Lanzarote Carnival
February-March
Expect weeks of dancing, parades and one-off exhibitions and events during the island’s annual party month. Festivities commence in Arrecife, followed by San Bartolomé, Puerto del Carmen, Haría, Playa Blanca, Costa Teguise, Tinajo, Famara and La Graciosa.
Ironman Lanzarote
May
One of the toughest physical challenges on the planet, Ironman Lanzarote kicks off with a 3.8km swim off the coast of Playa Grande followed a 180km bike ride round the island before finishing with a marathon along the promenade in Puerto del Carmen. Exhausting but fun.
Corpus Christi
June
Head to the church of San Ginés in Arrecife for the highlight: a colourful procession around the church over an elaborate carpet made from coloured salt.
International Jazz Festival
July
It’s not exclusive to Lanzarote but with some of the world’s top jazz acts making a beeline for the island, it’s well worth a visit. Teguise hosts the main event – a free concert staged in a vast carpa (marquee).
Fiesta of the Virgen de los Dolores
September
An annual excuse for the islanders to dust off their glad rags and party, the fiesta celebrates Lanzarote’s patron saint, the Virgen de los Dolores. Although there is a religious element, most of the action is focused on eating and drinking as much as possible.