FIESTAS JURADAS
DE SAN MIGUeL ARCÁNGEL

EVENT OF NATIONAL TOURIST INTEREST

MEMORIAL OF THE BATTLES OF EL CUCHILLETE AND TAMASITE

The Sworn Feasts of St. Michael the Archangel originated in 1740 when, in the middle of the war between Spain and England, two attacks were made by English privateers to the village of Tuineje, on the island of Fuerteventura, in the months of October and November.

Since 1740

raids of English corsairs

Battles of October 13 and 24, 1740

Both attacks on the Majorero people ended up in the same way: victory of the island’s soldiers – fighting under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Sanchez Umpierrez, Gobernador

Armas on Fuerteventura back then – over the English privateers in the battles of El Cuchillete, on 13th October, and Tamasite, on 24th November.

These events had such impact that, some days after, all the mayors gathered in Betancuria, island capital at that time, to agree to hold mass and processions every 13th October in honour of St. Michael the Archangel, Patron Saint of Tuineje Church, which was robbed during the attacks.

Event of national tourist interest

The proud residents of Tuineje and the neighbouring villages have continued the tradition and every year remember the victories of 1740 by recreating the battles. 

The performances have developed more
and more and today are one of the most important annual events on the island, which on those dates is full of privateers, ancient Majoreros, musicians, villagers, camels…

Such is the historic, social and cultural relevance of the celebration that in 2019 was awarded the highest acknowledgment of the country: EVENT OF NATIONAL TOURIST INTEREST,

apart from already being listed as Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC) and of Regional Tourist Interest,

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At present, the event extends along several days and villages of three municipalities of the island:

  • Antigua, 8 de October
  • Pájara, 9 October
  • Tarajalejo, 10 October
  • Tiscamanita, 11 October
  • Gran Tarajal, 12 October
  • Tuineje, 13 October, recreation of the Majoreros’ victory over the English privateers.
  • Tuineje, Cantata: “Cantares de Tamasite y del señor San Miguel”, Feasts end with a musical play.
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Location

C/ Atis Tirma S/N - Gran Tarajal

telephone

( 31 ) 696974272

Email

turismo@tuineje.es

website

tuineje.es

Ayuntamiento de Tuineje