The festivities kick off with the election of the romero and the romera mayor on Friday at 20:30 at the Teatro Municipal. This evening is organised by the folk group La Villa de Agüimes. This is followed on Saturday from 17:00 by the 21st Subida del Millo, from the Plaza del Rosario to the mills of Lolita and Ananías. It commemorates the route once taken by families from Agüimes who brought their grain to be roasted and ground. Before the start, maize cobs are prepared and the traditional cochafisco is cooked. Participants are expected to wear Canary Islands traditional dress for the walk.
Upon returning, the 'Noche de Parrandas' begins in the square with traditional games, grilled maize cobs and a tasting of black pork. Anyone wishing to take part as part of a group whilst bringing their own food can reserve tables and chairs by emailing [email protected].
Among the cultural events is the play “La reata de los doce camellos”, taking place on Friday 25 September at 20:00 at the Teatro Auditorio. It is a stage adaptation based on a work by the historian Faneque Hernández about a neighbourhood uprising in Agüimes in 1708. The cast consists of local amateur actors and actresses; it is directed by Nacho Cabrera, with music by Mingo Quintana. On the same evening, Agua del Chorro and Mel Ömana will perform in the Plaza from 22:00.
On Saturday 26 September, the 49th Traída del Gofio y el Agua is on the programme. Participants, dressed in traditional Canary Islands costume, will walk back from the mills to the town centre accompanied by the Banda Isleña. Another of the festival's major events is the 30th Romería-Ofrenda to the Virgen del Rosario on Saturday 3 October, starting at 18:00.
Other highlights include a concert by the Javier Ruibal Trio on 30 September, the musical programme 'Cartas a Néstor' in honour of Néstor Álamo, featuring Besay Pérez and Iván Quintana on 1 October, the Festival de Bailes Regionales on 2 October, and the 'Noche Joven' with Orishas on the same day. Scheduled for Sunday 4 October are a livestock fair, a stick-fighting championship and the 'Encuentro en el Casco' festival, featuring leisure and cultural activities, including the comedy show 'Otto Stragman' by the group Abubukaka.
