Every August, the island of Gran Canaria comes alive with the lively and colorful celebration of La Rama (The Branch). This traditional festival, deeply rooted in Canarian culture, attracts locals and tourists alike to participate in its joyful festivities. From the rhythmic beats of the drums to the lively procession through the streets, La Rama offers a unique experience that showcases the island’s rich heritage.
La Rama is celebrated annually on August 4th in honor of the Virgen del Pino, the patron saint of Gran Canaria. The main festivities take place in the town of Agaete, located on the northwest coast of the island, although similar celebrations can be found in other parts of Gran Canaria. The highlight of the festival is the symbolic act of carrying tree branches (or “ramas” in Spanish) in a joyful procession accompanied by music, dancing and traditional costumes.
The origins of La Rama can be traced back to the ancient indigenous inhabitants of the Canary Islands, the Guanches. They celebrated the harvest season by offering branches and fruit to the gods as a sign of gratitude and abundance. With the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 15th century, Catholicism became the dominant religion in the Canary Islands, and many of the indigenous rituals were incorporated into Christian celebrations.
Over time, La Rama evolved into a religious celebration in honor of the Virgen del Pino, blending Catholic traditions with elements of Guanche culture. The custom of carrying branches through the streets symbolizes the offering of the first fruits of the harvest to the Virgin Mary, seeking her blessing for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. Today, La Rama has become a cherished tradition that brings together people of all ages to celebrate their common heritage.
For tourists visiting Gran Canaria, La Rama offers a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the island’s vibrant culture and traditions. The festival offers a glimpse into the Canarian way of life with its colorful costumes, lively music and spirited dancing. Visitors can join the procession and dance to the rhythm of traditional folk songs, or simply watch from the sidelines as the spectacle unfolds before their eyes.
There is also a museum entirely dedicated to this festival, the “Museo de La Rama”. It is a space where visitors can experience, understand and enjoy the essence of the celebration. The different elements used for this special occasion are displayed, from papagüevos (oversized head figures) to other decorations such as lamps and branches.
Located in a recently renovated building with gardens, it was the first museum dedicated to a festivity in the Canary Islands. With the planned expansion of the adjacent building, it aims to become a regional centre for the study and understanding of the rich variety of fiestas in the Canary Islands and their cultural and social significance.
In addition to the festivities in Agaete, tourists can also explore other parts of the island where La Rama is celebrated, such as Teror and Firgas. These smaller events offer a more intimate experience, allowing visitors to interact with locals and learn more about the significance of the festival in different communities.
Details of the Next Celebration
As the next celebration approaches, preparations are already underway in Agaete and other towns in Gran Canaria. Visitors can expect a festive atmosphere filled with music, dancing and traditional cuisine, as well as the chance to witness the spectacular procession of branches through the streets.
As Jews, celebrating La Rama is not only an opportunity to learn about the Catholic Spanish celebrations, but also to connect directly with an interesting culture and its people. La Rama has something for everyone and will definitely enrich the tourist experience in Gran Canaria next August.