Arinaga 2026: La Vará del Pescao marks its 30th edition in Agüimes
Arinaga, the seaside fishing quarter of the municipality of Agüimes in the south-east of Gran Canaria, is enjoying its biggest festival season. According to Canarias7, the programme runs from 15 August to 12 September 2026 and reaches one of its most eagerly awaited moments this weekend: La Vará del Pescao, celebrating its 30th edition on Friday 28 August.
Photo: W.carter, CC0 (Symbolbild).
It is a warm, popular celebration with a strong flavour of the sea and of tradition, joined by an 80s party and other activities for all ages. Here we review what has been confirmed, without getting ahead of times or line-ups that the official programme has yet to pin down.
Almost a month of fiestas in the fishing quarter
The Fiestas de Arinaga stretch out over almost a month, from 15 August to 12 September 2026, according to Canarias7. It is a broad and varied calendar unfolding in one of the most characterful spots on the Agüimes coast. The weekend of 28 and 29 August brings together two of its most eye-catching events, but the programming is spread across several weeks for residents and visitors alike. As with any Canarian popular festival, the neighbourhood atmosphere, the sense of community and the sea are the real stars.
La Vará del Pescao: 30 years of tradition
The centrepiece arrives on Friday 28 August with La Vará del Pescao, reaching its 30th edition. It is a seafaring celebration deeply rooted in Arinaga, a town with a fishing heritage, and one of the hallmarks of its festivities. The number speaks for itself: three decades make this a well-established local tradition, handed down from generation to generation. The source does not detail the exact format or timings, so it is worth checking the official Agüimes and Arinaga programme so as not to miss anything.
The Fiesta Ochentera with Los 40 Classic
The music provides the counterpoint on Saturday 29 August with the Fiesta Ochentera, an 80s-themed party hosted by Los 40 Classic. It is designed for dancing and reliving the great hits of that decade, with the nostalgic wink these gatherings tend to spark. The specific names on the bill and the start times do not appear in the available information; the official programme will confirm them in due course.
Mareas Vivas and other dates on the programme
The programme also includes Mareas Vivas, an activity that will take place at the Skate Park of Arinaga. Earlier, on 21 and 22 August, "Una Mar de Encanto" was held, now past at this point in the calendar. These offerings reflect the variety of a festival that looks out to sea without forgetting its younger audience. As this is only a partial programme, there are likely to be further events worth verifying in the municipal information.
Getting there and enjoying the weekend
Arinaga belongs to the municipality of Agüimes, in the south-east of Gran Canaria, a coastal area easily reached from the tourist south and the island's metropolitan area. This weekend of 28 and 29 August is perfect for a getaway: La Vará del Pescao on Friday and the Fiesta Ochentera on Saturday make for a full plan. We recommend arriving with time to spare, respecting the seaside surroundings and checking the official programme for definitive locations and times.
It makes an ideal plan for a weekend getaway blending sea, tradition and music.
Times, exact locations and the full line-up may change: it is best to check the official Agüimes and Arinaga programme before setting out.
The essentials
- Dates: the Fiestas de Arinaga run from 15 August to 12 September 2026, according to Canarias7.
- La Vará del Pescao: 30th edition, on Friday 28 August 2026.
- Fiesta Ochentera: Saturday 29 August, with Los 40 Classic.
- Mareas Vivas: at the Skate Park of Arinaga.
- "Una Mar de Encanto": already held on 21 and 22 August.
- Location: Arinaga, municipality of Agüimes, south-east of Gran Canaria.
FAQ
- When are the Fiestas de Arinaga 2026?
- From 15 August to 12 September 2026, according to Canarias7.
- What is La Vará del Pescao?
- A seafaring celebration deeply rooted in Arinaga, a town with a fishing heritage; in 2026 it reaches its 30th edition, on Friday 28 August.
- What is the Fiesta Ochentera?
- An 80s-themed party hosted by Los 40 Classic, on Saturday 29 August.
- Where is Arinaga?
- In the municipality of Agüimes, in the south-east of Gran Canaria.
- Where can I check the times?
- In the official Agüimes and Arinaga programme; the information gathered here is partial and may change.
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