Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026

The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026 in Tenerife is the oldest romería still celebrated in the Canary Islands, and it takes place on Monday, 7 September 2026 in the town of Güímar, on the southeastern coast of Tenerife. This ancient pilgrimage has been celebrated continuously since the 17th century, and it commemorates the legendary appearance of the Virgin Mary to the Guanches (the indigenous people of Tenerife) on the Playa de Chimisay near Güímar.

"The romería journey follows the route from the Iglesia de San Pedro in the town center to the Ermita de la Virgen on Playa del Socorro, retracing the steps of the original apparition and the first pilgrims."

The Story of Nuestra Señora del Socorro

Why She Matters

Nuestra Señora del Socorro (Our Lady of Help) is the Virgin Mary under the title of "the Help of Christians." According to the tradition of Güímar, the Virgin appeared to Guanche shepherds on the beach of Chimisay in the late 15th century, shortly before or around the time of the Spanish conquest of Tenerife. The apparition left a lasting impression on the indigenous population, and a chapel was built to honor the Virgin at the site.

The devotion to Nuestra Señora del Socorro is deeply rooted in the history of Güímar and the entire island of Tenerife. She is one of the most venerated Virgins in the Canary Islands, and the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro is celebrated with particular solemnity because of its historical and spiritual significance.

The 2026 Experience

A Journey Through Time

The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026 takes place on Monday, 7 September 2026, with additional events on Tuesday, 8 September 2026. The full programme follows the traditional structure that has been repeated for centuries:

7 September 2026 (Monday) – The Bajada (Descent)

• 6:00 AM: Santa Misa de Los Peregrinos (Pilgrims' Mass) at the Iglesia de San Pedro in the town center of Güímar.
• 7:00 AM: Romería begins from the Iglesia de San Pedro to the Ermita de la Virgen on Playa del Socorro. The procession carries the statue of the Virgin down from the town to the beach, retracing the route of the original apparition.
• The romería route is approximately 3 kilometres, and the journey takes around 2 hours, with participants walking in traditional Canarian costume, accompanied by rondallas (folk music groups), decorated carts, and pilgrims from across Tenerife.
• Upon arrival at the Ermita de la Virgen, the Bajada is celebrated with music, prayers, and the traditional tajaraste dance.
• Evening: The commemoration of the apparition of the Virgin to the Guanches at Playa de Chimisay, with religious services and cultural events.

8 September 2026 (Tuesday) – The Subida (Ascent)

• On 8 September, the image of the Virgin returns to the town in the Subida de la Virgen, walking back up from Playa del Socorro to the Iglesia de San Pedro.
• This is a more solemn and religious procession, with Masses and prayers along the route, marking the conclusion of the main festivities.

What Makes This Romería Unique

A Tradition Like No Other

The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro stands out from other romerías in Tenerife and the Canary Islands for several reasons:

• It is the oldest romería still celebrated in the Canaries, with a continuous tradition dating back to the 17th century.
• It commemorates an apparition of the Virgin to the Guanches, the indigenous people of Tenerife, making it a unique link between the pre-Hispanic past and the Catholic present of the island.
• The route goes from the town to the beach, retracing the path of the original apparition on Playa de Chimisay, which is a distinctive feature compared to most romerías that take place entirely inland.
• It marks the beginning of the autumn romería season in Tenerife, following the summer romerías of San Benito Abad, San Roque, and San Miguel de Abona.

Into the Heart of Güímar

Exploring the Southeastern Coast

Güímar is a municipality in the southeastern part of Tenerife, located between Arona and Candelaria, on the coast and extending inland into the agricultural valley. The town is known for its:

• Traditional Canarian architecture, with well-preserved colonial houses and churches.
• Pyramid of Güímar, an archaeological site with six stepped pyramids that are the subject of debate and research about their origin and purpose.
• Playa del Socorro and Playa de Chimisay, the beaches where the Virgin appeared according to tradition.
• Agricultural valley with banana plantations, vineyards, and traditional farming communities.

The town's location on the southeastern coast makes it easily accessible from Santa Cruz de Tenerife (about 30 km) and Aeropuerto de Tenerife Sur (about 25 km), and it is a convenient stop for visitors traveling between the north and south of the island.

The Cultural and Spiritual Significance

More Than Just a Festival

The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro is more than a religious festival. It is a cultural expression of Canarian identity, connecting the island's pre-Hispanic past with its present. The apparition to the Guanches is a powerful symbol of the fusion of indigenous and Christian traditions that defines so much of the Canary Islands' cultural heritage.

The romería is also a community event that brings together:

• Locals from Güímar, who take great pride in their ancient tradition.
• Pilgrims from across Tenerife, who travel to join the procession.
• Folk music groups (rondallas) and traditional dance groups who perform in the streets and at the hermitage.
• Decorated carts and oxen, representing the agricultural heritage of the region.
• Traditional Canarian food and wine, shared in the open air along the route and at the hermitage.

Travel Tips for Attending

Everything You Need Before September 7

If you are planning to attend the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026 in Güímar, here is what to know:

• Target 7 September 2026 for the main day, when the bajada (descent) takes place from 6:00 AM.
• Arrive early. The procession starts at 6:00 AM and the best viewing spots along the route are taken hours before.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The route is approximately 3 kilometres and involves walking on coastal and rural paths.
• Wear traditional Canarian dress if you can. Many locals wear traditional costume, and visitors are welcome to join in the spirit of the event.
• Combine with a visit to the Pyramids of Güímar. The archaeological site is one of the most interesting in Tenerife, and it is just a short walk from the town center.
• Book accommodation in nearby towns. Güímar is a small town, and hotels and guesthouses book up quickly in September. Consider staying in Santa Cruz, Arona, or Candelaria and driving to Güímar.
• Expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The romería is a genuine local celebration, not a tourist show, and the welcoming nature of the community is one of its most memorable aspects.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Things People Always Want to Know

When is the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026?

The Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026 takes place on Monday, 7 September 2026, with the bajada (descent) starting at 7:00 AM, and the subida (ascent) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026.

Where does the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro take place?

The romería takes place in Güímar, Tenerife, starting at the Iglesia de San Pedro in the town center and ending at the Ermita de la Virgen on Playa del Socorro, retracing the route of the apparition on Playa de Chimisay.

How old is the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro?

The romería is the oldest still celebrated in the Canary Islands, with a continuous tradition dating back to the 17th century (over 400 years).

Is the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro free to attend?

Yes, the event is free to attend for all visitors, with no ticket required.

What is the main highlight of the Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro?

The main highlight is the bajada (descent) of the Virgin from the town to the beach on 7 September 2026, carrying the statue along the 3-kilometre route from Iglesia de San Pedro to the Ermita de la Virgen, commemorating the apparition to the Guanches.

Verified Information at a Glance

• Event Name: Romería de Nuestra Señora del Socorro 2026 Tenerife
• Category: Religious romería, pilgrimage, cultural celebration, historic festival
• Main Date: Monday, 7 September 2026 (oldest romería in the Canaries)
• Secondary Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026 (Subida de la Virgen)
• Location: Güímar, Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain
• Venues: Iglesia de San Pedro, Playa del Socorro, Ermita de la Virgen, Playa de Chimisay
• Highlights:
• 6:00 AM: Santa Misa de Los Peregrinos at Iglesia de San Pedro
• 7:00 AM: Romería from Iglesia de San Pedro to Ermita de la Virgen (bajada)
• 3-kilometre route: Retracing the apparition to the Guanches
• Evening: Commemoration of the apparition at Playa de Chimisay
• 8 September: Subida de la Virgen back to the town
• Oldest romería in the Canary Islands, celebrated since the 17th century
• Free to attend for all visitors
• Traditional Elements:
• Traditional Canarian costume
• Rondallas and parrandas (folk music groups)
• Decorated carts and oxen
• Tajaraste dance at the hermitage
• Traditional Canarian food and wine
• Contact: Ayuntamiento de Güímar
• Town Website: guimar.es