The Dwarf Dance in La Palma is one of the most important, if not the most important, symbolic events on the green island.
La Danza de los Enanos – The Dance of the Dwarfs – in La Palma is not only a spectacle eagerly anticipated by crowds, but also a magical heritage of La Palma. La Danza de los Enanos is without doubt the most beloved and iconic performance of La Palma. Read more HERE.
Symbol of unity
This unique dance performance, in which ordinary men mysteriously transform into energetically dancing “dwarfs,” is part of the five-yearly celebrations in honor of the Virgen de las Nieves, the patron saint of the island. Every five years, the entire population — and thousands of visitors with them — eagerly await this unique event that blends folklore, mystique, and identity.
What makes La Danza de los Enanos so extraordinary is not only the infectious choreography or the character-filled costumes, but especially the mysterious moment when the dancers suddenly appear on stage as enanos through an ingenious costume change. The atmosphere is exuberant, magical, and steeped in tradition. Despite the humor and lighthearted tone, the dance is a deeply rooted symbol of cultural unity for the people of La Palma.
Bajada de La Virgen
The event takes place within the Bajada de la Virgen, a religious and popular festival that has formed the spiritual heart of the island community since the 17th century. Over the course of several weeks, countless activities are organized, but the highlight for many is always the Danza de los Enanos. Tickets for the show are highly sought after, and the interest extends far beyond the island’s borders.
La Danza de los Enanos is more than just a dance: it is a collective ritual, a tribute to the past, and a celebration of identity that La Palma proudly carries forward. It is one of the island’s most important symbols. Ticket sales for the traditional events Danza de los Enanos and the 18th Century Festival (Minué), which are part of the Lustrum Festival of the Bajada de la Virgen de las Nieves 2025, will begin on Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 a.m.
Ticket sales
Tickets will be available in two ways: In person, at the Tienda de la Bajada, located on O’Daly Street next to the town hall and online, via the platform on the official website.
In both cases, tickets will be available from 11:00 a.m. on the indicated date.
To prevent issues, the online platform will include a virtual queue with a waiting room, to manage access during peak demand.
Each person may purchase a maximum of eight tickets per transaction. 10% of the seats (around 400 per performance) will be reserved for in-person sales, while the remaining 90% will be distributed through the online channel.
In total, around 45,000 tickets will be made available, spread over the 12 performances of the Danza de los Enanos, held at the Recinto Central (parking lot at the capital’s port) on July 10 and 19.
Program
Tuesday, July 8 – 18th Century Festival (Minué) – at 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 10 – Danza de los Enanos – (5 performances): at 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. – and 1:00 a.m. (night of July 11)
Saturday, July 19 – Danza de los Enanos – (7 performances): at 6:45 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – 9:15 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. – 11:45 p.m. – 1:00 a.m. (night of July 20) and 2:00 a.m. (night of July 20)
Each performance is expected to last 30 minutes. Prices range between €20 and €30 on July 10 and between €15 and €25 on July 19.
These rates remain unchanged from the 2015 edition.
Note: In 2020, these activities were canceled shortly before the start of the Bajada de la Virgen festivities due to the outbreak of the coronavirus epidemic.
History
This year’s program for the Dwarf dance in La Palma will begin with the staging of the play “Reyes,” with lyrics by poet and lawyer José Lozano Pérez (Santa Cruz de La Palma, 1890–1951) and music by doctor and composer Elías Santos Abreu (Los Llanos de Aridane, 1856 – Santa Cruz de La Palma, 1937). This piece was originally performed on April 23of the premiere year on O’Daly Street, starting at 9:00 p.m.
The figure of the Enano and the polka composed by Domingo Santos Rodríguez (Santa Cruz de La Palma, 1902–1979) remain emblematic elements of the Bajada. The Minué, also included in this edition with two performances on July 8, completes the program of the most representative festivities.
Physical box office
-
Wednesday, May 21: continuously from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
-
Thursday, May 22 and Friday, May 23: from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-
From May 26 to July 23: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
On the days of the Danza de los Enanos in La Palma, the box office will open an hour and a half before each performance and remain open until the start.
Santa Cruz de La Palma © Photography
Dwarf dance in La Palma ©
More CULTURE can be read [HERE]
Interested in Tenerife?
Subscribe to our newsletter and always stay informed about the news on Tenerife.
Enter your first name and a valid email address below. Then click on Subscribe.
