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The Olive
'A place of history'

La Oliva likely owes its name to the presence of wild olive trees (acebuches) in its territory. This place, situated on a vast plain of fertile land, was an important settlement center for the Majos, an aboriginal people predating the Spanish period, which began with the conquest of Fuerteventura in 1405.

An anonymous manuscript recounts that the town of La Oliva was founded in 1500 by individuals known as the Hernández brothers, residents of the town of Betancuria, who built two small houses in this jurisdiction with the intention of moving to this area during the planting season…

Gradually, new towns are emerging such as: Corralejo, La Oliva, the port of El Tostón (El Cotillo), Vallebrón, La Caldereta, Los Lajares, Villaverde, El Roque, Parque Holandés, Tindaya…

From the establishment of the parish in 1711 and the transfer of the Colonel, La Oliva became the main political and social center of Fuerteventura thanks to the power of the Colonels. The reforms enacted by the Cortes of Cádiz in 1812 allowed it, upon exceeding one thousand inhabitants, to become an independent municipality from Betancuria.

After the disappearance of Los Coroneles at the end of the 19th century, La Oliva lost prominence to Puerto del Rosario. For centuries, its economy depended on cereal farming, livestock, and fishing.

From the 1970s onward, the tourism boom transformed the service sector into the engine of regional development. This growth boosted the population from 2,900 inhabitants in 1975 to nearly 25,000 today.

In the cultural sphere, the arrival of foreign populations has introduced new habits, relegating the traditional way of life to a secondary role.

LANDSCAPES

The municipality of La Oliva is located in the north of the island of Fuerteventura, with an area of 356.13 km² (21.5% of the total island), including the island of Lobos.

Tindaya Mountain is a unique space that contains important archaeological and geological values.

The Corralejo Natural Park is characterized, primarily, by its spectacular dune field.

The Isla de Lobos Natural Park is home to some 130 animal and plant species, in the middle of a landscape scarcely altered by man.

The Malpaís de la Arena Natural Monument is the result of volcanic eruptions from about ten thousand years ago that gave rise to a landscape of great beauty.

The Vallebrón Protected Landscape preserves the structures built by man for the agricultural use of the land in the middle of a fertile valley.


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Perfect temperature, unforgettable landscapes

La Oliva is characterized by having a warm climate, with a perfect temperature almost all year round that ranges between 20º and 25º and that in winter rarely drop below 15º.

Located in the north of Fuerteventura, it's an ideal spot for family holidays and a great place for surfing, windsurfing, diving, or fishing. Explore the trails that reveal its spectacular volcanic landscapes and the Isla de Lobos and Corralejo Dunes Natural Parks.

PARTIES

Great expressions
of the island's folklore

Folklore was always maintained through parties at patron saint festivals, social gatherings, or songs during planting and harvesting times.

The stories and legends are steeped in magic, especially in the Tindaya area. Traditions linked to religion persist, such as the Rancho de Ánimas at Christmas in the village of La Oliva.

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Carnival

The quintessential festival is the vibrant and colorful Carnival of Carnivals in Corralejo, celebrated in March. For a few days, Corralejo becomes a showcase of the imagination and joy of its people.

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It is considered one of the most important carnivals in the Canary Islands. Among its events, the Drag Queen Gala stands out as the main attraction of the carnival program, and is the oldest after the Drag Queen Gala of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.

Patron Saint Festivities
Celebrations that unite faith,
culture and tradition

Our Lady of Candelaria
the olive

Every February, La Oliva celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of Candelaria, one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the municipality.

The main events take place on February 2nd with the solemn religious service and the procession of the patron saint through the streets of the town, in an atmosphere of great community participation and popular tradition.

SAINT VINCENT FERRER
VILLAVERDE

Every April, Villaverde celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Saint Vincent Ferrer, one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the municipality of La Oliva.

The program combines religious, cultural and popular events, culminating in the solemn religious service, the procession of the saint and the traditional popular barbecue, symbols of the identity and coexistence of the town.

SAINT ANTHONY OF PADUA

LAJARES

Every June, Lajares celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua, one of the most anticipated events on the festive calendar of the municipality of La Oliva.

For several days, the town hosts a diverse program of religious, cultural, and recreational events that bring together residents and visitors. The celebration culminates with a solemn religious service and a procession of the saint through the town's streets, reflecting the devotion, traditions, and community spirit that characterize Lajares.

SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST
VALLEBRON

Every June, Vallebrón celebrates its festivities in honor of Saint John the Baptist, a tradition deeply rooted in this rural enclave of the municipality of La Oliva.

Locals and visitors participate in a program that combines religious ceremonies, cultural activities, and community gatherings. The festivities culminate with a solemn religious service and the procession of the saint, in a convivial atmosphere that celebrates the customs, identity, and cultural heritage of this unique village on Fuerteventura.

OUR LADY OF CARMEN
CORRALEJO

The patron saint festivities of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Corralejo, celebrated every July, are the maritime soul of Fuerteventura. During these days, the fishing village is adorned to honor its patron saint with great devotion and joy.

The most anticipated moment is the moving maritime procession, where dozens of boats accompany the Virgin Mary through the crystal-clear waters. This heartwarming celebration combines folklore, Canarian music, festivities, and a welcoming atmosphere. It's a unique experience that never fails to captivate every visitor.

POPULAR CANARY

DANCE

In May, Fuerteventura celebrates the Canarian Folk Dance, a festival that brings together music, folklore, and traditions of the archipelago. Locals and visitors alike participate in a festive day where traditional costumes, folk music, folk groups, and Canarian cuisine take center stage.

The meeting thus becomes a space for coexistence and celebration of the Majorera and Canarian identity, keeping the customs and community spirit alive.

CANARY ISLANDS DAY

Every May 30th, Fuerteventura joins in the celebration of Canary Islands Day with numerous activities that highlight the identity, traditions and culture of the archipelago.

Throughout May, towns and municipalities organize folk gatherings, music, gastronomy, traditional games and sports, workshops, and local festivals. This celebration keeps Canarian customs alive and reinforces pride in the island's roots.

SAINT ROQUE

In mid-August, various towns in Fuerteventura celebrate the festivities in honor of San Roque, combining tradition, culture, and community spirit. Villaverde hosts these celebrations with children's activities, sports and music events, gastronomy, traditional games, and open-air dances.

The program culminates around August 16, Saint Roch's Day, with religious events dedicated to the patron saint.

OUR LADY OF
CHARITY

Every August 15th, Tindaya, in the municipality of La Oliva, celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of Charity.

The festival combines devotion and tradition with sporting activities, music, street parties, and events for the whole family. The highlight is the religious service and the procession of the Virgin, accompanied by traditional music, in an atmosphere of community and popular celebration.

OUR LADY
HAVE A GOOD TRIP

Every August, El Cotillo celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of Good Voyage, patron saint of sailors and travelers. For several days, the town combines tradition and devotion with sporting activities, music, open-air dances, children's activities, and community gatherings.

Among the most outstanding events is the traditional maritime-terrestrial religious function, accompanied by the neighbors and the town's revelers.

San Martín
de porres

El Roque, in the municipality of La Oliva, celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of San Martín de Porres at the beginning of August.

The program combines devotion and tradition with street parties, folklore, traditional games, children's activities, and neighborhood gatherings. The main day includes a religious service and a procession through the town's streets, accompanied by a lively band, in an atmosphere of community and celebration.

OUR LADY OF
THE PAINS

La Caldereta, in the municipality of La Oliva, celebrates its patron saint festivities in September in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows and Saint Michael the Archangel.

The program combines tradition and community spirit with popular activities, music, food, and events for all ages. One of the highlights is the religious service and procession in honor of the Virgin, accompanied by traditional music.

OUR LADY
DEL PINO

Majanicho, in the north of Fuerteventura, celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of the Pine at the beginning of September.

The celebration combines tradition and community spirit with children's activities, a pilgrimage from Lajares, a communal barbecue, folklore, music, and open-air dances. The main day, September 8th, culminates with a religious service and the procession of the Virgin, bringing together locals and visitors.

OUR LADY
OF THE ROSARY

Every October, La Oliva celebrates its patron saint festivities in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary, one of the most deeply rooted traditional celebrations in the municipality.

The program combines religious services, folklore, music, and popular activities, with the Mass and procession of the Virgin taking center stage. Traditional games, open-air dances, and cultural events round out the festivities that bring together locals and visitors.

OUR LADY OF
THE MIRACULOUS ONE

Lajares celebrates its patron saint festivities at the end of November in honor of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, combining tradition, devotion and community.

For several days, a variety of sporting, children's, and cultural activities take place, along with music, traditional celebrations, a craft market, and open-air dances. The main day, November 27th, features a religious service and a procession of the Virgin Mary, accompanied by traditional music and local residents.