Fuerteventura
is a Spanish Island with a local dialect known as "Majarero", similar to
the Spanish of Central America.
As a Spanish island, the inhabitants are Roman Catholic, and so enjoy a
number of fiestas to celebrate their history as a long term sea-faring
culture.There are a number
of different times when El Cotillo enjoys an influx of visitors from all
over the world:
1st January,
New Year's Day
6th January,
Epiphany or Three Kings Day
Easter
(Semana Santa), this used to be quite a busy time in the village with street
parties, music etc. Of late this has not happened. However it does seem to
on its way back to some extent, but nowhere near as noisy as the fiesta in
August.
August
(Fiesta del Virgen de buen viajes). From the middle of August until the end.
The locals give thanks to the Virgin of Good Travels for protecting them as
they work at sea.
This fiesta lasts for one and a half weeks with a great variety of
activities and entertainments for all the family, ending with a procession
with the Virgin and a spectacular firework display. Great for those who
want to party into the night and don't mind noise.
Please note that for this month,
any accommodation needed in El Cotillo must be booked well in advance,
if possible with written confirmation.
24th & 25th December,
Christmas
In addition to the above, there are now a
few music festivals scattered throughout the year, usually on the beaches to
the north of the village.
On
national and local holidays, most petrol stations, banks and money exchanges are closed
