Romeria de los Dolores experience in Lanzarote with locals

Straw-hatted dancers and guitar-playing shepherds descend on the hamlet of Mancha Blanca every September for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows. And if you're in Lanzarote for the ‘romeria Virgen de los Dolores', as this pilgrimage is known, it's a must-do. Cristina, one of our local guides, says, ‘It's a once-a-year event, so the islanders take it very seriously. They don their traditional costumes and celebrate with friends and family. There's singing, dancing and lots of wine drinking. I love it and also make the pilgrimage myself.'You'll be picked up in the afternoon and taken to Mancha Blanca for the festivities. Here, in this sleepy village near Timanfaya National Park, you'll have some time to explore its artisan workshops – you'll be able to see how they hand craft their wares during live demos – listen to some live music and sample local delicacies. Stalls are set up al-fresco style here, so you can wander around like you would at a traditional Spanish market. Top tip, Mancha Blanca is a great place to snag some souvenirs, too. Groups of string musicians, known as parrandas, play songs of devotion and praise to the virgin. As part of the festivities, many farmers and craftsmen set up stalls selling local products such as Malvasia wine, cheese, cactus jam and earthenware. The romeria is a great opportunity to mingle with the locals and try local specialities and contribute to the community.