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| Town Hall of Guía de Isora |
Calle Ayuntamiento, 4, 38680 Guía de Isora, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Phone: +34 922 85 01 00
The most detailed English language website on the island ...
Monday, May 31, 2021
Friday, May 28, 2021
Día de Canarias - Canary Islands Day
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| Happy Canary Islands Day - Feliz Dia De Canarias |
Once again this year, any celebrations for Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day) on 30 May - chosen as it's the anniversary of the first session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, held on that date in 1983 - will have to be done at home and not involve crowds of people.
We will mention that, normally 30 May would be a Public Holiday in the islands, but this year isn't included, not because of the pandemic, but because it already falls on a Sunday.
Santiago del Teide presents the program of celebrations for Canary Islands Day 2021
These events will take place in different towns of the municipality from May 28 to June 3
The Town Hall of Santiago del Teide has presented the program of events for the celebration of Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day), integrating a wide number of activities - both face-to-face and virtual - that begin this Friday, May 28 and run until Thursday, June 3, all adhering to the sanitary measures.
The program begins Friday, May 28, at 10:00 am at the Museo del Pescador (Fisherman's Museum) in Puerto de Santiago, with the opening of the Exhibition "Vestimenta Tradicional" (Traditional Clothing).
On Saturday, May 29, the Auditorium of the Social Centre of Tamaimo will host, starting at 11:30 am, an educational talk [obviously, in Spanish] on "Aves Rapaces de Canarias" (Birds of Prey of the Canary Islands). Prior registration is required by telephone 922 86 31 27, Ext. 300 or 113 or via email.
Likewise, from 7:00 p.m. the Chinyero Visitor Center will host a musical show "Mambisa", which will again have limited capacity and prior registration for your enjoyment.
As for Sunday, May 30 - Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day) - from 11:30 am in the Social Centre of Puerto de Santiago the show "Güicho canta y cuenta a la flora y fauna de Canarias" ... about the flora and fauna of the Canary Islands takes place (also with limited capacity measures and requiring prior registration); Although from 12:00 the video-poem commemorating the Day of the Canary Islands will be broadcast, through the council's social networks, and later the broadcast, starting at 4:00 p.m. of the Virtual Concert of the Folk Groups of the municipality and the Canarian Traditional Dance Workshops. Finally, at 6:00 p.m., the Canarias Day Concert will begin at the Arguayo Cultural Centre, with the Santiago del Teide Municipal Music Band (again with limited capacity and prior registration).
Monday, May 31, anyone who wishes can register in advance to participate in the "Taller de Cocina Canaria en Familia" (Canarian Family Cooking Workshop), which will begin at 5:30 pm in the Social Centre of Tamaimo, with the established capacity measures.
On Thursday, June 3, starting at 6:30 p.m., the Auditorium of the Social Centre of Tamaimo will host the theatrical poetry show "Cecilia: mujer, poesía y mundo" (Cecilia: woman, poetry and world), for which registration must also be made in advance.
The aforementioned program of events will include the exhibitions on the occasion of the commemoration of the Canary Islands Day, highlighting that, from May 28 to June 11, the Fisherman's Museum will host the “Exhibition of Traditional Costumes of the Island of Tenerife from the XVIII Century”; although from May 28 to June 3, you will be able to enjoy the Itinerant Exhibition "Juegos Canarios Tradicionales (Traditional Canarian Sports and Games) in the various squares and enclaves of the municipality.
Santiago del Teide presenta los actos de celebración del Día de Canarias 2021
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Almogrote (Canarian Cheese Pâté)
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| Almogrote (Canarian Cheese Pâté) |
This pâté, originally from the island of La Gomera, almogrote is made from cured cheese, garlic, pepper (and/or tomato) and oil. Although it's usually prepared with Canarian goat cheese, almost any cured and slightly dry variety can be used to prepare this appetizer.
Ingredients:
150 gr of cured goat cheese
2 or 3 medium very ripe tomatoes (some recipes use red pepper or a combination of both)
2 cloves of garlic
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt
And optional sweet pimentón (paprika)
Method
Wash the tomatoes, remove the stalk, make two small cross cuts in the upper area. Peel the garlic and place them on a baking sheet along with the tomatoes, drizzle them with olive oil and, if you wish, sprinkle with a teaspoon of pimentón (paprika). Roast them in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes at 200ºC. Meanwhile, remove the skin from the cheese, grate with a fine grater, and reserve. Once roasted, remove the tomatoes and garlic from the oven and allow to cool. Add the grated cheese, a dash of olive oil and salt to taste and mix to a paste.
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
Canary Islands Parliament approves Trans Law
The Parliament of the Canary Islands unanimously approved the new Trans Law today, agreed with the LGTBI groups of the islands and that contemplates gender self-determination and the depathologization of trans people, and that places the Canary Islands on the list of autonomous communities that have a more advanced law than the state standard.
The Law on social equality and non-discrimination based on gender identity, gender expression and sexual characteristics recognizes the right to self-determination of people to gender identity, normalizing and removing LGTBI and trans people from the scope of social exclusion.
Its main novelties lie, among others, in the depathologization of the reality of trans people, the improvement of the administrative treatment of people from these groups and the regulation of sanction and infringement measures.
This norm improves the 2014 Law on non-discrimination based on gender identity and recognition of the rights of transsexual people, and incorporates the necessary measures to guarantee and protect the full exercise of free self-determination of gender, without discrimination, and in all areas of political, economic, cultural and social life.
For the Mixed Group, Vidina Espino stressed that the approval of this law is "a milestone in the fight for equality of LGBTI people", which "thanks to their work and effort will allow us to advance in freedom, equality and rights"; He also said that it is a rule destined to become a benchmark and that protects a very vulnerable group, while sending a message of unity to Canarian society.
Melodie Mendoza, from ASG, thanked the LGTBI collective for their "work, tenacity and commitment" to make their rights visible through a law that represents a "giant step" and "marks the way" for Canarian society "to be aware of and comply with respect for sexual and gender diversity in the islands."
The president of the Sí Podemos Canarias Parliamentary Group, María del Río, recognized the "immense" work that has been carried out during these three years for this text to be approved, and affirmed that it is "a day to celebrate what will be considered a milestone in the history of social progress in the Canary Islands".
Deputy Carmen Hernández (NC) highlighted that the new Trans Law means the construction of new relationship references based on equality and respect in the Canary Islands, it is a legal text that will improve the quality of life of trans and intersex people, and puts the Canary Islands back at the head of rights and freedoms.
From the popular ranks, Luz Reverón stressed that this new norm allows trans people "to be who they are without having to ask permission, without having to put their dignity at risk and without having to choose between pretending that they are someone they are not", while thanking all LGTBI groups "for so many years of struggle."
The nationalist deputy Jesús Machín congratulated the seven parliamentary groups that registered this bill and thanked the speakers "for their tone, generosity and high-mindedness, showing that there is only one thing that unites them: the people." He also hoped that it would be possible for Congress to pass the state Trans Law, since "we cannot turn our back on such important problems for citizens."
To close the debate, the Minister of Social Rights of the Government of the Canary Islands, Noemí Santana, stated that today is "a historic day for the entire Canary Islands", which thanks to this law "becomes a benchmark not only in Spain, but also in All Europe". She also said that with this rule "we are going to make a lot of people live better, people who have historically been discriminated against and who have seen their rights relegated for a long time."
Finally, the president of the Parliament of the Canary Islands, Gustavo Matos, intervened to ask the media that the approval of this law be the most important of those published tomorrow and that this day remain forever "with prominent letters" in the history of Parliament.
Dust off your lightsaber: ‘Science Fiction’ to be the theme of Santa Cruz Carnival 2022
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| Stormtrooper S/C at the Casa del Carnaval with Mayor José Manuel Bermudez and Councilor Alfonso Cabello. Presentation of the theme of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2022: Science Fiction. |
The calima was the protagonist of the Santa Cruz Carnival in 2020, which, for many, was an omen of what would come later. After a year of pandemic, the Carnival of 2021 was a virtual, on screen party only. For this reason, the Carnival of 2022 is for many the party of revenge, that of "goodbye pandemic, hello vaccine." At least that is how it it is being interpreted from the level of participation in the vote to choose the theme for next year's Carnival, the largest in recent years, with almost 6,000 people. And among the three proposed themes, Science Fiction emerged as the clear winner, with more than half of the votes.
The people of Santa Cruz de Tenerife have let their imaginations run wild to celebrate the first post-pandemic Carnival, although there is still no certainty that this will be the case.
As acknowledged by the Councillor for Fiestas, Alfonso Cabello, "everyone will have their own interpretation, but I would like to think that the theme has been liked a lot and that people are looking forward to Carnival."
Science Fiction competed with Television and New York - the latter a subject preferred by the director of the Galas, Enrique Camacho - but Cabello's favourite, was the winner. It seems that the desire to dream and escape from a reality that is too harsh and shocking has prevailed, even more than that of any film that comes to mind related to the genre, such as Star Wars itself, which just celebrated 44 years since its premiere.
Zombies, superheroes, aliens, time travel, parallel realities, machines that conquer the world or even killer viruses that infect the world's population are some of the themes that will nurture the imagination of carnival people, who, once vaccinated, will go out to the street, if there is a street party. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez has already warned, “the final decision on whether the party will be held will be taken at the end of September and we will do so based on the evolution of the pandemic. For the chicharreros, normality will return when thousands of people can enjoy themselves, in the street”.
The Councillor of Fiestas is already working on the poster and in meetings with the Carnival groups. "If we want there to be a party in February, we have to start managing it now."
For now, the vote seems to show that people want Carnival, to have fun, to return to that much-desired normality: one in which coronavirus is just one more character at the party, to be made fun of and put back in the closet on March 7, Piñata Sunday.
Stormtrooper S/C is a Star Wars fan association located on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands. It was born in 2014 as a group of the carnivals of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, they participate in the main and opening parades.
The following year they began to carry out their first social and charitable events in addition to participating in the Tenerife Lan Party. It is characterized by the realization and creation of their costumes from scratch and by it's sense of humor.
It is estimated that it is made up of around 60 members, counting officers and collaborators. The centre and main symbol of this group are the Stormtroopers or Imperial Soldiers.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1999
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| Carnival Queen in 1999, Laura Pérez Castro |
Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1999 was Laura Pérez Castro in a costume entitled, "A los pies de Yalpur" (At the foot of Jaipur) designed by Vicente Vargas and representing Azul Televisión.
In 1999, the court was made up as follows:
- 1st Maid of Honour: María Sonia Francisco Padilla, with a costume entitled "Centroamericana" (Central American), representing Centro Comercial Alcampo - La Laguna and designed by Leo Martínez.
- 2nd Maid of Honour: Yaiza Díaz Sánchez, with a costume entitled "El poder de lo inverso" (The power of the reverse), representing Centro Comercial del Mueble and designed by Miguel Ángel Castilla Abreu.
- 3rd Maid of Honour: Ingry Tavío Mejías, with a costume entitled "Tiffanys", representing Almacenes El Kilo and designed by Leovid Canarias.
- 4th Maid of Honour: Rebeca Saray Paniagua Navarro, with a costume entitled "¡Que las baile Rita la cantaora!" (Let Rita the singer dance them!), representing Academia de Modas Mayjo (Mayjo Fashion Academy) and designed by Expedita Hernández.
The theme in 1999 was 'Comic World': and the stage returned to the Plaza de España, with a set filled with superheroes. To preside over the stage of that year, a patriotic superhero for the island of Tenerife was created, who was baptized as "Super Chicha" short for "Super Chicharrero" (chicharrero being the popular name of the inhabitants of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife). The character was created by Guillermo Afonso and Captain America served as inspiration for his creation.
The giant statue of Super Chicha was located in the centre of the stage in the Plaza de España, next to it was a bust of Lara Croft along with more superheroes from the world of comics. A wall that mimicked a comic page served as a backdrop and Super Chicha, with a raised fist and the shield in the other hand, seemed to be coming out of it.
After the carnival, the original sculpture of Super Chicha was exhibited in the La Salud neighborhood market in Santa Cruz de Tenerife until 2012, when the City Council was forced to dismantle the sculpture due to its deterioration, causing a great controversy in the city and the island, especially among the carnival groups. It is expected (hoped?) that in the future a copy of the original statue can be made and placed outside the Casa del Carnaval de Santa Cruz, the museum dedicated to this emblematic festival.
At present, Super Chicha continues to be considered an allegorical and recurring character of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. During the 2017 carnival, the costume used by the members of the Los Chinchosos murga was precisely Super Chicha. Super Chicha wears a blue mask with white wings, blue chest and white gloves, the rest of the costume is blue, with white boots and carries a shield in the colors and shape of the Tenerife flag.
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
8 Canarian expressions you may not know
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| The old Estación de Guaguas (Bus Station) in Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife Juan Manuel Parra from Puerto de la Cruz, Spain, CC BY-SA 2.0 |
If you're familiar with the Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands, you'll know that it's not like the Spanish spoken in mainland Spain - in much the same way as Britain and the United States are "countries divided by a common language". Less so these days, but there are still different uses of vocabulary or expressions that have grown up in each place. That's part of the beauty of living languages. Anyway, even having spoken Canario now for almost 30 years, there were still some here that I hadn't heard or didn't fully understand:
1. Chacho
The multipurpose Canarian word par excellence. Defining it is as simple as threading a needle with your eyes closed. Shortening the word "muchacho" (boy/lad/youngster), is usually associated with the expression of surprise or call for attention, but the truth is that "chacho" is like a paintbrush: the limit is not in the tool, but in your creativity and talent to use it to express what you feel. From the soft "chacho ..." that one lets out when a friend leaves her boyfriend, to the popular "chacho, chacho, chacho ..." that one lets out when seeing what the apartment looks like the morning after a party, passing to the "Chaaaacho!" that you let out when you find a fine on the car, or the mythical submachine gun of “CHACHO! CHACHO! CHACHO CHACHO CHAAAACHO !!!" that you recite at the top of your lungs when a car driven by a useless person knocks your motorcycle to the ground when reversing to park. Discover your preferred use by using it in different contexts.
2. Guagua (Bus)
The look of the outsider when he hears this word is never indifferent. "What is a guagua?" they ask surprised, trying to imagine the mystical animal that the native islanders have named after the four winds. The aura of mystery fades when discovering that it is a simple, everyday bus, but it's curious how outsiders still don't believe that this is the official name we give to buses in the Canary Islands, not merely a colloquial expression.
3. Se me fue el baifo (My kid escaped)
A poetic reference to the baby goat, baifo, which could easily become lost if the shepherd was not attentive to the flock. An ancestral expression, with its livestock roots, that portrays that mental lapse that we all suffer at some time in which our mind, well, isn't there. Losing attention, forgetting what one wanted to express or saying something unintentionally can all be situations in which this expression can come to shine.
4. Agüita
The Canarians fondness for using diminutive words is well known, as in this case. Imagine that you're in the water on a surfboard and suddenly on the horizon, you see a terrifying wall of water for which you were not prepared, approaching at a speed greater than you're capable of in reaching the shore. A perfect occasion to use this expression, whose meaning does not necessarily have to be linked to an aquatic situation, which we mainly use to show concern, astonishment or excitement. "Agüita", like many Canarian expressions, takes on its meaning depending on the context and reason for which it is used.
5. Fos, chos, ños
Yes, they are words, I swear. "FOS" is a expression of disgust against bad smells that can assault our delicate noses. "CHOS" and "ÑOS" are idioms with similar characteristics, although the first fits more with the expression of unexpected surprise and the second as a manifestation of being impressed. Chos, how difficult this is to explain. ños, I've written two pages already.
6. Oss
Canarians see too many people wasting saliva when they're happy about something. Why say things like "Hey man, you don't know how glad I am that they have raised your salary, they have valued your continuous effort, you deserve it, keep it up because you're going to go far and I'll always be there to support you because I love you ..." when you can just hug, take a breath and yell "OSSSSSSS ??". This Canarian expression encompasses all the emotion that one can feel for something that brings us joy or excites us in any way.
7. Bajar pa abajo (Go down downwards)
I know what you're thinking, this phrase is a bit redundant. But it's that in some things Canarians are perfectionists and what is wrong with making things clear? It is one thing to tell Lucia to go down and another to tell her where she has to go. In this case, downwards. She knows where that is.
8. Ya el conejo me enriscó la perra (The rabbit curled up the bitch)
This one I've never heard of, much less used. Its origin, according to Luis Rivero, comes from “… when the rabbit, fleeing from the [hunting] pack, goes up steep places that are difficult to access, it can be dangerous for the dogs. On occasions - we presume - there will have been some setback in the course of the chase, in which the rabbit in its hasty flight has endangered the dog. When someone is going to attack or offend another, but encounters a setback and becomes cowed and chastened by the retribution he receives”.
Monday, May 24, 2021
Town Hall in Granadilla de Abona
Friday, May 21, 2021
Tenerife Corporation issues reminder over precautions in the island's natural spaces
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| It is very important to walk only on approved trails and never leave them. |
The Minister of Natural Environment and Safety, Isabel García, recommends reviewing the network of approved trails, the weather forecast, footwear "and above all, calculating our capacity according to age and physical condition to avoid accidents and recklessness."
The Island Council of Tenerife, area of Natural Environment and Security, managed by counsellor Isabel García, has issued a reminder to the population that “the use of protected natural spaces and nature trails, now that summer and the good weather is approaching and, that we have detected a greater presence of people in the natural environment, must always be done with all the necessary precautions and provisions, to avoid risks”.
“The state of alarm that we are experiencing due to the Covid pandemic has led to a greater occupation of the island's natural spaces and trails, and therefore we must remember that it is necessary to enjoy the natural environment with the appropriate equipment: footwear adapted to the terrain on which you will be traveling, warm clothing, sunscreen, hats or caps, walking sticks if necessary and, of course, water. It is very important to walk only on approved trails and never leave them, nor go through fences or private gates”.
It is very important to find out, prior to departure, the degree of difficulty of the route (length of the path, time it takes to travel it and unevenness of the relief) and assess whether the physical ability of the persons allows them to complete it. Likewise, you must plan how you will get to the trail; if a bus will be used and the schedules and stops. Weather predictions will help avoid surprises in the event that rain or strong winds are expected in the area.
Thursday, May 20, 2021
Príncipe Alberto (Prince Albert Dessert)
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| Postre Príncipe Alberto (Prince Albert Dessert) |
Postre Príncipe Alberto (Prince Albert Dessert) is originally from the island of La Palma, created by Doña Matilde Arroyo. It seems that this dessert was made by Matilde coinciding with a visit by the then Grimaldi heir to the island. It has also been called Canarian Tiramisu. There is the long version where you make your own cake for the base of the dish, but below we give you the quick version, using boudoir biscuits. (Here step-by-step in pictures).
Ingredients:
- 200 gr. dark chocolate 72% cocoa
- 100 gr. butter or margarine
- Coffee
- 4 eggs
- 8 tablespoons of sugar
- 100 gr. almond
- 100 gr. hazelnut
- 200 ml. of double cream
- 400 gr. of boudoir biscuits
Preparation:
Place the butter and the dark chocolate, in pieces, in a bowl over pan of water on a medium heat, and leave it until they are completely melted, stirring with a wooden spoon. Allow to cool. Make coffee and reserve until it cools.
Crush the almonds and hazelnuts, and mix them in a small bowl, reserving about 3 tablespoons of the hazelnut and almond mixture to garnish.
Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the whites until stiff, adding 4 tablespoons of sugar. Beat the yolks, adding 4 tablespoons of sugar, until doubled in volume. Fold the yolks into the whites carefully, making enveloping movements with a rubber spatula, reserve.
Whip the cream. Add the cooled, melted chocolate into the cream and beat to mix well.
Add the chocolate cream little by little to the eggs, mixing them very slowly with enveloping movements. Add the almonds and hazelnuts, again carefully, with enveloping movements.
To assemble the dessert, put a layer of chocolate cream, and then a layer of biscuits soaked in coffee, then a layer of chocolate cream and another layer of biscuits soaked in coffee and so on, until the chocolate cream is finished
Decorate with the reserved, crushed almonds and hazelnuts. Chill in the fridge for a couple of hours or even overnight because the more time, the more concentrated the flavour.
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1998
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| Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 1998, Natalia Castilla Bermúdez |
Theme of Santa Cruz Carnival in 1998 was The Middle Ages: The set of that year - in the The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses - was a medieval castle with flags, coats of arms and coloured conical roofs.
In 1998, the court was made up as follows:
- 1st Maid of Honour: Guacimara Díaz Luis, with a costume entitled “Reflejo de un ojo dorado” (Reflection of a golden eye), representing Swarovski Ibérica and designed by Marcos Marrero y María Díaz.
- 2nd Maid of Honour: María de los Ángeles Melián, with a costume entitled “San Borondón”, representing Centro Comercial Alcampo - La Laguna and designed by Leo Martínez.
- 3rd Maid of Honour: Carmen Pilar Herrera, with a costume entitled “Niágara” (Niagara), representing Santiveri and designed by Juan Carlos Armas.
- 4th Maid of Honour: Inmaculada Melián Martín, with a costume entitled “Jaque a la reina” (Check to the queen), representing Centro Comercial del Mueble and designed by Miguel Ángel Castilla Abreu.
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Yellow Fever Arrives in Tenerife in 1802
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Those who are curious about history know that events are repeated over and over again. If 2020-21 will be remembered for COVID, more than two hundred years ago the islands lived on permanent guard against epidemics that were unleashed recurrently in Europe or America because people knew that sooner or later some ship would bring them here.
In 1795 New York suffered a severe yellow fever epidemic [The epidemic which lasted until 1803, reached epidemic proportions three times: in 1795, 1799, and 1803 claiming thousands of lives over the course of its presence in NYC] and one historian stated:
“When a ship docked in New York that July with cases of yellow fever, New York merchants were unwilling to admit it was a problem, as even the rumor of illness could affect trade. In correspondence now in the New York Historical Society, merchant Isaac Hicks wrote that most merchants “are willing that [the ship] should enter New York so that the disease would not bog down business and be let your shipment be sold."
In 1792, the command of the Canary Islands was held by the general commander José de Perlasca, a substitute for the beloved Antonio Gutiérrez y Otero (the Spanish Lieutenant general best known for repelling Admiral Nelson's attack on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797, was named Commander-General of the Canary Islands in 1791, who had died in 1799.)
At that time, the fluid exchange of ships between Tenerife and New York, caused great fear that the island would be infected with yellow fever. The health certificates, like the current PCR tests, were the only thing that allowed to allow a ship to anchor and, if it didn't have one, it went directly to quarantine. Notice how the Commander, an incontestable authority, ordered that a merchant from Tenerife comply with the rules.
"My Dear Sir:
As New York is one of the places where yellow fever has wreaked the greatest damage, it demands that the interests of Public Health be carried out with the greatest circumspection with the ships that come from that area: because taking into account that the American Frigate, that Your Grace speaks to me in your letter yesterday, brings a Letter of Health and that there is nothing new [no symptoms] in your crew; I have arranged for it to only do the ten-day quarantine, which is the only thing that is possible to prevent any occurrence; For in matters of Health, discretion is not possible, as I wish to have it in as much as it can please Your Grace, whose life I pray to God that He will keep many years.
Santa Cruz de Santiago, February 8, 1802"
When there is a single command and rules that are strictly applied, epidemic crises are stopped, first with information and then with determination.
Monday, May 17, 2021
Vote for Santa Cruz Carnival 2022 theme
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To begin preparations for next year's Carnival, the City Council in Santa Cruz is today launching voting, to choose between three options of 'Television', 'Science Fiction' and 'New York, the city that never sleeps' for the theme of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2022.
The Councillor for Fiestas, Alfonso Cabello, indicated that the proposed themes are deliberately broad, to give greater options and diversity for costume choices.
Voting opens at mid-day today, Monday 17 May and remains open until Monday 24 May at 11:59 p.m., at the carnival official website at: https://carnavaldetenerife.com/
Town Hall of Garachico
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| Town Hall of Garachico |
Plaza de la Libertad, 1, 38450 Garachico, Tenerife, Spain
Phone: +34 922 83 00 00
Friday, May 14, 2021
Taste the May Festivities in Santa Cruz
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| Degusta las Fiestas de Mayo (Taste the May Festivities) |
Seventy catering establishments in the capital of Tenerife are participating in the I Gastronomic Route 'Degusta las Fiestas de Mayo' (Taste the May Festivities). The route, organised to mark the city's foundational fiestas, is based on local products. The route aims to cover the 5 districts of the capital of Tenerife and consists of a tapa and a drink for an accessible price of €3.50, with the possibility of consuming it on the premises or picking it up at the establishment to take home. It will run from 14 May until June 4.
More details on the app: Degusta las Fiestas de Mayo
Villa de Adeje Rally 2021
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| Rallye Villa de Adeje image: Escuderia Villa de Adeje |
There was no Adeje Rally in 2020 because of the pandemic, but the Escuderia Villa de Adeje have organised the 30th Rallye Villa de Adeje, taking place on 14 & 15 May. The event will be marked by health measures to prevent Covid infections, while the traditional departure ceremony in Playa de Las Américas will not be held on this occasion.
The second and last day of racing will start at 08:30 a.m. on Saturday to go through the eight scheduled sections (four different) and arrive, at 18:30, at the Plaza de España in Adeje. The finishers having covered a total of 484 kilometers, slightly less than 155 against the clock.
There are 48 teams registered for this edition, and Guia de Isora Council reminds people that there will be road closures on the TF-463 and TF-465 on Friday.
The rally is "without public" based on the situation decreed by the authorities.
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Flavours of Spring in Guía de Isora
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| Sabores de Primavera (Flavours of Spring) Gastronomic Route in Guía de Isora |
Guía de Isora Council has organised Sabores de Primavera (Flavours of Spring) Gastronomic Route, taking place from 13 to 30 May, in which some thirty restaurants and cafeterias are partaking throughout the municipality. "The tapas, at a very affordable price, (€3.50 with a drink) will be made with top quality and, where possible, seasonal, products combining the local gastronomic tradition with more innovative dishes".
In addition to popular votes, there will be a jury to decide the best tapa on the Sabores de Primavera route. Collaborating in this initiative is the Government of the Canary Islands; the Association of Merchants and Entrepreneurs of Guía de Isora; and the Nautical Activities companies of Playa de San Juan; Terrazas de Abama and Finca Las Delicias.
Participating establishments will have identifying posters, but those registered are the following: Pizza & Co; La Luna café Tapas Bar; Pizzería Ayose; Bar Antonio; Pizzería El Pirata; Heladería Ópera; Cafetería Puesta de Sol; Cafetería La Divina; La Cuevita; L’incontro Pesce; Dieta Mediterránea; El Junquito; Tasca 1900; Cafetería Pcan de Alcalá; Bar-restaurante El Guachinche; La Arrancadilla; Pinchomanía; The View; Restaurante Las Tederas; La Boca ríe; Restaurante Asador El Escondite; Cafetería-restaurante Vanesa; Cafetería Panier; Sabores; Las Parrilitas; Cafetería Alcalá Center; Madero Tapas & Drinks; Brisa Marina, Piedras del Teide; Popeye.
Find participating venues; find out what they offer and, be able to vote through a QR code (without having to install an app). Visit: https://saboresdeprimaveraisora.com
Homemade lentil stew with chorizo
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| Lentejas |
Today we present you a recipe for lentils - Lentejas caseras con chorizo (Homemade lentils with chorizo) - in the traditional style, that in addition to being delicious are very nutritious. One of the favourite dishes in La Laguna, they have a small amount of fat that the chorizo, but are almost "light" (suitable for a diet). These legumes contain a large amount of nutrients: they help against heart diseases since they reduce cholesterol and fat levels due to their fibre and phytate content; lentils are highly recommended in diabetes because their carbohydrates are absorbed very slowly; lentils are antianemic since they are rich in easily assimilated iron. Lentils are a good source of protein, especially when combined with rice.
Ingredients (for 4 people):
350 grams of lentils
1 green pepper
1 onion
1 carrot
1 medium potato
2 cloves of garlic
100 grams of chorizo
5 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1 litre and a half of water
Salt
1 bay leaf
Method
Put the lentils in the drainer and rinse them well. Then put the lentils in a pot and add the water. Cut the tip of the pepper and put it in the pot. Also add the bay leaf, 1 teaspoon of salt and a teaspoon of paprika.
Chop the potato and add it to the pot. Cut the carrot into small cubes and add it to the lentils. Cut the chorizo into slices and add it to the pot. While the lentils are cooking, prepare the sauce. Chop the onion and cut the garlic into slices.
Heat a pan with the oil and add the onion and garlic. Leave over medium heat until they poach and take some color. Put the sauce in the blender with a glass and a half of water. Blend for a minute and then add to the pot and mix. When the lentils are tender (about 45 minutes) remove the pepper and bay leaf.
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Accompany with rice or crusty bread.
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1997
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| Barbie version of the Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 1997 |
Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz in 1997, was Soledad León Rancel with a costume entitled, "Mamut" (Mammoth), designed by Leo Martinez, representing Almacenes El Kilo.
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| 1997 Carnival poster |
In 1997, the court was made up as follows:
- 1st Maid of Honour: Ingrid Pérez García, with a costume entitled “Naturalmente, el paraíso” (Naturally paradise), representing Santiveri and designed by Juan Carlos Armas.
- 2nd Maid of Honour: Elsa María Suárez López, with a costume entitled “Y conmigo se acabaron las peleas” (And with me the fights are over), representing Barbacoa Tacoronte and designed by Jonathan Suárez.
- 3rd Maid of Honour: María Onelia Segredo León, with a costume entitled “Ninoska”, representing Centro Comercial Alcampo - La Laguna and designed by Leo Martínez.
- 4th Maid of Honour: Noemí Alonso Caraballo, with a costume entitled “Turbulencia” (Turbulence), representing Centro Comercial del Mueble and designed by Miguel Ángel Castilla Abreu.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena
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| Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena |
The Alameda del Duque de Santa Elena was a walk in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Today it is practically an integral part of the Plaza de España. The surroundings were restored following the project by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron in 2006. The work included the reconstruction of a replica of the Alameda portico. The original had been installed in 1787 on the initiative of the Marquis de Branciforte, Commander General of the island at that time. The work was carried out by a military engineer, Amat de Tortosa.
The Alameda was a small public garden that imitated those of the big cities, a place to walk, adorned with some figures and decorative objects. The construction of the Plaza del Príncipe in the following century made it obsolete, so it was on the verge of disappearing on several occasions. The official name was losing favour among the residents of the capital, becoming known for many years as Alameda del Muelle (Mall of the Pier) or Alameda de la Marina (Mall of the Marina) and even as Los Paragüitas (The Umbrellas), when umbrellas were installed there to prevent the sun from disturbing the citizens who came to walk.
The walk was described around 1881 with a length of eighty varas (rods - old English measure of distance equal to 16.5 feet (5.029 metres)) and with three walks to wander. The vegetation was mostly bananas from Lebanon and some tamarinds. There was a white Carrara marble fountain from a Genoese workshop. The walk ended in front of a statue, also made of white marble, which represented an allegory of time. The proximity of the sea made the vegetation of the die, a situation that ended thanks to the expansion of the port area.
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| A cheeky view of the portico |
Monday, May 10, 2021
Town Hall of Fasnia
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| The New Town Hall of Fasnia |
Ctra. los Roques, nº 12, 38570 Fasnia, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Phone: +34 922 53 00 28
Sunday, May 09, 2021
What can be done in the Canary Islands after ending the state of alarm?
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UPDATE 11/05/2021: The Canary Islands executive has announced that it will stop applying the curfew after the regional Justice has not endorsed it
The Government of the Canary Islands will stop applying the curfew as of this Monday night as it did not receive judicial support for the decision adopted last Thursday to extend this exceptional measure once the state of alarm at the national level had ended. The regional executive also desists from applying perimeter closures on islands with high rates of contagion.
This has been announced by the spokesman for the Canarian Executive, Julio Pérez, after the emergency meeting of the Governing Council held Monday 10 May, after the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands (TSJC) resolved that it is not appropriate to clarify its resolution regarding the restrictions in the autonomous community.
The TSJC had already ruled last Sunday against maintaining the curfew and the perimeter closures of the islands, but the regional government had asked for a clarification. At first, the Executive had chosen to keep the measures in force as they were applied in the archipelago before the state of alarm finished.
[ED: So for now, no curfew. All other measures, presumably still apply. We'll keep an eye on this. Things may change once the health data is analysed again this week.]
The regional measures came into force at midnight this Saturday
What can be done in the Canary Islands after ending the state of alarm at midnight Saturday to Sunday? Well, the same things that could be done so far on each island according to the different levels of alert established according to its epidemiological evolution under the umbrella of the state of alarm.
The Government of the Canary Islands has decided to maintain the restrictions on night mobility (curfew), the limitation of groups, the limited capacity in restaurants and in public places and places of worship, as well as controls in ports and airports. It is also not ruled out to close the perimeter of individual islands again if necessary in the event that any of them rises to level 3, which would prohibit all travel except for essential reasons.
Restrictions
Curfew: from 23:00 to 06:00 on the islands on level 2: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and Lanzarote. In the islands in level 1, La Palma, La Gomera and Fuerteventura, the night mobility restriction is established between 00:00 and 06:00 hours.
There are no restrictions on entering and leaving the islands, although a negative Active Infection Diagnostic Test (PDIA) must be provided, that is, a PCR or antigen test.
Social gatherings: Limitation to six people in the islands at level 2 and, in the islands at level 1 to 10 people.
Hospitality: In Tenerife, Gran Canaria, El Hierro and Lanzarote: outdoor terraces allow tables of six people and a maximum capacity of 75%. Inside, tables will have a maximum of 4 people and the capacity is limited to 50%. Premises must close at 23:00. In the rest of the islands, tables with up to 10 people are allowed on the terraces and there is no capacity limitation outside. Inside, the capacity is reduced to 75% and the diners at each table will be a maximum of six people. Closing time on islands at level 1 will occur at 00:00 hours.
The regional president, Ángel Víctor Torres, affirms that the measures that have been taken have resulted in the control of the pandemic "so we must not change anything" and stressed that, as has happened so far, every Thursday, the situation will be evaluated and decisions will be made in this regard based on how the infection levels evolve on each island.
¿Qué se puede hacer en Canarias tras finalizar el estado de alarma?
Saturday, May 08, 2021
Historic centre of La Laguna to host two scattered exhibitions of handicrafts
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| San Cristobal de la Laguna Photo: hectorlo | Some Rights Reserved |
The stalls will be distributed between 30 and 50 locations to avoid crowds and will be held on the last two weekends in May
The historic centre of La Laguna is to host the celebration of a dispersed exhibition of crafts, a new format to avoid crowds and adapt to sanitary restrictions and COVID regulations, as announced by councillor of Local Development, José Juan Gavilán.
He explained that the exhibition, called Madra (Dispersed and Resilient Handicraft Sample of Aguere), will have positions distributed between 30 and 50 points, still to be specified, throughout the historic centre, with only one craftsperson exhibiting in each one. “It will not be like the usual handicrafts fair, with all the stalls together, but there will be individual stalls scattered throughout the historic centre, thus avoiding the issue of crowds in a single space. It's like an open-air store, which is even safer,” Gavilán pointed out in this regard.
The exhibitions will be held on the last two weekends of this month, Saturday and Sunday, the first coinciding with the celebration of Día de las Familias (International Day of Families) and, the second, with the Día de Canarias (Day of the Canary Islands).
"We already have the permits processed for both weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and later, if conditions are good, in October, which is when the large craft fair is held in La Laguna, we will return to the conventional format and if not, we will use this type of dispersed sample model again”, added the councillor in this regard.
José Juan Gavilán valued this initiative to be able to help a sector that "has not been able to go out on the streets for a year and a half and has had absolutely nothing."
AGUERE ARTESANA ACADEMY
Just last Wednesday, the City Council also announced the launch of the Academia Aguere Artesana (Aguere Artisan Academy), a permanent program to offer the municipality's artisan sector an intensive and complete training in digitization, marketing and languages that allows them to adapt its activity to new e-commerce models and expand its ability to make visible and distribute its creations. The Academy will have a digital platform that includes a virtual campus, tutored monitoring and, in its first year, 7 specialized online courses, totally free and with a certificate certifying that the training has been passed.
Friday, May 07, 2021
Vuelta al Teide - Round Teide Cycle Race
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| Vuelta al Teide - Round Teide Cycle Race |
The Vuelta al Teide, a cycling event with more than 700 registered participants from 15 countries, will take place this Saturday 8 May 2021 with the support of the Cabildo de Tenerife in its fourth edition, and which will depart from Puerto de la Cruz at 7.00 a.m. and with an expected arrival in the municipality resident of Los Realejos around 1:00 p.m.
However, Covid and the closure of some territories have prevented many athletes from traveling to Tenerife. The non-competitive event is the most important on the island and one of the best in the Canary Islands, “mainly due to two reasons, the first is that it crosses the Teide National Park, the second is that it is an interesting incentive for those people, federated and non-federated, who want to participate in a sporting event of this magnitude”, stated the insular director of Sports, Laura Castro.
Technical director of the race, Andrés Gómez, pointed out that “it is a popular event but one that is very attractive among all cycling fans, both from here and from many other countries, mainly due to the attractiveness of the landscape. through which it circulates that it is unique in the world”, who added that “all security measures, distance, masks, etc. are contemplated, cyclists have to leave at a distance and there will be no public”.
Rally Sprint Tejina – Tegueste
Déjà vu much ... So the Rally Sprint Tejina – Tegueste that was to take place last year in December and was suspended then because of COVID, that was being planned in the middle of April, is finally taking place this weekend, 7th and 8th May.
Sport Eventos Tenerife have finalised the details to celebrate the I Rallysprint Tejina-Tegueste on May 7 and 8. The proximity of the Rallye Villa de Adeje has not constituted obstacle and a total of 47 teams have registered for this La Laguna rally, with some planning to do the double, despite the risk of suffering a breakdown or mishap that could prevent them from taking part in the southern event next week.
Friday, May 7, the administrative and technical verifications will be held in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Tegueste. The rally, taking place this Saturday, will be divided into 5 timed sections, the first three in the direction of Tejina to Tegueste, and the last two, Tegueste to Tejina. They will start at 08:30 hours on Saturday morning, although the road closures are scheduled for one hour before the start of each section.
Their press release goes on to say that, "Predictably, and given the level 3 in which the island of Tenerife remains due to the pandemic" (it was announced Tuesday that Tenerife is dropping to Level 2), "the rally will be held without an audience."
For more information, [in Spanish] visit sporteventostenerife.com and its social networks (RallySprint Tejina Tegueste on Facebook).
Thursday, May 06, 2021
Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 1996
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| Nayra Plasencia Jorge, Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 1996 |
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| 1996 Carnival Poster |
In 1996, the court was made up as follows:
- 1st Maid of Honour: Raquel Bedoya González, with a costume entitled "Mundos de cristal" (Crystal Worlds), representing Swarovski Ibérica and designed by Marcos Marrero and María Díaz.
- 2nd Maid of Honour: Noemi Marrero García, with a costume entitled “Yo soy la María” (I am the Maria), representing Cerveza Sol and designed by Juan Carlos Armas.
- 3rd Maid of Honour: Raquel Pérez Franquis, with a costume entitled "Entre el cielo y la tierra" (Between the sky and the earth), representing Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero and designed by José Julio Rodríguez and Juan Fajardo.
- 4th Maid of Honour: Sandra Sosa Borges, with a costume entitled “Realidad virtual” (Virtual Reality), representing Centro Comercial Alcampo - La Laguna and designed by Leo Martínez.
The theme of carnival in 1996 was Mexico. The set evoked a neighbourhood in Mexico, with characters that depicted stereotypical, negative portrayals of Mexicans as "drunk, lazy and violent". The Mexican Consul was in attendance, and it was broadcast in America by Galavision and in Spain by Telecinco. The show nearly created a diplomatic incident: Televisa closed its office in Tenerife, which was owned by Canal 7 del Atlántico (ECO Noticias). Its highlight was a performance by Enrique Iglesias.
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| Recinto Ferial by Koppchen / CC BY |
The stage was located at one end of the building, and the candidates had to cross a walkway from the other end of the building to reach it. A miscalculation in the construction of the walkway required a small ramp to be placed so that there would not be a step between the walkway and the stage; The result was that the candidates needed help to access the stage after crossing the catwalk, because due to the weight and volume of the costumes, they could not climb that small ramp, which caused many problems.
Wednesday, May 05, 2021
Goodbye to the port of the North
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| Depiction of the eruption of 1706 |
The eruption of the Garachico or Arenas Negras volcano on May 5, 1706 was the volcanic phenomenon with the greatest economic and social impact that occurred on the island of Tenerife, which devastated El Tanque and part of the town and port of Garachico. It affected houses, palaces, convents, and even the church of Santa Ana, but the municipality's greatest source of wealth, its port, was razed and buried by lava flows, profoundly changing the socio-economic development of the region and of the island of Tenerife.
With the ship still moored to the Garachico dock, Manuel said goodbye to Carmita and their little daughter. He was still worried about the tremors and shaking he felt that night but the tasks of stowing the ship took that disturbing thought out of his head.
He jumped up on the board that led him to the brig "William & Mary", chartered, as always, by Gilbert Smith, the Irish merchant who bought all the Malvasia produced from Garachico to Punta de Teno. Smith lived in El Guincho and was a very dear person because it was not known how he always needed to buy more and more wines that he sent to London and other ports in Europe.
Many of those vineyards belonged to several of Juan's cousins and some of his friends who did not even understand the English language that Manuel learned on each trip and with which he hesitated so much. But he was always happy knowing that he helped everyone by selling it and supporting many families in the area.
In addition, this particular trip made him very excited because the Irishman allowed him to bring new belongings for his new house. He had already thought of a sideboard, a large bed, and beautiful satin curtains. That and some little surprise for Carmita, of which she did not know anything.
Manuel was making his second trip of the year to London that day and it mattered little to him that Spain was at war because he had already emerged victorious from a privateer brawl. Brave and proud he said goodbye from the dock of the small cove that sheltered them from the impetuous sea of the north of Tenerife.
Half an hour later the ship left the dock and a roar was heard that alerted all the crew. Even more so when some stones were detached from the cliffs near the pier and hit the sea.
In view of the threat, Captain Barkin ordered all the sails to be deployed and the William & Mary headed north out of the waves that beat at the mouth of the dock.
Manuel remembered again the night tremor and the roar of the mountain. Restless and with a cold sweat he toiled with the rigging that that afternoon gave him a lot of trouble. Thinking of his daughter and the new crib he was planning to bring, he continued for a couple of hours struggling with the rigging.
Two hours later, with the island still on the horizon, thunder was heard that alerted everyone, who ran towards the stern of the ship. It came from the island and after the thunderous noise they saw the red glow that illuminated the profile of the island. Then more explosions and red and yellow tongues that illuminated Garachico.
Manuel and other crew members asked Captain Barkin to return to see what was happening. The Irishman refused and after a brawl, his official ordered north, arguing that it was fireworks.
Hours later the red light went out on the horizon. Manuel did not sleep wondering what those noises and explosions could be. On that trip he did not sleep and nightmares haunted him. Despite them he arrived in London and bought what was promised for his family.
He did not know then that in Garachico there was no longer a house or family, which he only understood three months later when he returned to the island.
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