Margarita is not only beaches. The island has its own calendar of religious festivals, carnivals and musical traditions that colour each season. If your trip coincides with one, you will remember it as much as the sea. This is the calendar the locals know.
The Virgen del Valle — 8 September
The most important festival on the island and across eastern Venezuela. The Virgen del Valle is the patron saint of fishermen and of Nueva Esparta, and thousands of pilgrims travel to the basilica in El Valle del Espíritu Santo to give thanks. Boats are decorated, and there are processions, music and fulfilled promises. If you are on the island in early September, do not miss it.
Carnival — February or March
In the days before Lent, the island’s towns fill with parades, costumes, music and water games. The beaches come alive and the atmosphere is festive day and night. The dates change each year with the liturgical calendar, but it usually falls between late February and early March.
Holy Week — March or April
Holy Week (Semana Santa) is peak season for domestic tourism: Venezuelans from the mainland arrive in great numbers and the island fills up. There are religious processions in the towns and plenty of life on the beaches. If you want quiet, avoid these dates; if you want atmosphere, it is one of the liveliest weeks of the year.
Cruz de Mayo and galerón — May
In May the island celebrates the Cruz de Mayo, a tradition in which a cross is decorated with flowers and the Margarita galerón is sung: improvised sung poetry accompanied by cuatro and mandolin. It is one of the most authentic cultural expressions on the island, far from the tourist circuit.
Town patron-saint festivals
Every fishing town has its saint and its festival. The Santísimo Cristo del Buen Viaje in Pampatar is one of the most beloved, with a maritime procession and celebrations in front of the castle. Ask about the calendar of the town where you are staying — there is almost always a festival nearby.
Christmas and New Year — December
December is high season, and the island lives Christmas with gaitas, hallacas, parrandas and fireworks over the coast on the 31st. The weather is dry and warm, the beaches are full and the mood is one of constant celebration. Book early if you come at this time.
- Virgen del Valle: 8 September — the island’s great festival
- Carnival: February/March — parades and lively beaches
- Holy Week: March/April — domestic peak season
- Cruz de Mayo: May — galerón and tradition
- Christmas and New Year: December — gaitas and fireworks