located in Ramírez Cerdá Park (known locally as “Parque Viejo”),features hundreds of figures, recreations of landscapes inspired by Lanzarote, and light and sound effects that make it an immersive experience both by day and by night. The uniqueness of this nativity scene is that it is conceived as an artistic representation of the island, evoking volcanoes, beaches of black sand, mountains and rural landscapes.
But if you’re in Arrecife – perhaps staying in one of the many hotels lining the magnificent seafront avenue – you may already have spotted, from a bird’s-eye view, the sand nativity on the beach of El Reducto. There are few towns where Christmas iconography can be so radically changed and you have to take your shoes off to appreciate a nativity scene up close, an ephemeral artwork erected on the beach each Christmas. And don’t be surprised if you spot a Santa hat on the head of a paddleboarder in a swimsuit.
A nautical extra: to stroll around Arrecife is to discover the marine essence of Lanzarote. Don’t miss the Charco de San Ginés lagoon, a corner full of little boats and restaurants, nor the Castle of San Gabriel, which watches over the bay from its islet.
The living figures of Tinajo
If you’ve decided to spend 25 December with us, we can only encourage you to visit the living nativity of Tinajo– an actual performance that complements the permanent nativity and is now a well-established tradition in this northern village. It’s a wonderful discovery to witness this event taking shape and finding its voice alongside locals and visitors in the popular San Roque Square.
Bear in mind that Tinajo has a surfer’s heart. Very nearby is the village of La Santa, whose waters are one of the best surf spots in the Canary Islands. Take the chance to soak up the relaxed sporting atmosphere of the village and, while you’re there, try one of the local gastronomic delights: the La Santa prawn. What a fantastic Christmas gift!
A nativity in La Geria
In the heart of the Obispo Ravine, in the district of La Geria, the Bodega Stratvs treats locals and visitors to a spectacular nativity scene that reproduces with superb realism the traditional houses, ancient wine presses, and even the camels of Timanfaya, all surrounded by volcanic vineyards and views of the Fuego Mountains.
We are in the beating heart of Lanzarote’s wine country. Take the opportunity to tour its wineries and taste unique wines cultivated in volcanic ash. Few experiences are as thrilling as a sunset over the ash-covered vineyards of this landscape which is unparalleled in the world.
In Haría, at the street market
There is something particularly charming about the custom of buying Christmas presents at a local street market in Haría. In the town square, surrounded by palm trees and white houses, the traditional street market is usually set up every Saturday, adorned with a nativity scene at Christmas. It’s always a good idea to visit this northern village, one of the corners that best represents simple Lanzarote life. It’s no coincidence it was the place the visionary artist César Manrique chose to spend his final years.
Nautical recreations
The nativity of La Tiñosa, in Puerto del Carmen (Tías), next to the fishing port’s chapel, recalls the tradition of the men and women of the sea every year. The island’s fishing and maritime past lives on in its soul, just like on the island of La Graciosa.
One lovely memento of the “Eighth Canary Island” could be a visit to the Belén de Pepín, named in honour of its creator, a beloved sailor in the community who each year replicates the village of Caleta de Sebo, including the houses, the sandy streets, the church, the school, the medical clinic, the square, and even Local Police headquarters – all buildings which, perhaps just by looking up, you can glimpse in the small village of La Graciosa.
There’s no excuse not to embark on our unique nativity scene route. Lanzarote is waiting for you. Merry Christmas!