Yaiza in Lanzarote – ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest
Lanzarote’s Yaiza – Blessed by its position. The ancient village of Yaiza on the island of Lanzarote boasts a vibrant and colourful history.
Whilst many of the towns and villages in the volcanic region of Timanfaya were ransacked by pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries, the pretty little village of Yaiza – lying higher that its neighbouring towns – was spared, and consequently has been regarded as a spiritual town blessed by a ‘higher power’.
Yaiza’s reluctance to be destroyed by powerful forces reared its head once more, when, in the 18th century, volcanic eruptions wiped out many towns and villages in the area but the path of lava never reached Yaiza, and its fortunate position of being ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest meant the village remained relatively untouched.
Because of its ‘miraculous’ good fortune, locals of Yaiza have, for centuries, associated their town’s luck to be an act of God.
There is a local folklore in Yaiza that still remains in the hearts of the locals today, that the statue of Madonna that lives in the village church of Nuestro Senora de Los Remedios, occasionally appears to be surrounded by a mysterious haze of blue.
Being situated ‘head and shoulders’ above the rest and away from the reaches of volcanic destruction and being still so engrossed in local legends and folklore, you can imagine that Yaiza, with its natural beauty, simplicity and tradition, is quite a place to visit
As a consequence of its ‘miraculous’ setting, the small Lanzarote town attracts a steady stream of tourists year-round, who marvel at the views the village boasts, as well as its traditional and simplistic local life.
Asides several small cafes, a 16th century restaurant known as ‘La Era’, which serves some sensational meat and fish dishes, and some quirky and interesting art galleries, there is little else to see in this unpretentious and simple town – but it is this simplicity and ability to remain untouched by tourism that is Yaiza’s unique and unrivalled charm.
If you happen to be in this beautiful volcanic region of Lanzarote in September, the Fiesta in Yaiza will be taking place on Thursday, September 8, 2011, and would be definitely worthy of a visit.
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