Festivity of Los Dolores in Mancha Blanca, Lanzarote
About 14 km from Yaiza we find the beautiful village of Mancha Blanca, which holds in the week of the 15th of September, the most deeply rooted festival on the island of Lanzarote, dedicated to holy Virgen de los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows), known as the Virgen de los Volcanes(Our Lady of the Volcanoes), who is the patroness of Lanzarote. Pilgrims dressed in traditional local clothing come from all over the island to take part in the procession and devotedly bring their presents to the virgin’s chapel, accompanying the way with lively music played with local instruments such as timples and guitars, in a joyfull walk under the sun.
Mancha Blanca becomes a hot spot in the Canaries, attracting thousands of visitors. A a cultural, religious and gastronomic center, with tradicional dancing, singing, a handicraft festival and a wide gastronomic offer with local dishes such as the typical Canarian potato dish papas arrugadas, goat cheeses and potaje canario, a delicious chick pees stew.
Locals explain how in this village, during the last volcanic eruptions of Timanfaya between 1730 and 1736, the citizens of Tinajo sought the protection of the Virgin against the threat of lava that flowed close to their homes.
