May Festivities with decorated crosses and VIII Insular Handicraft Fair in Puerto de la Cruz

Decorated cross on 3 May in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz celebrates the crosses in the May Festivities and the Plaza Reyes Católicos will host the VIII Insular Handicraft Fair from April 30

The City Council of Puerto de la Cruz is encouraging citizens so that, "with respect to all the extraordinary measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus", this May they may participate in the festivities by visiting the decorated crosses in the municipality. The traditional decorating of the crosses is "one of the most striking and picturesque events in neighbourhoods and streets."

A tour of nine artistic crosses is prepared, made and designed by various groups in the municipality, which can be enjoyed in all the neighbourhoods. Likewise, the Department of Festivities, together with the artisan space of La Ranilla, will once again promote the exhibition of recycled crosses, "within the possibilities that exist in the current situation."

This year, the VIII Insular Handicraft Fair will open the Puerto de la Cruz May Festivities on April 30 in the Plaza de los Reyes Católicos (McDonalds). 

The big day of these festivities is May 3, the day that also celebrates the founding of the municipality, and will be marked through the reading of the Royal Certificate of Felipe IV that opened the door to the constitution of Puerto de la Cruz independently of La Orotava. The certificate entered into force on May 3, 1651. 370 years ago. 

VIII Feria Insular de Artesanía a partir del 30 de abril

Arroz amarillo (Yellow Rice)

Arroz amarillo – Yellow Rice

A super simple recipe to prepare the perfect yellow rice to accompany any family dish.

Ingredients:

500g Rice 

3 Tomatoes

100g Onion

Parsley

1 Red pepper

1 Green pepper

100g Peas

Half a garlic clove

Fish stock

Saffron to taste

Oil

Salt

Method:

Heat 2 or 3 tablespoons of oil in a pan, lightly brown the chopped onion, about 5 minutes. Add the ripe tomatoes, peeled and cut into pieces, sauté for a few minutes, sieve the cooked mixture and reserve. Heat 3 or 4 tablespoons of oil, chop the pepper finely and fry lightly over low heat, add the reserved onion and tomato, stir, add the rice and sauté for 2 minutes, cover with the hot fish stock at a ratio of 2:1 of stock for each measure of rice. Distribute the ingredients evenly in the paella pan, season with salt and cook over medium heat. Crush half a clove of garlic and some parsley leaves and add this to the paella halfway through cooking, along with the cooked peas, season with saffron to taste. Once the stock is absorbed into the rice, let it rest off the heat for a few minutes. 

El Mercado Municipal de La Laguna con la cocina tradicional: Arroz amarillo

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1995

Stage in the Plaza de España for Carnival 1995

The theme of carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1995 was Las Mil y una Noches (One Thousand and One Nights) and above is the stage in the Plaza de España, inspired by the film Aladdin. This was the last time the galas took place in the open air, before they were transferred to the Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos de Tenerife (The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses), which opened the following year.

Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1995, was 16 year old María Elena Luis Luis in a costume entitled, "Palabras Mágicas" (Magic Words), representing Páginas Amarillas (Yellow Pages) and designed by Marcos Marrero and María Díaz.

The jury included Seville designers Victorio & Lucchino and the comedian Pedro Ruiz, who acknowledged the difficulty in choosing the winner from among the 25 candidates. They held a celebratory cavalcade the same night, after which the carnival took to the streets for the following four days. Below is the spectacular opening of the gala, followed by the Queen's coronation.

In 1995, the court was made up as follows:

1995 Carnival Poster

1. 1st Maid of Honour: Anabel Jorge González, with a costume entitled "En el centro del huracán" (In the centre of the hurricane), representing Peña Salamanca and designed by David Díaz Mendoza.
2. 2nd Maid of Honour: Natacha Aguilar Méndez, with a costume entitled "Archangelos", representing Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero and designed by José Julio Rodríguez and Juan Fajardo.
3. 3rd Maid of Honour: Ana Noelia Martín Medina, with a costume entitled "Mares canarios" (Canarian Seas), representing Palmitos Park de Maspalomas and designed by Armando García.
4. 4th Maid of Honour: Lidia López Sebastián, with a costume entitled "La luz de Kronos" (The light of Kronos), representing Almacenes El Kilo and designed by Justo Gutiérrez.

Gran Gala Reina del Carnaval de S/C de Tenerife 1995

Coronación Reina del Carnaval de S/C de Tenerife 1995

Below are images from the Children's Carnival Parade in 1995.

Coso Infantil 1995

The Cutest Elephants in the Coso Infantil 1995

Miss Piggy at the Coso Infantil 1995

Junior Carnival Queen at the Coso Infantil 1995

La Laguna and the entire region are orphaned for another year without their pilgrimages

Hermitage of San Benito (Saint Benedict) in La Laguna Koppchen, CC BY 3.0

The calendar of the Romerías (Pilgrimages) that should have been held in the municipality in 2021 include those of El Pico-Tejina, Valle de Guerra, Las Mercedes, Guamasa, Finca España and the Romería Regional de San Benito Abad.

However, once more the romerías in the municipality of La Laguna cannot be held during the months of May, June and July 2021, as these traditional pilgrimages, like those of the rest of the islands, are suspended for another year due to the pandemic.

Dates to keep in mind, [we hope] Romerías in San Cristóbal de La Laguna 2022

• Romería del Pico en Tejina: May 7 (Saturday from 5:00 p.m.)
• Romería de Valle de Guerra:  May 15, San Isidro Day
• Romería Las Mercedes: May 29
• Romería de Guamasa: June 5
• Romería Regional de San Benito Abad: July 10 This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Modern Pilgrimage

Note: Except for Tejina, which is on a Saturday afternoon, all start at 12.00 on Sunday.

San Cristóbal de La Laguna y toda la comarca se quedan un año más  huérfanas sin sus romerías

Town Hall of El Sauzal

Town Hall of El Sauzal

Address: Calle la Constitución, 3, 38360 El Sauzal, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Phone: +34 922 57 00 00

Official website | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

Traditional Fiestas in El Sauzal

Romería de Tegueste returns to the balconies

The Romería of San Marcos de Tegueste, which opens the season of these popular celebrations in Tenerife, will once again be limited to the balconies this year due to the restrictions of the pandemic. The town council is encouraging residents to dress up in typical costume on Sunday 25 and decorate their balconies to make a toast at 2:00 pm.

This year's agenda to honor the Romería de Tegueste includes an exhibition at Casa del Prebendado Pacheco, from April 16 to May 2, and another in San Marcos Square, from April 21 to May 2. The exhibition in the Casa Prebendado Pacheco will pay tribute to the typical wagons and carts of the pilgrimage through a hundred historical and current photos. The hours to visit will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

On the 24th there will be an offering to San Marcos in the church, between 10:00 and 18:00, and a religious function at 19:00. Likewise, on Sunday 25 the Mass for Saint Mark the Evangelist will be broadcast live at 12:00, which can be followed through the council's Facebook page. The councillor for Fiestas, Eladia López, explained that the collection of non-perishable food that is made in the offering to the patron of Tegueste will later be delivered to the most vulnerable families in the municipality. 

La Romería de Tegueste, en honor a San Marcos, volverá a realizarse este año desde los balcones (Via)

Romería de San Marcos | Tegueste 2019

North of Tenerife Rally 2021

Rallye Orvecame Norte Escudería Daute Realejos

The Escudería Daute Realejos has advanced the configuration of the 37th North Rally, which will open the 2021 Regional Rally Championship on April 23 and 24, with a design that largely repeats the configuration of the 2020 season. The action begins with the 'Villa de Los Realejos-La Guancha' section, which last year was contested over 16.4 km, extended to the 19.17 km it had in the 2019 edition of the northern rally, whose record (10 ' 56 ”6) was then established by Enrique Cruz-Yeray Mujica with the Porsche 911 997 GT3. 

The only section that will have three passes is ‘El Tanque-Garachico-Ciudad del Drago’ with 13.04 km, which in 2020 received unanimous praise for the variety of its route. Enrique Cruz-Yeray Mujica set the best time (8'06 ”445) with the Ford Fiesta R5. The sensation of the 36th Rally North, held on October 10, 2020, was the unprecedented and complex stage of 'Las Llanadas', despite its short distance of 4.52 km, and whose difficulty increased with the rain. Now that difficulty is increased by almost tripling its distance, to 11.21 km. 

After half a blank year, and with the permission of the ‘Santísima Sanidad’ (Holy Health) Department, on the 23rd and 24th of April, the rallies will be restarted in the North of Tenerife, also with the opening of the Regional Championship. The provisional list with 92 registered is spectacular in quantity. Of those registered in the 2021 North Rally, there are several winners in past editions: Luis Monzón (4), Juan Luis Cruz (2), Yeray Lemes (1) and Enrique Cruz the last two, 2019 with Porsche 922 997 GT3 and that of 2020 with the Ford Fiesta R5.

Escudería Daute Realejos has published the official list of entries for the North Rally with a total of 92 entries: 80 in Speed and 12 in Regular Sport. At the same time it has been declared "without public", something that was already planned. On the other hand, AEMET (State Meteorological Agency) forecasts moderate and continuous rains. 

Rallye Norte de Tenerife, el Regional arranca con calidad y cantidad

Rally Orvecame Norte 2020

Potaje de Acelgas (Chard Stew)

Acelgas (Swiss Chard)

Chard is native to the European countries of the Mediterranean coast and North Africa and arrived in the Canary Islands after the Conquest in the 15th Century, and has been part of the peasant diet in the autumn and winter, months in which it was collected after the rains, since in most cases it grew on the farmland without the need for cultivation. 

In Las Mercedes (San Cristóbal de La Laguna) this vegetable is prepared in a stew accompanied by pork, chickpeas, corncobs and pumpkin.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

150 gr. chickpeas

150 gr. pumpkin

Corncob, cut into 4 pieces

200 gr. chard

300 gr. pork

200 gr. of potatoes

1 medium onion, chopped

1 ripe tomato, peeled and deseeded

2 or 3 cloves of garlic

A teaspoon of sweet pimentón

A few strands of saffron

4 tablespoons of olive oil

Preparation: 

Soak the chickpeas the day before to soften them. 

Add a splash of olive oil to a pan and brown a small onion along with the tomato. When the onion is golden brown, add water. When the water is lukewarm, add the chickpeas. Wash the chard well and chop, taking care that the stems are not too large. Add the pork, corncob pieces, chard and saffron to the pan. Leave over medium heat for 45 minutes.

In a mortar and pestle add a little coarse salt, three cloves of garlic and crush. When everything is mashed, add the sweet pimentón (paprika). Add to the pan.

When the chickpeas are almost done, add the potatoes and the chopped pumpkin to the stew. Once the potatoes are cooked (20 minutes) turn off the heat, letting the stew rest until it is served.

As in all Canarian stews, you can add gofio on the plate, or it can be accompanied by an escaldón made with the soup broth, with some potatoes and pumpkin, gofio.

Potaje de Acelgas a la lagunera

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1994

Maria Candelaria Rodriguez, Carnival Queen 1994

Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1994 was Maria Candelaria Rodriguez, with a costume entitled "Diva", designed by Marcos Marrero, representing Casinos de Tenerife.

In 1994, the court was made up as follows:

1. 1st Maid of Honour: Dolores Reyes Álvarez, with a costume entitled "¡Señores, faltaba yo!" (Gentlemen, I was missing!), representing Comparsa Los Brasileiros and Licor Frangélico and designed by Juan Carlos Armas.
2. 2nd Maid of Honour: "Divinidad de una diosa" (Divinity of a goddess), representing Cadena Sabat and designed by Manolo Chinea.
3. 3rd Maid of Honour: "Todo lo que buscas lo tengo yo" (I have everything you are looking for), representing Cetesa Páginas Amarillas and designed by Carlos Nieves.
4. 4th Maid of Honour: Jacqueline Prieto Montesinos, with a costume entitled "Desde los confines de la Atlántida..." (From the confines of Atlantis ...), representing Escuela de Arte Floral de Santa Úrsula and designed by Juan Álvarez y Gisela Schlicher.

Either the second or third maid of honour was Beatriz Núñez Pérez.

One of the Maids of Honour

Entry by the Escuela de Arte Floral de Santa Úrsula

Reina del Carnaval de S/C de Tenerife 1994

Carnival scenery in 1994. The theme was Atlántida (Atlantis)

For Carnival 1994 the theme was Atlántida (Atlantis). Wonder if anyone else has noticed that the scenery in 2019, the theme for which was Las profundidades marinas (The Deep Sea) also featured Poseidon with his trident on the right hand side of the stage?

This was back in the day when the staging was erected and the galas held in the open air in the Plaza de España, before Herzog + de Meuron redesigned the plaza in 2008 and the penultimate carnival staged there before the Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos de Tenerife (The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses), where the staging is erected and the contests and galas are held now, was opened in 1996.

Carnaval Tenerife 1994

Military Museum, Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias in the Fuerte de Almeyda 
Image: CARLOS TEIXIDOR CADENAS, CC BY-SA 3.0

Of course that's what parking spaces are for!

Model ship. To be fair, not everything has an English label.

Cannon "El Gato" (The Cat)

This one's called "El Miserable". Wouldn't you be, if it hit you?

The flag of the British frigate, "Emerald", it is said, was found at dawn on 25 July 1797,
in one of the [British] launches tied up on the coast of Santa Cruz.

General Gutiérrez Trouncer of Nelson

Interior of the curved courtyard

Scale model depicting the Battle of Santa Cruz 1797

Well worth a visit is the Museo Histórico Militar de Canarias (Museum of Military History of the Canaries) in the Fuerte de Almeyda, the old D-shaped artillery fort and former barracks in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. More and better images and descriptions can be found in this report. Opening hours, address and contact numbers can be found here.

Town Hall of El Rosario

Town Hall of El Rosario

Plaza del Ayuntamiento, s/n, 38290 La Esperanza, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain. Phone: +34 922 010 160.

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube | Instagram

Traditional Fiestas in El Rosario

A 117-year-old hardware store in Tenerife

Ferretería Orotava opposite the Town Hall Plaza

Located opposite the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square) in La Orotava, with its emblematic low doors, a company founded in 1904 remains active

Félix Reyes started the Ferretería Orotava (Orotava Hardware Store) at the beginning of the 20th century and his sons Manuel and Miguel, who took over in 1950 and ran it until they were 90 years old, continued the activity into the 21st century, when they transferred the business to Esteban García, their most faithful employee who had arrived at the age of 14 in 1979 and, at 55, continues behind a counter that has seen two pandemics - the Spanish flu of 1918 and coronavirus  - two world wars, monarchies, republics, a civil war, a dictatorship and the arrival of department stores and the internet go by. The only thing that has managed to question its continuity has been the decline of traditional and local commerce due to large shopping centres and purchases through large online platforms.

When the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de La Orotava housed the first large Corpus Christi carpet, in 1919, the Orotava Hardware Store had already dispensed nails and screws for 15 years. In each and every one of the photos of the emblematic tapestries made with Teide sand, this building is in the background. Esteban García, the son of humble people, took over the company in 2004, when he had already been employed there for 25 years, and now, 42 years after arriving, he takes care of it with his wife Milagros and with the occasional help of his daughters Marta and María. When asked why the hardware store has lasted so long, he replies that the key "is in the affection and in its family character."

It is a living business, but it has the air of a museum. 

Esteban keeps many of the materials and gadgets that were sold decades ago: an original counter, the weights to sell nails in bulk, the first calculator, a cash register with decades of use and 100 pesetas bills inside, a portable record player, brochures from the 50s, porcelain switches, lamps, Bakelite strips, a book of credit sales that this year turns a century, and even the original purchase contract of the house for 1,420 pesetas.

“They are like museum pieces, we value them a lot, but we need to sell to stay open. History does not feed us. If we sell, we can continue to make history. If not, it would have to be closed. Every day I wake up with nervousness but also with the hope of operation a century old business. It costs us a lot. Traditional commerce is heavily punished because now you can order anything over the internet, from a drill to a shirt or glasses. Then when it arrives it will be what it will be, so our difference is the personalized treatment with the client. Here you can see, touch and taste what you buy. We explain, we advise and, as we are a people, sometimes we even let things be taken on condition,” Esteban explains.

In the town this business is also known as the hardware store of Los Enanitos (The Dwarfs), a nickname that comes from the low height of its doors, which were normal sized but became small when the level of the street was built up, and also from Miguel and Manuel's, its previous owners, low stature. They did not like this nickname too much, Esteban recalls. When he took over the business, he had to turn "the murderous door" into a showcase.

Another of the hallmarks of this hardware store is the sale of Canarian handicrafts, "which is a way of helping a sector that is having a very bad time these days", and of products that are difficult to get in other places such as basins, large cauldrons, ceramic pieces. One of its windows is always reserved for crafts: "You will never see a drill there." His business is currently very varied, although the products with the most output are kitchen utensils, lighting, paintings, tools and "in general everything that can be found in a hardware store, except for construction material, due to lack of space”.

Esteban García Morales fears that the day will come to close and recognizes that he would not like to go down in history as the person who had to put an end to the Orotava Hardware Store. His hope goes through one of his daughters and even his grandson Nicolás, who is 6 years old, and already tells his grandfather that he will stay with the business.

The most appreciated nativity scene

For 16 years, the nativity scene that is made in this business has been one of the most appreciated on the route of nativities in La Orotava. Despite the pandemic and capacity control, 15,228 people enjoyed the display, with figures dressed as magos (in typical Canarian costume), in which the church of San Juan was recreated.

On October 10, 1904

La Ferretería Orotava keeps the purchase contract for the house where it is located, on Calle La Carrera, which was previously a grocery store owned by Antonio Herrero González, framed on a wall. It was acquired on October 10, 1904 by the founder of the hardware store, Félix Reyes Martín, at a price of 1,420 pesetas and 60 cents. On the day of the handover of the keys, he paid 1,220 pesetas and 60 cents in cash and promised to pay the remaining 200 pesetas in December 1904. Thus began the long history of this emblematic business. 

Una ferretería con 117 años

The ten best Canarian desserts

Just some of these Canarian desserts

It has been said that there is a lack of choice of Canarian desserts and I will agree that in most restaurants there is often little on offer. There will be flan and then the choices are mostly international and often just ice cream. At the occasional out-of-the-way and more traditional establishment, you may find bienmesabe and, even less often, frangollo. Also some of the things that we would consider a cake for afternoon tea, or just a sweet to be eaten as a snack, are served as a desert at home in the Canaries. Anyway, here is a list of those considered the ten best Canarian desserts ... and not a flan amongst them! 

1. Bienmesabe is a dessert as calorific as it is sweet. Almonds, egg, sugar and lemon are its fundamental ingredients. The origin of bienmesabe, which today can be enjoyed throughout the archipelago, is probably Arab, but it has been made popular through the work of chef Matilde Arroyo, Gold Medal of the Canary Islands in 2009 on the island of La Palma and, specifically, for her pioneering nature in the dissemination of the rich culinary tradition of the «Isla Bonita». Tejeda, in Gran Canaria, is also famous for its bienmesabe.

2. Frangollo is one of the quintessential Canarian desserts, even more so on the island of Tenerife. Milk, corn flour, lemon, eggs, sugar, butter, raisins, almonds and cinnamon are fundamental ingredients, although there are areas where it is made with water instead of milk and others where they add ingredients like matalaúva (anise), for example.

3. Príncipe Alberto Another of the region's dessert wonders is Prince Albert, whose origin is also on the island of La Palma (it must be emphasized: a paradise for those with a sweet tooth). The main ingredient is chocolate, which together with biscuits dipped in coffee and crushed almonds and hazelnuts gives a dessert that is creamy and intense in equal parts.

4. Rapaduras de La Palma Its conical shape is characteristic of this traditional sweet from the island of La Palma, now spread to other parts of the Canary Islands and whose main ingredient is cane sugar. Gofio, of course sugar, almonds, cinnamon and lemon are its other elements. The basic recipe has given rise, also influenced by its industrialization, to varieties such as milk, chocolate (children love this), coconut or egg.

5. Mousse de gofio (Gofio mousse) Gofio is the quintessential product of the culinary tradition of the Islands, a product that was the basis of the diet of generations of islanders in ancient times. Today, gofio is still appreciated for its important nutritional value and for its potential in many recipes, including gofio mousse, which also includes eggs, condensed milk and whipping cream. Smooth and delicious. If you are in the Canary Islands, forget about the classic chocolate mousse for a few days.

6. Huevos mole are one of the legacies that Portuguese traditions left in the Canary Islands. In fact, in Portugal, as well as in the Islands, desserts made with eggs are very common, including ovo moles. Egg yolks, sugar and water, and skill, of course, is all that is needed to make this dessert. It is usually served  cold and in glasses.

7. Truchas (Turnovers) are a sweet in the shape of a classic pasty that is usually eaten at Christmas, and that is why, for many islanders, they evoke the warmth of the family, the warmth of home. They are made with flour, sweet potato (there is a more industrial variant with Cabello de ángel (angel hair), a transparent threaded jam made from Siam pumpkin pulp and white sugar), sugar, almonds and lemon as fundamental ingredients. 

8. Polvito uruguayo became popular in the archipelago thanks to the proliferation of Uruguayan restaurants (since it derives from the «chajá» dessert, from the South American country) in various parts of the region, especially in Gran Canaria, to the point that it has been adapted to the ingredients of the islands. Its name comes from the fact that the main ingredients (biscuits and meringues) are made into powders, for its preparation. 

9. Suspiros ("Sighs", a.k.a. Meringue Kisses) are a traditional meringue from various parts of the geography of Gran Canaria. Due to their history in the municipality, they are generically known as Suspiros de Moya, a municipality in which their preparation has made them into a classic of the island's confectionery and, by extension, of the archipelago. Egg, sugar and lemon make up a sweet treat like few others. They can be purchased in many bakeries. 

10. Quesadilla herreña is the traditional cake from the small island of El Hierro, the westernmost island of the Canary Islands. Like Moya's sighs, its popularity is such that it can be purchased prepared in many shops in what is also known as “Isla del Meridiano” (The Meridian Island). It is made with cheese, salt, sugar, flour, eggs, lemon, cinnamon and anise, but without the traditional wood oven these ingredients would not give the particular flavour of this sweet. Fluffy: biting into a cloud would be similar. 

Los diez mejores postres de la repostería canaria

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1993

Carnival Queen in 1993, Carlota Bibiana Sosa Borges

Carnival Queen was Carlota Bibiana Sosa Borges in a costume entitled, "Pim, pam, pum... fuego" (Pim, pam, pum ... fire) designed by Marcos Marrero y María Díaz and representing Casinos de Juego de Tenerife. 

The theme of carnival in 1993 was 'The Circus'. The stage was extended to almost half the surface of the Plaza de España. This was the first year that Antena 3 Television broadcast the Gala for the Election of the Carnival Queen, nationally and internationally (on Antena 3 Internacional); previously, it had been broadcast by RTVE, TVE1, La2 and TVE Internacional.

In this year, an unusual event occurred. The candidate Mónica García Brito, who wore a costume designed by the local designer Carlos Nieves, entitled "Pachá entra en mi sueño" (Pachá enters my dream), managed to break all the established norms regarding the making of costumes for carnival candidates and set a precedent that has not yet been surpassed. Her costume, which measured 6 meters high and 6.5 meters wide, was the largest costume that has been made for this type of event. Nevertheless, she was chosen as first lady in waiting to the Carnival Queen. 

The overture of the gala was performed by Tenerife group, "Salsarrica" ​​with the song "El Carnaval es un circo" (Carnival is a circus.)

In 1993, the court was made up as follows:

1. 1st Maid of Honour: Esther Gómez Megolla, with "Oro negro" (Black Gold), representing Centro Comercial Alcampo - La Laguna and designed by Leo Martínez.
2. 2nd Maid of Honour: Florynda Cristina Rosa Pérez, with "Jaque mate" (Checkmate), representing Murgas del Carnaval and designed by Carlos Nieves.
3. 3rd Maid of Honour: Mónica García Brito, with "Pachá entra en mi sueño" (Pachá enters my dream), representing Discoteca Pachá and designed by Carlos Nieves.
4. 4th Maid of Honour: Carmina Luengo Rodríguez, with "Maringá se va de fiesta" (Maringá goes to the party), representing Almacenes El Kilo and designed by Leo Martínez.

Coronación Reina del Carnaval de S/C de Tenerife 1993

April brings heavy rain storms in Tenerife

Hamlet of Las Lagunetas (Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife)

Storm in 1901 caused eight deaths in Tenerife

The rain and wind, accompanied by a strong electrical storm, hit various towns in Tenerife between April 10 and 14, in 1901, causing eight deaths in the village of Las Lagunetas (Buenavista del Norte, Tenerife). In Gran Canaria, the intense and copious rains originated serious floods in the ravines in the north of the island that destroyed bridges and roads, causing the towns to remain isolated for a week. In the case of the Guiniguada ravine in the capital, the chronicles of the time speak of the great avenue that crossed the Palo Bridge and flooded part of the Triana and Vegueta neighbourhoods.

Memorable rainy season in 1977

An intense and memorable rainy season lasting several days, between 10 and 13 April 1977, in the Canary Islands brought precipitation of more than 350 l / m2 in the south west and of more than 220 l / m2 in the south east of Tenerife. San Cristóbal de La Laguna was partially incommunicado for several days. The powerful storm of Holy Week 1977 is one of the most important of the 20th century in the Canary Islands. It affected the entire western province and Gran Canaria, but was especially strong in Tenerife. The recorded rainfall in 24 hours: 358.9 mm in Vilaflor on 11 Apr; 260.3mm at Los Rodeos on 10 Apr. 

In El Escobonal (Güímar), also in Tenerife, more than 400 mm rain fell during this storm, when its annual average is around 380 mm. In Bajamar, in the Barranco de San Juan, the rains caused some sections of the highway that connects Bajamar with Punta del Hidalgo to be washed away. It caught everyone off guard, with their minds still on the recent Los Rodeos accident, the worst in civil aviation. 

Efemérides meteorológicas en Canarias del siglo XX y XXI Parte III 

Town Hall of Candelaria

Town Hall of Candelaria rene boulay, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Address: Av. de la Constitución, 7, 38530 Candelaria, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Phone: +34 922 50 08 00

Official website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

Traditional Fiestas in Candelaria

Free route on the history of La Laguna

Casona Estévanez-Borges Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0

Notwithstanding that you would need to understand Spanish to get the best out of this, but if you're in Tenerife, the Department of Historical Heritage of the City of La Laguna has prepared a free route to publicise the history of the municipality beyond the centre of town. The tour will be offered between April 19 and September 29 and prior registration will be required to attend. The councillor responsible for the area, Elvira Jorge, stressed that the purpose of this initiative is "to expand the dissemination of the wealth of heritage that exists outside the area declared World Heritage by Unesco."

With the name In memoriam: La ruta de los Menceyes (In memoriam: the Menceyes route) (Menceyes were Guanche - the aboriginal people of Tenerife before the conquest - Kings or Chiefs), this itinerary includes several assets of cultural interest, starting from the Plaza de Santo Domingo, passing through the avenues of Torriani and Los Menceyes, and ending in the neighbourhood of Gracia, at the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Gracia and the Estévanez Borges house. During approximately two hours, the participants will be able to discover what happened during the Battle of Aguere, in which the Guanches and Castilians fought to conserve and conquer Tenerife, and other heritage landmarks.

Casa Borges-Estévanez: The Borges Estévanez House was built between 1733 and 1735 by a member of the Meade family, an illustrious lineage of Irish descent, one of whose most prominent members was José Murphy y Meade. With his efforts this prominent Tenerife politician achieved for the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the title of capital of all the Canary Islands. He spent long periods in this country residence. 

Elvira Jorge highlighted that this new route is “an attractive resource, easily accessible and safe, to attract local, national and international tourism, through a heritage that until now had not been valued or disseminated. At the same time, it seeks to encourage commercial activity and boost the restaurant sector, activities that are highly affected by the current health crisis.

This project, co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Canarian Employment Service through the NOE-COVID program (New Employment Opportunities for unemployed people as a result of the coronavirus crisis), enables the hiring of two people as tourist guides to accompany these routes, organized according to the norms and safety recommendations against the pandemic. 

People interested in these routes should register by calling 922 60 30 00, extension 13172 (from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.), or by email tbarrom@lalaguna.es. Other than any changes indicated by the health authorities, the tours will take place from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., except for Tuesdays, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You just have to get yourself there, but the area has good public transport communication. 

In memoriam: La ruta de los Menceyes (Via)

Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Gracia (San Cristóbal de La Laguna)
Daniel García Asensio, CC BY-SA 3.0 ES, via Wikimedia Commons

Rally Sprint Tejina – Tegueste

Preparations are in place for the first Rally Sprint Tejina – Tegueste

Here's a new one: the Rallye Sprint Tejina-Tegueste, which is scheduled to take place on Saturday 10 April 2021. Apparently, the first edition of this event was previously planned for December last year, but had to be suspended because of the COVID-19 restrictions in place at that time. Now preparations are back on for this new fixture on the rally calendar. 

The video below drives part of the intended route for this new rally. We have to assume that the drivers in the actual trial will encounter *less* vans coming in the opposite direction. The condition of the road surface and number of potholes will make it interesting in some sections. And I know from personal experience that all those residents who live right alongside the road will probably hear of this the first time a noisy vehicle rushes past. Do they know they'll need to move their parked cars and plant pots?  Can you see this even being allowed in other locations? That's what makes it so typical of Tenerife.

Vídeo tramo Tejina-Tegueste del I Rallye Sprint Tejina-Tegueste

Vegetable stew with red beans from Ortigal

Vegetable stew with red beans from Ortigal

The best remedy against the cold - this recipe for vegetable stew with red beans - came from an elderly woman from the La Laguna neighbourhood of El Ortigal. 

Ingredients:

250 gr. of canned red kidney beans 

1 carrot

1 piece of pumpkin

1 bunch fresh spinach

250 gr. of green beans

2 medium potatoes

1 white onion

1/2 green pepper

1/2 red pepper

1 ripe tomato, grated

Olive oil, a bay leaf and salt

1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika

1/2 litre of vegetable stock

Method:

Start by making the sofrito, adding a good glug of olive oil, thinly sliced onion, the two types of peppers, finely chopped, and the grated tomato into a deep pan. Cook over medium heat so that the vegetables are poached.

Put the beans in a colander and rinse well, reserve. Cut the rest of the vegetables (potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and beans) into pieces, then add them to the pan once the sofrito is well poached, season and add the sweet paprika, then cook the vegetables alone for a few minutes. Add the vegetable stock and enough water until the vegetables are covered and let it cook for about 8 minutes.

When the vegetables are almost cooked, add the red beans, stir and cook for another 5-10 minutes. Chop the spinach leaves and reserve.

Add the spinach near the end of the cooking time, correct the seasoning and cook for the last few minutes for all the ingredients and the stock to mix well and thicken a little. 

Potaje de verduras con judías rojas del Ortigal

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1992

Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1992, Patricia Rodríguez Pérez

Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1992 was the 17 year old, Patricia Rodríguez Pérez with a costume entitled, ‘Catire Goayana’, designed by José Julio Rodríguez y Juan Fajardo and sponsored by the capital's CC Maya shopping centre.

The theme that year was 'Cinema': The stage in the Plaza de España evoked a Western movie set.

In 1992, the court was made up as follows:

1. 1st Maid of Honour: Laura Infante Castilla, with "Made in Canarias", representing McDonalds and designed by Leo Martínez.
2. 2nd Maid of Honour: Sole Yunta Domínguez, with a costume entitled "Montecarlo", representing Almacenes El Kilo and designed by Leo Martínez.
3. 3rd Maid of Honour: María del Mar Esteban Vargas, with a costume entitled "Máquina Total Dos" (Total Machine Two), representing Galerías Preciados and designed by Leo Martínez.
4. 4th Maid of Honour: Raquel Bedoya González, with a costume entitled "Y ahora vengo yo" (And now I come), representing Casinos de Juegos de Tenerife and designed by Carlos Marrero.

Here is coverage of the Comparsas in 1992, among them many names that still feature at carnival and a few that no longer do: Cariocas, Bahia Dorada, Joroperos, Brasileiros, Valleiros, Tabajaras, Corumba, Danzarines Canarios, Rio Orinoco, Rumberos.

Tenerife group "Salsarrica" released an album entitled, "Colón, Colón - Sabor Canario", which included the songs "Colón, Colón", dedicated to the 500th Anniversary of the Discovery of America (by Columbus) and also "El Carnaval lo hace el pueblo" (The People Make the Carnival), dedicated to the carnival of Santa Cruz of Tenerife. 

Reina del Carnaval de S/C de Tenerife 1992

The wind sculpture by César Manrique

The wind sculpture by César Manrique

This sculpture is located in the centre of the square in front of the Auditorio de Tenerife, the Castillo de San Juan and the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It was built in 2001 by Aquilino Dorta Pérez, although it was designed by César Manrique, whose sketches to make it were interpreted by Juan Amigó and José L. Olcina.

Manrique, in addition to being an architect and painter, designed several sculptures, always based on mobility, which he called "toys of the wind." They are generally metallic structures formed by a composition of geometric elements that rotate with the action of the wind, interacting with each other. The various sketches that he left after his death are being made and the mobile sculptures are being placed in different parts of the Canary Islands. 

Escultura Móvil de César Manrique

Tegueste to hold local Craft Fair in April

Tegueste Council, "in its commitment to supporting the handicraft sector", has organized a Local Craft Fair, which will take place on the weekend of April 10 and 11 at the Mercado del Agricultor de Tegueste Farmer's Market, from 9:00 a.m. at 2:00 p.m..

Mayor of Tegueste, Ana Rosa Mena, explained that the Fair, which had been postponed at Christmas due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will comply with the access restrictions and security measures dictated by the health authorities to avoid contagion. "Guaranteeing the safety of the participating artisans, as well as visitors is our priority," said Mena. Likewise, the Councillor for Crafts, Eladia López, announced that in total there will be 20 artisans who will participate in this fair and that they are specialized in ceramics, embroidery, jewellery and textile manufacturing, among other disciplines. “It is a great opportunity to show support for local artisans, especially this sector that has been so hit by the crisis generated by COVID-19, and that is part of the culture, traditions and lifestyle of the municipality”, said the councillor.

The handicraft guide

"The Tegueste Handicraft Fair joins other actions promoted by the council to highlight the work of professionals in the artisanal sector, such as the handicraft guide, prepared and distributed by the  council itself", explained a note to the press sent from the Council.

El municipio celebrará el próximo mes la Feria Local de Artesanía

Town Hall of Buenavista del Norte

Town Hall of Buenavista del Norte (left) in the Calle Alhóndiga

Address: Calle la Alhóndiga, 5, 38480 Buenavista del Nte., Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain

Phone: +34 922 12 90 30

Official website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube

In addition, Buenavista del Norte has a Tourist Information office at the “Casa Matula”, Plaza de Los Remedios, 4. Phone: +34 922 12 80 80 and +34 922 12 90 30-Ext: 1071. Email: turismo@buenavistadelnorte.es and it's own Facebook: Turismo Buenavista del Norte

Traditional Fiestas in Buenavista del Norte

Via Crucis in the Historical Town of Adeje

Via Crucis in the Historical Town of Adeje

Good Friday and under normal circumstances, the Representación de la Pasión de Cristo (Representation of the Passion of Christ) - Passion of Jesus -  or Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) would be taking place in the historical town of Adeje. Usually more than 300 local amateur actors would take part and the event transmitted live on TV, as well as drawing hundreds of thousands of tourists to the area. This year, as with last, however, because of the pandemic, the Bishop has suspended all such Easter processions and events outside churches, so this will not be taking place today. 

Here, instead, is the TV coverage from the last time it was celebrated in 2019:

Representación de la Pasión Adeje 2019