LANZAROTE ROAD CLOSURES THIS SATURDAY FOR THE LOS DOLORES ROMERÍA
Drivers in Lanzarote are being advised to plan ahead this Saturday, 12 September, as several major roads will be closed or restricted for the traditional Romería de Los Dolores.
Thousands are expected to make their way towards Mancha Blanca in Tinajo for one of Lanzarote's most important annual celebrations, meaning significant changes to traffic are being put in place across the island.
The road restrictions are designed to keep vehicles away from the routes used by pilgrims and help keep the large crowds safe throughout the day.
WHICH LANZAROTE ROADS WILL BE AFFECTED?
LZ-20 – Arrecife to Tinajo
The carriageway towards Arrecife between the Mozaga roundabout and the Monument roundabout will be closed from midnight until 10pm on Saturday. Traffic will be diverted through Mozaga.
LZ-30 – Teguise to Uga
The section between the Monument roundabout and Calle Calderetas will be closed in both directions from 8am until 10pm. There will also be a shorter closure between Calle Calderetas and the La Florida junction, from 11:30am to 12:30pm, with traffic diverted through Montaña Blanca.
LZ-46 – Tiagua to Mancha Blanca
This road will be closed in both directions from 10am on Saturday until 6am on Sunday, 13 September.
LZ-56 – Mancha Blanca to La Geria
The LZ-56 will be closed from 8am Saturday until 6am Sunday. This route will be reserved as the designated corridor for public collective transport, helping buses reach the area during the event.
LZ-58 – Masdache to La Vegueta
The road will be closed in both directions around the Peñón area from 8am Saturday until 6am Sunday.
LZ-67 – La Santa to Yaiza
A section between the Tinajo hardware store and Calle Chimanfaya will be closed in both directions from 3pm until 11pm Saturday.
LZ-409 – Mozaga to La Vegueta
This road will also be closed in both directions from 8am Saturday until 6am Sunday.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
For anyone planning to attend the Los Dolores pilgrimage, there is an alternative to taking the car. Intercity Lanzarote is operating a special bus service from Arrecife to Mancha Blanca on Saturday, with buses running approximately every 30 minutes between 12pm and 11pm.
Return services will operate from Mancha Blanca from 1pm until 5am on Sunday morning.
The exact Mancha Blanca stopping point will change during the day because of the road closures, with buses using Avenida de Los Volcanes at certain times and the LZ-56 at Tinguatón during the afternoon and evening.
WHY ARE SO MANY ROADS BEING CLOSED?
The Romería de Los Dolores is one of the biggest traditional pilgrimages in Lanzarote. People travel from different parts of the island towards the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores in Mancha Blanca, many of them walking along the roads.
This year's romería begins at 4:30pm from the football ground in Tinajo, with the first pilgrims expected to reach the shrine from around 6pm. The traditional offerings will then be followed by the Baile del Romero, featuring several folk groups and parrandas.
The celebrations form part of the wider Fiestas de Los Dolores, which culminate on Tuesday 15 September, the feast day of Nuestra Señora de Los Dolores.
DRIVING AROUND LANZAROTE THIS WEEKEND?
If you're living in Lanzarote or visiting the island this weekend, Saturday isn't the best day to leave journeys through the Tinajo and Mancha Blanca area until the last minute.
If you're heading towards Tinajo, La Vegueta, Mancha Blanca, La Geria or Teguise, check your route before setting off and allow extra time for diversions.
Some closures continue into the early hours of Sunday morning, so visitors with hire cars should take particular care to follow temporary road signs and directions from traffic officers.
VISITING LANZAROTE THIS WEEKEND?
The Los Dolores celebrations are a wonderful opportunity to see a very different side of Lanzarote — beyond the beaches and tourist resorts — and experience some of the island's Canarian traditions, music, folklore and religious heritage.
Just be aware that Saturday 12 September will be an unusually busy day on the roads around Tinajo and Mancha Blanca.
If you're travelling across Lanzarote this weekend, plan ahead, allow extra time and consider using the special public transport services where possible.
Road closure information can change, so drivers should follow the latest official traffic instructions and temporary signage on the day.
