Every 15th of August, the heart of La Gomera beats with renewed intensity. In the heights of Vallehermoso, the small village of Chipude becomes a hive of emotion, music and reunion. It is here that one of the island’s most cherished and heartfelt celebrations takes place: the Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria, officially recognised as a National Tourist Interest Festival in Spain. But this tradition goes far beyond the religious – it’s a return to one's roots, a tribute to the identity of the island, and an unmissable event for gomeros living both at home and abroad.
Chipude: The Spiritual Heart of La Gomera
What happens in Chipude each August is nothing short of magical. For three days, this mountain village becomes the emotional and geographic heart of La Gomera. From all corners of the archipelago – and from far beyond – gomeros return to reconnect with their land, their customs and, above all, their people. It’s a festival that bridges generations, erases distance, and pulses to the rhythm of chácaras and drums – ancestral instruments that beat in time with the soul of the Canary Islands.
A Revered Image and an Intimate Moment
Devotion to the Virgin of Candelaria, patron saint of Chipude, brings deeply moving moments. On key dates such as 2nd February and 15th August, the statue of the Virgin is quietly and solemnly brought down from her elevated shrine and placed on a beautifully decorated silver throne. During the main days of the celebration, she is displayed with honour beneath the church’s dome, surrounded by flowers, hymns and heartfelt devotion. In this setting, she becomes a powerful symbol of unity and hope.
Ballads, Chácaras and Drums: The Language of Devotion
One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the singing of traditional ballads to the Virgin. Around the church, the most skilled chácaras and drum players from across the island gather to pay tribute with their music. It’s a performance brimming with emotion and authenticity, echoing centuries of oral tradition and local heritage. There is no stage, no speakers – only the voice of the people and the mountain as its amphitheatre.
Gomeran Flavours and Heartfelt Toasts
As with every true Gomeran festivity, gastronomy plays a starring role. Tables overflow with typical local dishes such as almogrote, papas arrugadas with mojo, watercress stew and gofio escaldado. And of course, there’s no shortage of fine local wine, flowing freely amid hugs and laughter. In Chipude, it’s not only faith that is celebrated – it’s life itself.
Four Thousand Hearts Beating as One
Each year, more than 4,000 people gather for this magical celebration, spilling out from the church square into the surrounding streets. It’s a festival that keeps the true spirit of La Gomera alive, where faith, culture and emotion are woven together into one unforgettable experience.
Arure and the Final Celebration
While the 15th of August is the high point, the celebration continues in the following days. On 16th and 17th August, the nearby village of Arure honours San Salvador and San Nicolás with music, traditional dancing and delicious local food – a fitting conclusion to a week where tradition takes centre stage.
A Unique Gomeran Experience
If you’re visiting La Gomera in August, don’t miss the chance to witness this unforgettable event. The Festival of the Virgin of Candelaria in Chipude is more than a celebration – it’s a journey to the island’s very soul, a reunion with what is real and deeply rooted, and an invitation to be part of something truly special. Because when the chácaras sound, every heart finds its way home.