Program of the Patronal Festival of the Descent of the Virgin 2025

The Bajada de la Virgen in La Palma is the island’s most important lustral festival, attracting thousands of people during more than a month of celebrations. This event combines religious acts with historical and cultural activities, offering exciting experiences for all attendees. The 2025 edition is particularly significant, as the 2020 event could not take place due to the pandemic. Below is the provisional schedule for the Bajada de la Virgen de Las Nieves 2025, highlighting the most important moments of the festival.

Program Bajada 2025

LITTLE WEEK (SEMANA CHICA)

Sunday, June 29

• • Festive Morning Parade (Diana Floreada): The official start of the celebrations with lively music.

• • Transfer of the Insignia of Mary: From the Town Hall to the Main Parish of El Salvador.

• • Eucharist and Blessing of the Insignia: Religious ceremony to bless the insignia.

• • Bell Ringing and Solemn Transfer of the Insignia: Procession to the Castle of the Virgin.

• • Raising of the Insignia: Solemn ceremony at the Castle of the Virgin.

• • Pilgrims’ Mass: At the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows.

• • Descent of the Throne: Transfer of the throne from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows to the Main Parish of El Salvador.

Tuesday, July 1

• • Island Folklore Festival: Traditional music and dance performances from the island.

Wednesday, July 2

• • Children’s Festival: Activities and shows dedicated to children.

Thursday, July 3

• • Opening Parade: A grand parade to announce the start of the festivities.

Friday, July 4

• • Dance of the Mascarones: Traditional dance performance.

• • Romería Dances: Traditional shepherd dances of La Palma along Calle Real.

Saturday, July 5

• • Lustral Wrestling Match: Canarian wrestling competition.

• • Dance Proclamation: Presentation of the festive iconography of La Palma.

BIG WEEK (SEMANA GRANDE)

Sunday, July 6

• • Festive Morning Parade (Diana Floreada): Lively music at dawn.

• • Children’s Choreographed Dance: A special dance show for children.

• • Dance of the Mascarones: A second performance of this traditional dance.

Monday, July 7

• • Pandorga Parade: A festive parade featuring paper lanterns.

Tuesday, July 8

• • 18th Century Festival Proclamation: Historic reenactments and festive announcements.

• • Historical Balcony Reenactments and Procession: A cultural and theatrical representation.

• • Military Parade: From the Royal Castle of Santa Catalina to the Castle of the Virgin.

• • Procession of the Virgin’s Militia Company: Marching towards the Central Venue of the Fiestas Lustrales.

• • 18th Century Festival Performance (Minuet): A historical performance at the festival’s central venue.

Wednesday, July 9

• • Acrobats’ Dance Performance: A display of acrobatic skills and artistic expression.

Thursday, July 10

• • General Bell Ringing: Festive ringing of the church bells.

• • Dance of the Mascarones: Another performance of the traditional dance.

• • Staging of the Dance of the Dwarfs: Held at the Central Venue and along the main streets up to Plaza de la Alameda.

Friday, July 11

• • Flower Battle Parade: A parade featuring elaborately decorated flower floats.

• • Allegorical and Triumphal Float Parade: A moving spectacle of grand floats.

• • Allegorical and Triumphal Float Presentation: A static showcase of the floats.

Saturday, July 12

• • Pilgrims’ Eucharist: Religious service at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows.

• • Procession of the Descent of the Virgin of the Snows: A solemn religious procession.

• • Reception at the Hermitage of Santo Cristo del Planto: A welcoming ceremony.

• • Reception at La Encarnación Square: Featuring the Salutatory Loa performance.

• • Civitatem Decorare: A city decoration event.

• • Allegory of Light: A spectacular light show.

TRIUMPHAL ENTRY – Sunday, July 13

• • Festive Morning Parade (Diana Floreada): Lively music to start the day.

• • Civic Procession of the Royal Banner: From the Town Hall to La Encarnación Square.

• • Reception of His Majesty King Felipe VI’s Representative: Official welcoming ceremony.

• • Triumphal Entry Procession: A solemn procession marking the Virgin’s grand arrival.

• • Dialogue Between the Castle and the Ship: Theatrical representation of the festival’s history.

• • Naval Salute by the Spanish Navy: A ceremonial salute from the Spanish Armada in Santa Cruz de La Palma Bay.

• • Passage of the Virgin: A procession through symbolic corridors, a central carpet, and an arch.

• • Reception Speech in Honor of Our Lady of the Snows: Hosted at Plaza de España.

• • Solemn Pontifical Eucharist: A grand mass at the Main Parish of El Salvador.

Monday, July 14

• • Art Festival: A cultural and artistic celebration.

Bajada de la Virgen 2025 Official Poster