La Rama festival, Agaete

La Rama (also called the Bajada de la Rama) is Agaete's biggest day: on 4 August thousands of people dance through the town in north-west Gran Canaria behind brass bands and giant-headed papagüevos, waving leafy branches, and finish at Puerto de las Nieves by beating the branches against the sea. It opens the patron-saint festivities of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves and is a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest.

When is La Rama?

It is always held on 4 August, the eve of the Virgen de las Nieves feast on 5 August, whatever the weekday. In 2026 it fell on a Tuesday; in 2027 it will be a Wednesday. The detailed timetable is published by the Ayuntamiento de Agaete each summer.

What happens during the day?

Based on the 2026 edition as reported by RTVC:

• 05:00 — La Diana. A musical wake-up parade goes through the town.
• 10:00 — La Rama sets off beside the Iglesia de la Concepción. Branches are handed out at the Callejón de la Rama, and participants dance with them through the streets.
• Around 13:00 — the peak in town. The bands of Agaete and Guayedra play while the crowd fills the centre.
• Afternoon — down to the port. The procession goes down Calle Guayarmina towards Puerto de las Nieves, where the branches are struck against the water; around 18:00 the band reaches the Ermita de las Nieves.
• Night — La Retreta. Music brings everyone back to the Iglesia de la Concepción to close the day.

On 5 August the religious feast follows, with a solemn mass and procession of the Virgen de las Nieves.

Where does the custom come from?

The raising and beating of branches is widely described as an ancestral gesture to call for rain in a dry corner of the island, and is often related to pre-Hispanic rites; written sources do not settle the exact origin. The Ermita de las Nieves in the port keeps a 16th-century Flemish triptych.

Practical advice

• Heat and calima: early August in Agaete can be hot and dusty; in 2026 the mayor asked people to take care because of the weather. Carry water, a hat and sun cream, and wear shoes you can dance in for hours.
• Arrive early: roads into Agaete are narrow, parking fills quickly and the centre is closed to traffic. Public bus or a pre-arranged lift is easier; check reinforced services with Global, the island's intercity bus company.
• Getting wet: expect to end up in or near the sea at Puerto de las Nieves.
• Stay overnight or plan your return: the party continues into the night, and the last return trips can be crowded.

Agaete sits below the Tamadaba massif, and the coast road from Las Palmas makes this an easy day trip. Pair it with the summit of Roque Nublo on another day, or see our Gran Canaria island guide. Winter visitors can try the island's other big street party, the Las Palmas carnival.