Three Hour Firework Frenzy in Los Realejos

No wonder they claim that tonight's firework display for the Fiestas de la Cruz in Los Realejos is one of the best in Europe, it will last for an unbelievable three hours and will burn up 6,000 kilos of explosives. They don't do anything by halves here, do they?

The reason for this extravaganza is that two streets, Del Medio and El Sol have made it into a traditional, annual battle to try to outdo each other with the most spectacular display. Nothing like a bit of healthy competition and, which explains the use of the two Los Realejos fireworks manufacturers, of Hermanos Toste (batting for El Sol) and of Santa Bárbara (representing Del Medio).

The fireworks, which start at 21:30, are the culmination of various celebrations for the Day of the Cross, today, May 3rd. The celebrations began yesterday in the Los Realejos district of La Cruz Santa (The Holy Cross), with mass and a procession. Thousands attend this celebration too. Homes are decorated and visitors receive typical food of the region.

The roots of the fiesta are in the cross itself, which is still kept in the parish church of La Cruz Santa, which was apparently found by a legendary rider in 1666.

Tres horas de pique pirotécnico pondrán el colofón a los actos del Día de la Cruz