The town of Yaiza is the municipal nucleus and is located on the edge of the area buried by the volcanic eruptions of 1730 and 1736. Precisely, the fundamental chronicle of the eruptions was narrated by the then parish priest of Yaiza, Andrés Lorenzo Curbelo. It is one of the best-preserved towns in the Canary archipelago, it has various beautification awards, a sensation that the visitor perceives when passing through its streets and houses that are extremely well-cared for and decorated with a variety of plants and flowers. Opposite the town hall is the parish of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, the patron saint of the municipality, whose festival is celebrated on September 8. Yaiza stands out among the towns on the island for its landscape care and its respect for traditional architecture.

Economy

The economy of the town of Yaiza, like that of other municipalities on the island of Lanzarote, has historically been based on agriculture, livestock, and fishing. For many centuries, the inhabitants of the town of Yaiza have dedicated themselves to the production of cereal crops, fruits, and vegetables, as well as grazing sheep and goats and fishing near the sea.

In the 20th century, tourism became an important source of income for the town of Yaiza. The construction of hotels, restaurants, and other tourist infrastructures generated employment and attracted visitors from all over the world. Today, tourism is the main economic activity of the town of Yaiza, and its inhabitants depend to a large extent on the service sector.

However, there are also some companies dedicated to agriculture, livestock, and the production of wine and cheese.

History

In the 15th century, Lanzarote was conquered by the Castilians, and little by little, populations began to settle on the island. The town of Yaiza was founded in the 16th century, during the time of the Spanish conquest of the Canary Islands. It is believed that the name Yaiza comes from the aboriginal word "ahihiza", which means "place where the sedges abound".

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the town of Yaiza experienced significant demographic growth, thanks to agriculture and livestock. The Yaiza area was rich in cereal crops, fruits, and vegetables, as well as sheep and goats. In addition, the proximity to the sea allowed the development of fishing.

In the 18th century, the town of Yaiza became one of the main towns on the island of Lanzarote. During this time, numerous public and religious buildings were built, such as the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios and the Casa de los Benito.

In the 19th century, the town of Yaiza suffered a major economic crisis due to drought and poor harvests. Many townspeople immigrated to America in search of better opportunities, and the town's population dwindled considerably.

In the 1960s, tourism began to develop on the island of Lanzarote, which was an important boost to the economy of the town of Yaiza. Today, the town of Yaiza is one of the main tourist destinations on the island, thanks to its rich history, cultural heritage, and traditional charm.

One of the most important episodes in the history of Yaiza took place in 1730, when the eruption of the Timanfaya volcano began, which lasted six years and devastated a large part of the territory. The town of Yaiza was saved from destruction thanks to the intervention of the priest Andrés Lorenzo Curbelo, who begged the Virgen de los Dolores to protect the town from the lava.

What to see

The urban center of the town of Yaiza is a place full of charm and tradition, which offers numerous options for visitors who want to discover Canarian culture in all its splendor. Below are some of the main attractions of the urban center of the town of Yaiza:

Church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios: It is one of the most emblematic buildings in the town of Yaiza and a must-see for tourists. The church was built in the 17th century and is an outstanding example of Canarian religious architecture. Inside, you can admire several baroque altarpieces and an image of the Virgen de los Remedios, the patron saint of the town.

Casa de la Cultura Benito Pérez Armas: It is a historic building that dates back to the 18th century and has been converted into a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the people of Yaiza. Inside, you can find old objects and utensils, as well as photographs and historical documents that show the evolution of the town over time.

Plaza de los Remedios: It is the main square of the town of Yaiza and the place where numerous events and festivities are held. The square is surrounded by historical buildings and has a central fountain that gives it a special touch. There are also several restaurants and shops around the square, where you can buy local products and handicrafts.

Festivities

The festival of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is one of the most important religious celebrations in the town of Yaiza. This festivity is celebrated every year on September 8 in honor of the town's patron saint.

During the festivity, the image of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is taken in procession through the streets of the town, accompanied by a music band and by the faithful who follow her on her way. The procession ends at the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios, where a mass is celebrated in honor of the patron saint.

The festival of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios is a very important celebration for the inhabitants of the town of Yaiza. This festivity is an example of the rich tradition and culture that lives in the town of Yaiza, and a unique opportunity to get to know and experience the Canarian culture in all its splendor.

In short, the town of Yaiza is a charming place that combines the beauty of traditional Canarian architecture with great historical and cultural wealth. In addition, its location close to popular tourist spots makes it an ideal place to spend a day or afternoon of relaxation and exploration on the island of Lanzarote.

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