5 Key Dates for your diary when booking your Lanzarote holiday

Most people come to Lanzarote to escape the cold weather of Northern Europe, to take advantage of the year round warm temperatures and sunshine. But some people will aim to book their stay to coincide with some key dates for annual events and festivals. Here are 5 key dates for your diary when your booking your Lanzarote holiday.

Lanzarote may only be a small island, with a relatively small population, but it knows how to arrange a good party or event. Throughout the year locals and holiday-makers are treated to a calendar of food festivals, religious holidays, sports events and of course, Carnival season. We've picked out 5 of the biggest and best events just in case you fancy booking your Lanzarote holiday to coincide with them.

Three Kings (Dia de los Reyes)

Whilst you may be used to celebrating Christmas on the 25th December, whilst the Spanish and Canarian locals will also partake in festivities around this date, usually with a family meal on the 24th, their main celebration takes place on the 6th January. This day is known as Dia de los Reyes, or day of the three kings. It's the date when the three wise men were said to bring their gifts to Jesus, so logically it makes sense to give gifts on this day rather than the 25th.

The day is often celebrated with family, and locals and holiday-makers can enjoy the Three Kings precession that takes place through local towns. Although you could argue this is a day largely for children to celebrate, the Spanish know how to party. Events may continue into the evening as they celebrate ´their' Christmas in style.

A lot of holiday-makers will book their winter stay in Lanzarote to cover the Christmas celebrations of the 24th/25th December, New Years Eve and then stay on to witness the Three King Celebrations on the 6th January. It's certainly a busy period when it comes to fiestas!

Carnival

If you're new to Lanzarote, or Spain in general, and haven't heard about Carnival then you're in for a treat. Although Carnival isn't really a specific day (it's more of a season) the street parade takes place during an afternoon / early evening and brings people out to line the streets drinking beer, dressed up in costumes and soaking up the party atmosphere.

As we mentioned, Carinval is more of a season, and the parade days differ around the towns on the island of Lanzarote. Therefore its not uncommon for the locals to move around the island taking part, or watching, the street parades in all the different towns. Carnival usually takes place around the month of March so keep an eye out for the posters and information, advising dates and the themes for the celebrations.

What exactly is Carnival?

Carnival isn't just an excuse to have a party. Carnival, or 'Carnaval' in Spanish, is celebrated across Spain and considered a last chance to indulge before the start of Lent.

Iron Man

For the sports enthusiasts out there, Iron Man is the ultimate challenge and sporting event as competitors take on the gruelling Lanzarote Ironman Circuit. The Lanzarote Ironman itself is one of the longest in Europe, with the course expanding around the stunning volcanic landscape of the island.

The ironman event itself includes an Ocean Swim, Bike Ride and run. When you consider the Lanzarote terrain and temperatures, it's easy to understand why the event is one of the most challenging Ironman Circuits around.

For spectators, the Ironman is a great event to watch. Whilst the event has often been centred around Puerto del Carmen, other parts of the island also get to enjoy watching and encouraging the competitors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Ironman does cause some slight disruption to the island, for the weekend, so if you're staying over Ironman weekend make sure you plan to avoid these when it comes to days out or exploring.

Canarian Day (Dia de Canarias)

Dia de Canarias is celebrated each year on the 30th May. It is a public holiday across all the Canary Islands and celebrates the first ever session of the autonomous Canary Island Parliament, held on 30 May 1983.

On this day, locals and tourists don traditional Canarian outfits and celebrate the culture of the islands with parties, music, local cuisine and drink.

Whilst many people come to Lanzarote, simply for the warm temperatures and sunshine, for others being on the island on Dia de Canarias is a great way to learn about the heritage and roots of the locals who worked the land and seas many, many years ago.

Nuestra Señora del Carmen

The fiesta of Nuestra Señora del Carmen, officially celebrated on the 16th July, is a spectacle to behold. Largely celebrated in Lanzarote in Costa Teguise, Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca, the main event is parading of the effigy of Nuestra Senora del Carmen from the church, around the town and onto the Fishermans boats, where an annual blessing of the sea is carried out along with prayers for a bountiful catch for the coming year.

Both Puerto del Carmen and Playa Blanca have churches dedicated to Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

Whilst today the resorts thrive through Tourism, the celebration of Nuestra Señora del Carmen is a testimony to the roots of the Canarian towns that relied on fishing for the survival of the locals an the economy.

Of course, even if you aren't here for any of the big events on the island, you'll still find plenty of things to do in Lanzarote. From Catamaran Trips to Volcano Tours, and Buggys to Animal Parks there is always something going on to keep the whole family entertained and create magical memories of your Lanzarote Holiday.