San Matías Festival 2025 – Artenara’s Timeless Celebration
The highest-altitude village on Gran Canaria, Artenara, welcomes visitors to celebrate its Patronal Festivities in honor of San Matías from February 20 to March 1, 2025.
Artenara, known for its stunning mountain landscapes and deep-rooted traditions, honors San Matías the Apostle, its patron saint since the 17th century. In 1996, he was also declared the Patron of the Pinares de Gran Canaria, recognizing his significance to the island’s forests and natural heritage.
This is a magical time to visit Artenara, where history, culture, and faith come together in a breathtaking setting. The town, perched at 1,270 meters above sea level, offers spectacular viewpoints, such as Mirador de La Atalaya and Unamuno’s Viewpoint, along with fascinating sites like the Cave House Museum and the San Matías Church. Artenara is the smallest municipality by population on the island, yet it boasts the most caves in its territory, adding to its unique charm.
How to Get There
Artenara is an hour’s scenic drive from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, with winding mountain roads that lead you to the heart of the island. If you’re up for an adventure, you can hike up through the UNESCO-listed Sacred Mountains for an unforgettable experience.
Event Highlights
📅 Thursday, February 20 – Saturday, February 22
- Religious celebrations begin with Eucharists and moments of reflection in honour of San Matías.
📅 Sunday, February 23 – The Main Festive Day
- 12:00 PM – Solemn Eucharist at the Church of San Matías, featuring the voices of Voces de Tejeda.
- 1:00 PM – Religious Procession through the village, accompanied by the Banda Juvenil de Música de Firgas. At La Atalaya, the saint blesses the fields in a poetic ceremony.
- 1:30 PM – Reading of the Proclamation of the Pine Forests by Carlos J. Velázquez Padrón, followed by an homage ceremony recognizing environmental contributions.
- 2:00 PM – Puntos Cubanos (a traditional musical storytelling performance) with Emilio Sardiñas (Cuba) and Yeray Rodríguez.
- 2:30 PM – Brindis (Toast) & Folk Dance with live music by Buena Onda in Alameda Alcalde Severiano Luján Cabrera.
📅 Saturday, March 1
- 6:00 PM – Special talk on Artenara’s demographic challenges by Dr. Ramón Díaz Hernández.
Artenara’s Unique Carnival Twist
📅 Saturday, February 22 – Carnival 2025
Artenara’s Carnival traditions are unlike any other, with one of the most curious customs being the Burial of the Lizard (Entierro del Lagarto).
- 1:00 PM – The Traída del Lagarto (Arrival of the Lizard) kicks off at Plaza de San Matías.
- 2:30 PM – Live concert by the band Tío Matt.
- 4:00 PM – Family fun with inflatable attractions at Alameda Alcalde Severiano Luján Cabrera.
- 7:30 PM – Entierro del Lagarto (Burial of the Lizard), a festive parade led by batucada drummers from Plaza de San Matías to La Atalaya viewpoint.
- 9:00 PM – Carnival Party! With music from D’Music and prizes for the best costumes.
A Journey Through Time & Nature
Beyond the festivities, Artenara holds profound historical and natural significance. The village sits within the UNESCO-listed Risco Caído and Sacred Mountains of Gran Canaria, an area that preserves the legacy of the Amazigh people (Berbers) from North Africa, who thrived here in isolation for over 1,500 years.
The dramatic Caldera de Tejeda, visible from many viewpoints, reminds visitors of the island’s volcanic origins, while the cave homes and ancient sanctuaries speak to centuries-old traditions that still shape life in Artenara today.
Whether you come for the religious devotion, the lively music and dance, or the surreal beauty of the mountain landscapes, the Fiestas de San Matías offers a glimpse into the soul of Gran Canaria.
🚗 Make the trip – this is one festival you won’t want to miss!
