Yaiza combines a carefully maintained village setting with remarkable buildings, festivals and Christmas traditions. The history of the landscape is also part of the village’s character: Yaiza lies at the edge of the area buried by the volcanic eruptions of 1730 and 1736. If you are looking for a hotel in Yaiza, these cultural and landscape highlights can help you choose what interests you about the village and plan your trip accordingly.
Village Setting and Architectural History
Yaiza is considered one of the best-preserved villages in the Canary Islands. Its streets and houses are carefully maintained and adorned with plants and flowers. The village setting is complemented by buildings whose significance lies in both their architecture and their history.
The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is protected as a monument under the Canary Islands’ BIC heritage designation. It preserves original Mudéjar-style roof beams and a floor paved with stone tiles. The church was built in 1728; the original chapel dates back to 1699 and may correspond to one of the two naves in the present-day church. Both the handcrafted details and the possible connection to the older chapel are therefore part of the church’s architectural history.
Another cultural landmark is the Casa de la Cultura Benito Pérez Armas, the birthplace of Lanzarote politician and writer Benito Pérez Armas. The building is considered an example of Lanzarote’s traditional architecture and is very well preserved. Its cultural activities include exhibitions and events. It has an event hall, a museum and an exhibition hall—different spaces that define the house as a cultural venue.
Festivals and Cultural Traditions
The Fiestas de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios take place in Yaiza, with the main day on 8 September. If you would like to plan your trip around this festival, check the specific event dates when making your plans. The Festival Rubicón was established in 2011 at the initiative of the folklore group of the same name to promote popular Canarian singing and dance forms. It was held in Yaiza’s Plaza de los Remedios. While the September date offers a specific calendar event, the history of the Festival Rubicón introduces visitors to the musical and dance traditions of the Canary Islands.
A special Christmas display is the traditional Belén de Yaiza. This handcrafted scene features around 35 models of characteristic Lanzarote buildings and numerous figures. Covering approximately 200 square metres, it represents the island’s seven municipalities through their most significant churches. It also includes handcrafted ceramic figures depicting popular scenes. The display returns annually, with a different design each year; its combination of church models, other buildings and figures connects the island’s architecture with narrative scenes.
The Rancho de Pascuas de Yaiza is also part of the Christmas cultural life. The tradition began in 1971 and helps preserve a historic form of musical and religious Christmas expression. Another tradition is a pilgrimage in honour of the Virgin Mary, during which children, adults and older people wear traditional clothing. Agricultural produce and non-perishable food are offered to families in need during the pilgrimage. These two traditions reflect different aspects of religious and community life.
Yaiza in Its Landscape Context
Yaiza’s location at the edge of the area buried by the eruptions of 1730 and 1736 adds a specific landscape dimension to its cultural attractions. Churches, traditional architecture and recurring festivals offer insights into the village’s stories and customs, while the eruptions place Yaiza within Lanzarote’s more recent landscape history. This makes it possible to think of a stay in terms of the village setting, culture and volcanic past, without treating these different subjects as a single attraction.
Discover more destinations: Las Breñas, Playa Blanca, Uga, Femés, El Barquito, El Golfo, Las Casitas De Femés, Nazaret.
For the main travel overview: Lanzarote.
