Yaiza in Lanzarote: Culture, Traditions and Holiday Apartments

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios gives Yaiza a distinctive cultural anchor: As part of the Canarian BIC heritage protection system, it is protected as a monument. Its original Mudejar-style timber framework and stone-tile flooring also make different elements of historic church architecture visible.

Culture and History

The present building of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios was constructed in 1728. The original chapel was built as early as 1699 and may correspond to one of the two present-day naves. Thus, several construction phases are closely juxtaposed at this site, without the earlier chapel necessarily being equated with the later building.

Another important site is the Casa de la Cultura Benito Pérez Armas. The building in Yaiza is the birthplace of the Lanzarote politician and writer Benito Pérez Armas. It is considered a very well-preserved example of Lanzarote’s traditional architecture. Its cultural functions include an event hall, a museum and an exhibition hall; in this way, the building connects its architectural history with different forms of public culture.

Traditions and Events

The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios take place in Yaiza; their main day is 8 September. During a pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Mary, children, adults and older people wear traditional clothing. Agricultural produce and non-perishable food are given as offerings to families in need. The religious occasion, clothing and communal gifts are all part of the same celebration.

The traditional Belén de Yaiza is a handmade display featuring around 35 models of characteristic Lanzarote buildings and numerous figures. The approximately 200-square-metre presentation depicts the island’s seven municipalities through their most significant churches and includes handmade ceramic figures showing scenes from everyday life. Architecture appears here not as a single building, but as a large-scale representation with an island-wide perspective.

The Rubicón Festival was established in 2011 on the initiative of the folklore group of the same name to promote popular Canarian singing and dancing traditions. It was held at the Plaza de los Remedios in Yaiza. The Rancho de Pascuas de Yaiza was established in 1971 and contributes to preserving a historic musical and religious Christmas tradition. Thus, alongside the festival day in September, folkloric and Christmas traditions also form part of the town’s cultural profile.

Other places: For further location options, Las Breñas, Playa Blanca, Uga, Femés, El Golfo, Las Casitas De Femés, Las Caletas and Playa Quemada are available.

Landscape and Townscape

Yaiza lies on the edge of the area buried by the volcanic eruptions of 1730 and 1736. At the same time, Yaiza is considered one of the best-preserved villages in the Canary archipelago. The streets and houses are carefully maintained and decorated with plants and flowers. Thus, the townscape brings together the memory of the volcanic eruptions and a described, well-kept village setting.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Yaiza, travel dates, apartment type and cancellation conditions can be considered separately. The accommodation decision can therefore be adapted to your own requirements, while the church, Casa de la Cultura, festivals, Belén and townscape provide different cultural points of reference for planning your trip.

For the overarching travel overview: Lanzarote.