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Garachico tyre burning fiesta 2015

Garachico tyre burning fiesta 2015

We have to thank for highlighting this event. Of course it isn't really called the Garachico tyre burning fiesta, which she coined, but we think it's a brilliantly descriptive, attention grabbing title and don't understand why that isn't yet official. Actually called the Fuegos del Risco (Cliff Face Fires), which, as is explained in this article in El Dia, Una erupción festiva cada cinco años, these have evolved from pineapples in wooden barrels through dried corncobs soaked in petrol and diesel; sackcloth balls and, yes, on occasion, burning tyres. 

They point out that a small group of people is responsible for setting the lava slopes of Garachico aglow once again at a point close to where the ancient port was located. With logistical support from the town council, they reactivate the fury of the Trevejo volcano (or Montaña Negra - Black Mountain), which destroyed the port of Garachico in 1706, with the help of fireworks and glowing balls rolling down the slope. In the dark of night, the incandescent objects falling down the hillside recreate the effect of a volcanic eruption.

It promises to be spectacular on Sunday night, 2nd August at 10pmBut get there early, because last time, in 2010, it drew a crowd of 35,000.  

What I don't understand is why this is celebrated every 5 years on the 0s and 5s, when the volcanic eruption was in 1706 - it can never fall on an anniversary - or why it takes place in August, as the eruption was in May. No doubt someone has an explanation for these seeming anomalies, but does it matter? Do you need a valid excuse to "celebrate" a disaster by rolling burning tyres down a hillside?  

It's just part of the Fiestas Lustrales y de San Roque 2015 in honour of the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia (Holy Christ of Mercy) and San Roque, being held from July 23rd to August 2nd (and actually on to the Romería de San Roque on August 16th, of which more later.) The origins of the fiestas date back to 1659; the first time the firework spectacular appeared under the name of the Fuegos del Risco was in 1922, although it was already celebrated in some form in 1881.

Other attractions this weekend include the Desfile De Carrozas Alegóricas (Parades of Allegorical Floats) on Saturday, 1st August at 10pm and on Sunday, 2nd August at 6pm. These are six floats, authentic works of art that require months of work. Residents of all ages work on these making hundreds of thousands of paper flowers, and elements in wood, cork or paper.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnaval of the 1980s

It's time to dig out those old legwarmers, add a pink tutu, wear a huge bow in your big blonde hair, (maybe even add a Madonna bra for extra authenticity) ... especially if you're a bloke, because "The 1980s" is going to be the theme for Santa Cruz Carnaval in 2016.

Apparently the theme, chosen by the public, marginally beat “The Caribbean”.

This also confirms that the 2016 Santa Cruz Carnaval is to be held between 3rd and 14th February, so the order of events should follow those already published for Tenerife Carnaval 2016.

Tenerife Land of Eternal Christmas

Sunbathing SantaDesert Island ChristmasScuba Diving SantaTropical Santa
Santa's Having a Whale of a TimeSurfing SantaWaterski SantaCamel Rodeo Santa
With a wide range of products in each design, click the pics (above) to see the full selections.