La Librea: The Battle of Lepanto play in Valle de Guerra
La Librea is an open-air religious play staged on the church square in Valle de Guerra, commemorating the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. Around 250 local residents take part in the performance. This traditional play dates back to the 17th century, lasts around 80 minutes and has been recognised as a festival of tourist interest in the Canary Islands since 2026.
Saturday17October 2026
When
Saturday 17 October 2026, 21:00
Where
Plaza de la iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Valle de Guerra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Plaza de la iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Valle de Guerra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna
Plaza de la iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Valle de Guerra, San Cristóbal de La Laguna, San Cristóbal de La Laguna · Get directions
La Librea is performed in the square in front of the Church of Nuestra Señora del Rosario in Valle de Guerra. The play forms the highlight of the patron saint's festivities in honour of the Virgen del Rosario, which are celebrated from 1 to 17 October.
Since the 17th century, the performance has commemorated the Christians' victory over the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. In local tradition, this victory is attributed to the intercession of the Virgen del Rosario, the patron saint of Valle de Guerra. La Librea thus combines historical and religious events in a single performance.
Around 250 local people take part in the play. The tradition is upheld by the Asociación Cultural Amigos de La Librea. The performance lasts around 80 minutes.
La Librea is a protected cultural asset and was designated a 'Bien de Interés Cultural' in 2007. Since 2026, it has also been recognised as a festival of tourist interest in the Canary Islands.
