What is listed for Valle Gran Rey until 13 November?
An event listing gives the reception of the Virgen de Guadalupe in Valle Gran Rey for 4 to 13 November 2026. That puts 10 November in the middle of the run.
The listing describes a programme of popular festivities, with events in various districts of the valley. It names no times, venues, districts or individual acts.
The listing itself warns that dates may change. It advises checking with the organiser before you travel.
Who is the Virgen de Guadalupe?
The Virgen de Guadalupe is the patron saint of La Gomera. Her image is kept in the hermitage at Puntallana.
The image dates from the 16th century. It was canonically crowned on 12 October 1973.
The Bajada de la Virgen (the “descent” of the Virgin) has taken place every five years since 1943. The image travels from Puntallana to San Sebastián de La Gomera, then visits the municipalities before it returns in December.
The main feast day in 2026 was Monday 5 October, when hundreds made the pilgrimage to Puntallana, many of them on foot. The town council of San Sebastián laid on buses.
The fiesta of the Virgen de los Reyes in Valle Gran Rey is held on 6 and 7 January, and a five-yearly bajada is not documented. It is a different festival.
Why is the date for 2026 in doubt?
The last reception in Valle Gran Rey took place on Saturday 4 November 2023, the same day on which the current listing begins. Another listing puts the Fiestas Lustrales (five-yearly festivals) in the valley in November 2028.
Research found no statement from the Ayuntamiento (town council) of Valle Gran Rey, no notice from the Cabildo (island government) and no media report on a 2026 reception. Other listings give the same days without a year and treat the festival as past.
Whether the listing describes a real 2026 event or reuses the dates from 2023 is unclear. The festival is therefore listed, not confirmed.
A 2018 report likewise describes a ten-day stay of the image in Valle Gran Rey until mid-November. That points to a recurring format, but it does not prove a festival in 2026.
What does this mean for visitors in the south?
Road closures, parking rules, shuttles, prices and registration requirements are not known. Research found no mention of tickets, as this is a religious and community festival.
If you live in the valley or are on holiday there, it is best to ask the Ayuntamiento of Valle Gran Rey. The Cabildo de La Gomera can also help.
If you are heading to the harbour or the beach at Vueltas anyway, you may come across processions or crowds. There are no reliable details on this for 2026.
How did the reception go in 2023?
On 4 November 2023 the image reached Valle Gran Rey by boat at Playa de Vueltas, shortly before 16:00. It arrived despite a rough-sea warning.
Dozens of worshippers welcomed the Virgin on the beach. On the pier, the municipalities swapped their staffs of office (bastones), handing them over from the previous municipality.
A Eucharist followed, and the image rested in the parish of Los Santos Reyes. It then moved on to Vallehermoso.
Municipalities and parishes organise the local programme.
What happens next?
The Fiestas de Octubre in San Sebastián ran from 30 September to 22 October 2026 with free entry. They are the capital's patron-saint festival, not a five-yearly celebration.
According to the listing, the festival in Valle Gran Rey ends on 13 November. No published programme or official confirmation had been found by 10 November.