Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes – El Hierro’s Great Pilgrimage of Faith and Tradition

Geography and Setting
The Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes is El Hierro’s most important religious and cultural celebration, held every four years in a powerful display of island-wide devotion. The heart of the pilgrimage lies between the Ermita de los Reyes, located in the wild highlands of La Dehesa in the far west of the island, and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Concepción in Valverde, the capital.

The route traverses almost 28 kilometers of rugged and varied terrain — pine forests, volcanic ridges, pastoral meadows, and mountain passes — culminating in an emotional arrival in the capital. It is a journey through the soul of the island, as much spiritual as it is physical.

History and Culture
The origins of the Bajada date back to the 18th century, when the island was suffering from a severe drought. In 1741, the people of El Hierro made a vow to carry the image of the Virgen de los Reyes — their island’s patroness — from her sanctuary to Valverde to plead for rain. The rains came soon after, and since then, the event has become a quadrennial act of gratitude and faith.

Today, the Bajada is not only a religious procession but also a monumental cultural and social event. Thousands of people, many dressed in traditional Canarian clothing, accompany the Virgin in a day-long journey through the island’s landscapes. Each community along the way receives her with dances, music, and heartfelt celebration.

It is a deeply emotional event — one that unites generations of herreños in a shared act of devotion, memory, and cultural identity.

Population and Local Life
During the Bajada, the population of El Hierro mobilizes in an extraordinary way. Residents of all ages take part — walking, singing, and dancing alongside the Virgin. Many herreños who live abroad return to the island for this occasion, making it a rare moment of island-wide reunion.

Villages prepare months in advance, and each hosting municipality along the route (like Sabinosa, Frontera, San Andrés, and El Pinar) has a specific role in the pilgrimage. Families open their homes, musicians rehearse traditional melodies, and artisans prepare costumes and decorations. The event is both religious and community-centered — a testimony to the strength of local culture.

Tourism and Attractions
Although rooted in faith, the Bajada has become one of the most extraordinary cultural tourism experiences in the Canary Islands. Visitors are welcome to join the procession, walk the trail, and witness the blend of solemnity, festivity, and natural beauty that defines this event.

Key aspects of the experience include:

The Procession Route – A full-day walk from La Dehesa to Valverde, with designated rest stops, musical tributes, and traditional dances performed by each local community.
El Hierro’s Traditional Dances – Most notably, the Danza de los Pastores, where dancers in white with red sashes and straw hats perform coordinated steps to drums and flutes in honor of the Virgin.
Ermita de los Reyes – The humble sanctuary where the Virgin resides for most of the four-year cycle. It becomes the spiritual starting point of the pilgrimage.
Public Celebrations in Valverde – Upon arrival, the capital becomes the stage for concerts, mass, and fireworks, with days of activities continuing even after the procession.

Transport and Accessibility
The event is meticulously organized. Roads along the route are closed or restricted during the procession, and shuttle services, security points, and medical support are arranged for pilgrims.

Participants can join the procession at various stages, and many local guides and tour operators offer assistance to visitors unfamiliar with the trail. Due to the physical demands of the walk, good health and proper footwear are essential.

Accommodations in Valverde and surrounding areas are typically fully booked well in advance of Bajada years, so early planning is highly recommended.

The next edition is scheduled for 2025, offering a rare opportunity to experience this deeply rooted tradition firsthand.

Worth to do!
For those fortunate enough to be on El Hierro during a Bajada year, the following activities offer a complete and unforgettable experience:

Join the Pilgrimage on Foot
Walk all or part of the route alongside locals — from early morning in La Dehesa through forests and mountain passes to the capital. The journey is deeply moving.
Witness the Traditional Dances and Songs
Each town performs its own ritual as the Virgin passes through — with drums, flutes, and white-clad dancers expressing the island’s devotion.
Visit the Ermita de los Reyes
Even outside Bajada years, the sanctuary is open to visitors and surrounded by wild pastures, offering a quiet space for reflection.
Experience the Arrival Celebration in Valverde
Thousands gather in the capital to greet the Virgin with tears, cheers, and music — a powerful blend of the sacred and the joyful.
Participate in Post-Bajada Festivities
Concerts, open-air meals, fireworks, and community dances continue for days after the Virgin’s arrival, giving visitors even more ways to immerse themselves in island culture.

Conclusion
The Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes is not just El Hierro’s most important event — it is the island’s heartbeat. It embodies faith, heritage, and unity in a way few traditions can. Whether you walk the path or simply witness the celebration, the Bajada is a profound and unforgettable experience that brings visitors into the very soul of the island. It is a journey of devotion, beauty, and human connection — across the landscape, and across time.

Bajada de la Virgen de los Reyes – El Hierro’s Great Pilgrimage of Faith and Tradition

See also

Silbo Gomero – The Whistled Language of La Gomera

Music Concerts in Tenerife: A Journey Through Historic and Contemporary Events

Las Tablas de San Andrés – The Thrilling Handmade Board Race in Tenerife