Saint Michael the Archangel Festivals in Fuerteventura
This is one of the most important celebrations held in the islands, both for its historical significance and the participation and involvement of the local population. The town of Tuineje celebrates its Saint Michael festivals between late September and early October, in honor of the Battle of Tamasite and El Cuchillete, which took place in 1740. During this battle, the local people, the Majoreros, expelled the British invaders who had landed on some of the beaches of Fuerteventura.
It is traditional for the festivities to begin at the back of the Church of Saint Michael in Tuineje, which provides the perfect setting for a reenactment of what can be expected during the Saint Michael the Archangel celebrations, with numerous performances in different locations within the municipality of Tuineje.
Awards of the Saint Michael the Archangel Festivals
Currently, this festival holds three important awards:
- The title of National Tourist Interest Festival, as published in the Official State Bulletin (BOE).
- Cultural Interest and Tourist Interest asset by the Government of the Canary Islands.
- The honorary title of National Tourist Interest Festival for the Jurada Festivals in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel. This is the first festival on the island to receive such recognition.
Undoubtedly, one of the few traditional festivals on the island of Fuerteventura and in the Canary Islands archipelago that enjoys such awards and recognition.
What Do These Festivals Celebrate?
These festivals commemorate the historical event that took place in 1740, an event that marked the history of the Majorero society and is faithfully reenacted each year during the festivities.
The history of these festivals recalls two raids by English corsairs who landed on the coasts of Fuerteventura, one in October and another in November of the same year. Due to this attempt to conquer or plunder the island, it led to the two emblematic battles of Tamasite and El Cuchillete. In these battles, the Majoreros of Tuineje defended their territory using rudimentary weapons such as stones and sticks, against the heavily armed English soldiers who were equipped with swords and firearms. The British soldiers, who arrived by sea under the British flag, were defeated and expelled from the island.
The drums and salutes in honor of the fallen are heard every year before the attentive eyes of the locals who gather in the Plaza de Tuineje.
Where Are the Saint Michael the Archangel Festivals Celebrated?
The celebration of these festivals can last up to a month in some years, with events spread across the different towns in the municipality of Tuineje. The festivities usually follow a chronological order of the events that took place, rotating locations to represent different scenes.
Many Majoreros and locals from the area wish to be part of the festivals. More than 200 people participate in total, making it a major event that requires significant organization and logistics. The residents of each village immerse themselves fully in the role, with the help of associations and musical groups.
The towns where you can enjoy the different events are Antigua, Pájara, Gran Tarajal, Tiscamanita, Tarajalejo, and Tuineje. You can find the event program with all the details of the various celebrations at the tourist information office, the town hall, and they are also usually distributed in the most visited areas of each town. During these festival days, visitors can relive the historical moment that occurred in October of 1740, alongside the locals.
Highlights of the Saint Michael the Archangel Festivals
For more than 25 days, and at different locations across the municipality of Tuineje, the Majoreros gather in an organized and scheduled manner to carry out live reenactments and performances related to the Saint Michael the Archangel festivals.
Here are the three most relevant acts of the Jurada Festivals in honor of Saint Michael the Archangel in Tuineje:
- Reenactment of the English Landing on Gran Tarajal Beach
One of the most significant and recent additions to the celebrations, introduced in the last twenty years, is the reenactment of the English landing on Gran Tarajal Beach and their encounter with the locals.
The theatrical representation of the battles, performed by volunteers from the town dressed in the military uniforms of the time, is the most sought-after performance by visitors and tourists. Its magnificent stage production and dramatization attract large crowds to Gran Tarajal Beach.
Without a doubt, an unforgettable scene is witnessing the English landing with all their weaponry and the dramatic events that unfolded as a result of the island’s invasion, with the locals themselves acting as performers, dressed in period costumes.
- Representation of the Battles of El Cuchillete and Tamasite Mountain
Another highly anticipated moment of the festival is when the Majoreros face off against the English troops, turning the town of Tuineje and the Llano Florido into the battlefield.
A reenactment of the historic battles of El Cuchillete and Tamasite takes place. The story tells that in 1740, during the Anglo-Spanish War, English corsairs landed in the town of Gran Tarajal to carry out raids (this was the earlier representation at Gran Tarajal Beach). Despite their disadvantage in weaponry and military knowledge, the locals fought back against the troops. The English soldiers were equipped with metal swords and firearms, while the Majoreros had only stones and sticks for defense. Nevertheless, the locals won the two battles and drove the invaders from the island.
The locals involved in the reenactment dress in period clothing and show how the different battles unfolded, a fierce struggle between the Majoreros and the English.
- Pilgrimage and Offering in Honor of Saint Michael the Archangel
The grand pilgrimage and offering made to Saint Michael the Archangel on the eve of the main festival is a wonderful occasion for the gathering and meeting of pilgrims. With carts drawn by teams of donkeys, oxen, and camels, they bring all kinds of food to offer to the saint. The religious ceremony and procession the following day provide a brilliant conclusion to the festivals, which have been celebrated for centuries in Tuineje. This ceremony is undoubtedly a favorite among the older generations, although many young people also enjoy the tradition of presenting offerings to Saint Michael the Archangel.
This is a highly attractive tourist event that showcases island traditions, traditional clothing, the best local food products, and the island’s culinary delights.
The Jurada Festivals in Honor of Saint Michael the Archangel
These popular festivals in Fuerteventura are not limited to just the three events mentioned earlier. Remember, the celebrations can last almost a month. Throughout this time, there are also performances of folk and traditional music, offering a great opportunity to discover the best of local music. Additionally, there are gatherings of poets who recite poetic stories and songs about the events being celebrated, a very peculiar way to recount this history. Public announcements by local citizens, historical object exhibitions, conferences on the historical and ethnographic values of the festival, projections, parties and activities for children, sports days featuring indigenous sports like Canary wrestling, dance parties with musical performances, and the famous party shacks, small bars where you can eat and drink until late into the night, all provide the perfect setting to enjoy the best local food products.
Who Organizes These Festivals?
The Mas Ruines que Caín Association is the main organizer, with the collaboration and support of the Fuerteventura Island Council, the Tourism Department, the Tourism Board, all the island’s town halls, particularly the Tuineje Town Hall, the Canary Islands Parliament, the Business Association, the Neighborhood Associations, and local residents. Together, through hard work and cooperation, they ensure each year that the Saint Michael the Archangel Festivals are a reality and achieve various accolades, including being declared a National Tourist Interest Festival.
You will feel fortunate if you can visit this popular festival on the island of Fuerteventura, a must-see event every year for the local residents and, increasingly, for tourists who happen to be on vacation during these dates.