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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day of Traditions in Chirche
The village of Chirche (map) is 3 kilometres from the town of Guia de Isora, in the western part of the island of Tenerife and preserves the typical traditional architecture of the south - nowadays turned into rural tourist accommodation, such as the Casa de Abuelo (it means Grandpa’s Home) - and serves as a living museum.
This weekend, the quiet village is to celebrate its 8th annual Day of Traditions, where locals carry out jobs, do household chores and play children's games typical of the village from the first half of the twentieth century.
From 10.30 a.m. on Sunday, 27th July, visitors can see how the rural inhabitants threshed wheat, made rustic tejas (roof tiles) in the old tile ovens, toasted the grain, or ground almonds, as well as other domestic tasks, such as sewing, doing laundry in the publish washtubs, or bringing water from the community tap.
Prior to that, on Saturday, 26th July, from 7 p.m., there's various workshops of folklore and dance, as well as traditional sports and games, which continue until 9.30, when there will be a showing of a documentary film.
How to get there: the 417 bus goes from Los Cristianos to Guía de Isora, via Playa de las Américas, roughly every 60 minutes at weekends. From Guía de Isora to Chirche (and back), there is a bus 491, but this does not (normally) operate on Saturdays, Sundays or weekends (whether they might lay any on special for this event, I can't say). If you're feeling energetic, you might walk, otherwise, there are sure to be taxis in Guía de Isora.
Santa Cruz set to repel the English, again
... with a budget of 240,000 euros (over £190,000). Friday, 25th July is the 211th Anniversary of Santa Cruz' defeat of Horacio Nelson and Tenerife's capital is to commemorate or celebrate (the latter, I think, is more apt) the date with a reenactment of the 1797 naval battle and English landings.
The fun starts, in the area of the Castillo Negro 
(Black Castle) (alongside the rather more modern day Auditorio de Tenerife), at 12.00 mid-day and, unlike real battles, will last for just one hour. 130 people are taking part in the reenactment, with the city being defended, once again, by the battalion of Canarian infantry, under the orders of General Gutiérrez.
British retreat and victory for Santa Cruz
The following day, Saturday, 26th July, at 11.30 a.m., sees a military parade from the Plaza Weyler to the Plaza de España, then from 8.30 p.m. there's to be a further recreation, this time in the streets of the old town, remembering how Santa Cruz' population succeeded in causing the English troops to retreat. That will be taking place in the area around the bridge over the Barranco de Santos, the Iglesia de La Concepción (church) and the Calle La Noria in the old part of the city.
Both reenactments are to be directed by Teodoro Ríos, who will ensure careful attention is paid to historical detail. Costumes are under the watchful eye of José Carlos Iribarren, who worked on the film Alatriste and, the special effects (as well as fireworks during the Verbena de La Victoria (Victory Celebration Dance)) will be provided by Los Realejos firework firm, Hermanos Toste.
In addition, 75 reenacters have been invited from various points of the Spanish mainland, from England and from Holland.
You can even download a "souvenir" program of the events here (PDF)
an entire festive week ...
(We could say that the celebrations continue, as Santa Cruz had already paid homage to the French involvement in defending the city, in which 2 French lives were lost, by celebrating the National Day of France on July 14th.)
On July 21st, in the Museo Militar de Almeida (images, more pics - the museum's highlight is the famous 'Tigre' canon which, according to tradition, injured Admiral Horacio Nelson during his failed attempt to occupy Tenerife on July 25th 1797, resulting in the amputation of his right arm) was the presentation of a new book and a conference on the events of 1797.
On July 22nd, again in the Military Museum, is another conference, centring on the personalities involved on July 25th, along with a presentation of a new book by local historian Daniel García Pulido, as well as a showing of the rather ominously titled film, La isla de las cabezas cortadas (Cutthroat Island.)
On July 23rd, it's the turn of historian, Ronald Brighouse to give a talk centred on Nelson and the Royal Navy. Another film follows.
On July 24th, from 10 a.m. will be a public reading of books related to the events. In the evening, the British flag captured that night in 1797 will be (re)presented, having been restored.
On July 25th after the reenactment of the sea battle and the English landings at midday, at 7.30 p.m., mass will be celebrated in the La Concepción church, with a procession around the local streets in honour of Santiago Apóstol (Saint James) and a floral offering made to the tomb of General Gutiérrez.
Also on July 25th there's an exhibition of reproductions of paintings that recreate these events, as well as some military paraphernalia that is part of the municipal heritage. They're also studying the possibility of installing 14 commemorative milestones along the capital's coast. These monoliths, with their corresponding plaques would be placed at strategic points where the defence of the city was cemented (and they're outside the 240k budget.)
The town hall is to award silver medals to all babies born on Friday.
July 26th 11.30 a.m. military parade "of the epoch" (another recreation of the 18th Century) from the Plaza Weyler to the Plaza de España. At 7 p.m. various military bands will parade through the city's streets. From 8.30 p.m. will be the recreation of the street battles in the old part of town and, from 10 p.m., the party starts proper, with a Verbena de La Victoria (Victory Celebration Knees Up), at which attendees will wear 18th Century costumes also.
And, finally, on July 27th, the festive week (their words) closes with a concert by the Unidad de Música de la Subinspección del Mando de Canarias (a military band), in the Plaza del Príncipe (where you can get a good Barraquito.)
Via: this post at the Flickers Tenerife group.
Labels: What's On?
Official inauguration of the Plaza de Espaņa
On Thursday, 24th July, the newly redesigned Plaza de España will get its official inauguration. (More pics.)
Then, from July 25th, residents of Santa Cruz (and presumably visitors too) will be able to visit the underground remains of one of the walls of the Castillo de San Cristóbal, which were found during the remodelling works.
Santa Cruz grew up around the San Cristóbal castle, which was built in 1575 and demolished in 1928, during which time it formed the axis of the city's defensive system and played a large part in military events on the island, including the invasion attempt by British forces on July 25th, 1797.
Photo: Salva.ToNight from the Secret Tenerife (Pool)
Santa Cruz from the air
An absolutely amazing view of Santa Cruz and the Anaga Mountains from a plane. Best seen Large (1024 x 683) or Original (3456 x 2304).
Photo: ahisgett
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
This Summer's Trends in Tenerife
So much for the island's new upmarket, 5 star hotel image, as Europa press report that bookings this summer reveal that tourists are maintaining their length of stay, but are opting for cheaper hotels.
No surprises there. People are looking for ways to stretch the budget in the current climate.
If you're watching the pennies too, take a look at Andrea Montgomery's article on Getting Your Pound's Worth of Tenerife. One of the best ways, being to get out of the hotel complex (so a cheap one does the trick if all you need is a place to sleep.) Getting out of the resort areas is the best way to avoid "special tourist prices" (go and see something real instead), though they probably aren't as high as the prices for tourist attractions in London.
What's London got to do with it? Well, likewise, Londonist say, "... it's only a rip off if your idea of a good holiday involves posing with waxworks of Kylie or poking about Queen Liz's smalls." In Tenerife, you'll only think prices are high if you stick to things specially laid on for a (voluntarily) captive clientele.
Tourist numbers still up, despite economic woes
Tourist activities in the Canary Islands generated 12,007 million euros (around £95.3 million) in 2007, providing almost a third (28.3%) of the islands' gross domestic product (GDP) and 33.2% of the region's employment.
At the same time, we learn that the number of foreign tourists received in Spain during the first half of 2008 was 26.6 million, a 2.6 percent increase on the same period last year. The Canary Islands was again the second most visited region of Spain (after Catalonia), with 4.7 million tourists in total.
The United Kingdom continues to be where the largest number of visitors hail from, sending 7.3 million tourists (27.5% of Spain's total) to the country so far this year. Germany is in second place, sending 4.7 million visitors.
Tourists Become Increasingly Unplugged
Interestingly, the article tells us that, between January and June, for the majority of international visitors - 18.4 million of them (69.4%) - the tendency is slightly increased (by 7%) for visitors to avoid packaged holidays, but to organise their own trips and book hotels, flights and extras separately.
Nevertheless, 20minutos report that Tenerife has dropped to 7th place on the British tourists' list of Top 10 holiday destinations this year.
Again, looking for something more economical this year:
In top slot is Dalaman (the airport gateway to Turkey's south west corner and to resorts such as Marmaris, Fethiye and Dalyan), followed by Mallorca, Crete, Bodrum, the Algarve, Cyprus, Tenerife, Costa Blanca, Sharm el-Sheikh and, Rhodes.
That works during the summer, whilst those destinations offer good weather, but when you want a getaway in winter, you'll find that the Canary Islands are the nearest and cheapest destination that offers sunshine. You'll be back!
Monday, July 21, 2008
What's on in Tenerife 21 - 27 Jul
To be, or not to be ...
... among the audience to see this new review of William Shakespeare's most famous play, HAMLET, directed by Juan Diego Botto (IMDB), at the Guimerá Theatre in Santa Cruz. There are two performances, on Friday, 25th July and Saturday, 26th July.
Naturally, it will be in Spanish, but either you know the play and will still be able to follow, even if you don't know the language, or, if you're like me and don't understand a word of Shakespeare even in English, then it will make no difference whatsoever and can be enjoyed on a purely aesthetic level. On the other hand, I could never understand the offside rule in football, until someone explained it to me in Spanish, so it may have the effect of adding clarity. :)
One Thousand and One Nights
In similar vein, on Saturday, 26th July and Sunday, 27th July, catch one of just two performances of Las Mil Noches y Una Noche (One Thousand and One Nights) at the Auditorio de Tenerife in Santa Cruz.
It's an adaptation of the legend of The Arabian Nights "under the attentive gaze" of Peruvian writer, Mario Vargas Llosa, who also plays the part of King Shahryar, alongside Aitana Sánchez-Gijón as Queen Scheherazade.
Fiesta de Santiago - Saint James Patron Saint of Spain
July 25th, which falls on Friday, is the day of Saint James, the Patron Saint of Spain. It is principally celebrated in Tenerife in Santa Cruz, Los Realejos, Puerto de Güímar and many cake shops, in the incarnation of the almond, Tarta de Santiago.
July 25th is also the Fiestas de Santiago Apóstol in Los Realejos, the annual fiestas honouring the town's co-patron and its foundation in 1496. And the Fiestas de Santa Ana in Candelaria, heralding the start of the annual Festival de Candelaria, which combines a major local song contest.
Also on July 25th, the Tenerife capital, Santa Cruz, celebrates the anniversary of its famous and proud victory over English Admiral, Horacio Nelson, whose failed attempt on Santa Cruz, on July 25th, 1797, cost him his right arm.
Santa Cruz Celebrates Victory Over The English
II Feria Insular Ovino Caprina (2nd Island Sheep and Goat Fair)
And, if none of the foregoing cultural events takes your fancy, well why not pop along to the Área Recreativa (Recreation Area) in La Laguna for the 2nd Island Sheep and Goat Fair on Sunday, 27th July. We reckon you're likely to find cute things like woolly sheep and hairy goats there.
More July fiestas in Tenerife (4 pages of them), can be found here.
More events, exhibitions and what's on, in our calendar
Labels: What's On?
CelebAir flights to Tenerife
Holiday Extras report that a group of - as yet unnamed - celebrities began their rigorous six-week training program last week and, between August 29th and October 10th, will be serving the likes of us on holiday flights to destinations such as Ibiza, Cyprus and Tenerife as part of new reality TV show, CelebAir.
The 10 celebrities will be put through their paces by Monarch Airlines, writes Lee Hayhurst in the Travel Trade Gazette.
A Monarch plane has been rebranded and will operate in CelebAir colours. Celebrities will take on roles across a range of airline activities including cabin crew, ticket desk and airport check in.
The CelebAir flights are from Gatwick only and to Tenerife appear to be every Friday from Friday, 29th August to Friday, 3rd October, incl. (except Friday, 19th September, when no flight is listed.)
CelebAir will be screened on ITV2 in the UK this autumn and hosted by Angellica Bell (pictured). Channel controller Zai Bennett comments that "This definitely isn't a show for work-shy celebrities, we're taking on a real plane, with real passengers with real holidays". Do you get the feeling that not a few of them will be shocked by how hard work is in the "real world?" :)
We'll be keeping an eye on reports - particularly for any news that names the celebrity victims participants. Meanwhile, if you manage to get on one of the flights and do a bit of celebrity spotting, we want to hear from you.
Join an exclusive group of passengers, find out about tickets here.
Labels: CelebAir
Gloria Estefan in Tenerife
Mojo Canario, alerted us back in May that Gloria Estefan was to be playing in Tenerife in the latter half of Septemeber this year. Yesterday, Canarias24horas reported (Via: The Tenerife Forum) that the Cuban singer will be performing on the island on Friday, September 19th.
And, as final confirmation, that information too is clearly displayed - 19 Septiembre - Tenerife - on the flyer, on the front page of Gloria's own 90 Millas website. So we'll take it the date is official then.
Still to be confirmed is the venue, although there was speculation that it could be CD Tenerife's football ground, the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium in Santa Cruz. Watch this space!
(90 Millas = 90 miles: the distance from Cuba to the United States. Tenerife, by comparison, lies a bit over 200km (125 miles) off northwest Africa.)
You should be able to get Gloria Estefan Tickets online here
Labels: Gloria Estefan in Tenerife
Services for the Disabled
Thanks to Gabriel at Blog Tenerife, who points out that Spanish Airports' authority, AENA have published the guide, "Spanish Airports Assistance for persons with reduced mobility", as well as the deaf or blind. The biggest take-away is that you need to book the services with enough notice.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Concentracion del Djembe at Las Teresitas
According to the Bamana people in Mali (via Wikipedia), the name of the djembe comes directly from the saying "Anke dje, anke be" which literally translates to "everyone gather together" and that is exactly what the organizers are attempting at the 1ª Concentracion del Djembe - Las Teresitas (1st Djembe Gathering) being held at the Las Teresitas beach, near Tenerife's capital, Santa Cruz tomorrow, Saturday, July 19th.
Notices promoting the event say that, "We're trying to unite the largest number of djembe players in history."
Or, you could say they intend to *beat* a record using the rhythm method. (Well, you could say that, except you'd be justifiably shot for crimes involving too many lame puns.)
It also says that it doesn't matter if you don't have a djembe (easily fixed, as there are an unlimited number of people willing to sell you one), you can bring along any other percussion instrument. Just be there, from 8 p.m., to pass the evening with music and perfect diversion (the leaves may give a clue. :)
