What to do · Agaete and the North-West of Gran Canaria
Bajada de la Rama in Agaete
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 4 h
- Next edition
- 4 August 2027
- Who it's for
- For anyone who can cope with crowds and heat
The Bajada de la Rama (the Descent of the Branch) is the most popular event of the fiestas of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, Agaete's patron saint, and the festival that brings the most people to the Villa all year. It is held every 4 August and has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest since 1972. There is no ticket or registration: all you need to do is be in the street.
4 August, branch in hand
Thousands of people leave the centre of the town for the upper part, cut branches and dance down with them to the sanctuary of the Virgen de las Nieves. The music is provided by one of the town's two bands, which accompanies the procession on its way down. Expect several hours on the street, August sun and a lot of people packed into narrow streets.
The papagüevos clear the way
At the front come the papagüevos, cardboard big-heads that represent popular characters of the town. They spin round with enormous hands and swat at the crowd to clear a path. Children find them impressive; if you are with little ones, explain what they are about to see beforehand and stand to one side.
From 5 to 17 August, the Virgin comes up to the town
5 August is the Villa's main festival, in honour of its patron saint. The image of the Virgen de las Nieves lives the rest of the year in her chapel in Puerto de las Nieves, the one with the 16th-century Flemish triptych, and from 5 to 17 August she stays in the church of La Concepción in the town centre. If you cannot make it on the 4th, the town is still in festive mood for those two weeks and the image can be seen in the parish church. The Nieves chapel is worth a visit on any other day.
Getting there, parking and enduring it
Agaete fills up and parking that day is almost impossible. Global bus line 103 links Las Palmas with Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves via Gáldar; check the company's website for that day's timetable before setting out. Wear clothes that can get stained, closed shoes, and bring water and a cap. The Maipés Archaeological Park is closed on 4 and 5 August, so do not count on it for the morning.
The Museo de la Rama, the rest of the year
If you come at another time, the small Museo de la Rama, in the town centre, tells the story of the festival, its traditions, its music and pictures from other years, and shows the papagüevos up close. The visit ends with the religious meaning of the festival. It is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30. Guided visits are requested beforehand at the tourist office, on 928 554 382.
Tips
- Bus or taxi That day a car is a nuisance: leave yours far away or come on the 103.
- Book a bed months ahead The few places to stay in Agaete and Gáldar fill up for the Rama.
- A side spot with children Watch the descent from the side of the route, in shade if you can find it.
- The museum, before the festival Seeing it a few days beforehand helps you understand what happens on the 4th.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bajada de la Rama?
Every 4 August. The 5th is the main festival of the Virgen de las Nieves.
Do I have to pay or sign up?
No. It is a street festival, with no ticket.
Can I go with children?
Yes, preferably to the side of the route: there are lots of people, it is very hot and the papagüevos swat at the crowd.
What is open the rest of the year?
The Museo de la Rama, Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:00 and on Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30.
Where is the Virgin in August?
From 5 to 17 August, in the church of La Concepción in the town centre; the rest of the year, in the chapel at Puerto de las Nieves.
