The walk in September ?

[tricky vicky]

Hi all  . We went on a walk in September last year over the hills it was the start of a fiesta and i wud like to kno when it is this year . Sorry for lack of info but thousands walked it thro the night it was fab . Any info wud be fab ... thanks

[Captain Sensible]

It's on Friday 14 September, Vicky.  It's a public holiday on the island to celebrate the Island's patron saint - Virgen de la Peña.

As you say, thousands walk from all over the island to the chapel of the Virgen de la Peña in  Vega de Rio Palma, south of Betancuria.

For the last 2 years we have walked from Antigua, over the hill to Betancuria and along the valley of the Rio Palma.

There are special buses that go to and fro from Antigua/Puerto del Rosario; so we caught the bus back to Antigua at around 1am - just as the party starts!

[Ronnietheblue]

Sounds great, we're there on the 14th, how long does the walk take, and how far?
Regards

[Captain Sensible]

From Antigua it's about 14km - the first 4km are uphill, the next 2 are downhill, and the last 8 are on the flat in the dry river valley.  So around 3 hours if you take your time.

In 2010 we walked with thousands of others in the dark, but last year we did it in the daylight - late afternoon - and there were hundreds walking.

My children walked from Puerto del Rosario, and a Spanish friend walks from La Oliva.

My profile picture shows me at the sign for the footpath, just outside Betancuria

[Spike On Q]

Serious attendees do the walk in bare feet!

Party goers do it pushing a supermarket trolley full of beer

You choose!

[Captain Sensible]

You'll be OK with a bottle of Arehucas rum, Ronnie!

Or make friends with those who are pushing the trolley

[Ronnietheblue]

Sounds great what time does it start? Thanks for all the help.hope hiperdino don't mind me pinching a trolley

[Captain Sensible]

People walk all through the day, and during the night; so it's up to you where you start and at what time.

[Ronnietheblue]

cheers skip gonna talk a few corrie brits into it. Thanks

[Captain Sensible]

AN AMENDMENT:

The public holiday for the Virgen de la Peña, and the walk to Vega de Rio Palma is on FRIDAY 21st SEPTEMBER.

[Ronnietheblue]

  Thats the day we fly back skipper Have you postponed it to keep that arehucas for yourself...hic

[Captain Sensible]

That's a shane, Ronnie . Maybe next year

[KWC]

We are there on the 21st and would love to do that long walk, but we need to do the packing that day for leaving the next 

[appy ammer]

Were there on the 21st and would love to do that long walk, but we need to do the packing that day for leaving the next 

were there 14th-24th does walking down to legends count 

[Paddster]

Or to The Entertainer Brendan ? 

[Captain Sensible]

ALL CHANGE AGAIN!!!

The Fuerteventura Cabildo anounced yesterday that the celebration for the Virgen de la Peña will be on Friday 14 September

That day will be the day of the walk to Vega de Rio Palma, and a public holiday on the island.

Ronnie will be able to do the walk if he wants to

[Ronnietheblue]

I'll be there captain and Kenny can bring the rum

[Captain Sensible]

The Programme for the Fiesta de Virgen de la Peña is on this link:
http://www.cabildofuer.es/portal/RecursosWeb/DOCUMENTOS/1/1_2917_1.pdf

The details for Friday 14 September are on pages 10 and 11.

There is a Romeria - traditional procession along the Vega de Rio Palma footpath from 4pm.

People will be walking to Vega de Rio Palma from all parts of the island with the aim of getting there around midnight.

There's a firework display at 1am, followed by a Verbena (all night dance).  Then there's a street parade at 6am!

[Captain Sensible]

There are excellent photos of the 2010 celebration on this Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=281251635322428&set=a.281248111989447.66197.100003127815479&type=1&theater

[tamara_k]

Captain, do I understand correctly that everything (where to go, mostly will be pretty obvious once I am in Antigua? Antigua looks like the "official" starting point from the special bus timetables I saw on facebook.

[Captain Sensible]

Once you are in Antigua you'll be able to follow the crowd!

People gather in the Plaza next to the church, and then head off down the road/footpath that heads west, and up and over the mountain to Betancuria.

People will be walking the route all afternoon, evening and night. 

The buses do a ferry service from Antigua to Vega de Rio Palma and back during the evening and all through the night.

[Captain Sensible]

The walk is today!

10,000 people are expected to make their way to Vega de Rio Palma.

I'm going to join in the Romeria at 4pm this afternoon.  This is a procession (in traditional costume) along the barranco from just south of Betancuria to Vega de Rio Palma.

[Captain Sensible]

Photos of the Romeria are in the photo album of www.freewebs.com/caletafuerteventura

[glenys]

Fabulous photos as usual,really captures the atmosphere. Wish I could have been there