Quite obviously, fiestas are an essential part of island life and somewhere on the island, during summer time at least, you will find a fiesta in progress at the weekend. You simply cannot avoid them or at least not notice them as whole towns are simply closed down at the drop of a sombrero in order to celebrate with conviction.
Fiestas are a two fold affair, celebrating a religious event and celebrating life itself. It is a time to shut up shop, down tools and spend some serious time meeting up with old friends, making new ones and generally kick back and enjoy. These days, perhaps religion has been forced into a rear pew but you can usually bank on the odd procession and mass for the morning after.
But by far the biggest part of any fiesta is getting together, eating, drinking and dancing well into the next morning. They are open to all – free entrance, free parking (ssh,La Palma hasn’t heard of paying for parking yet), and free entertainment even when the performers are national stars. And … yes there is more … at some fiestas ALL the food is free ie soup, bread, paella, goats cheese, meat stew …. And plenty of free red wine. And almost no-body is drunk and if someone is a bit merry, they will simply want to dance with you.
One of the largest fiestas on the island is at San Antonio in the North West. In an area where there are probably more goats than people, you won’t be surprised to discover that farming is the theme and so the main exhibition is of highly prized cattle. Held around 11th and 12th June every year, the event will actually be stretched out over 3 or 4 days and on the main day, attract around 2,000 people. People literally come from near and far and hundreds and hundreds will camp in tents, vans, mini cars and any make shift device they can construct. This is basically to make the most of 36 incredible hours of live music which is only broken to present trophies to the owners of the winning cattle and for a slightly unusual horse race. This is where the riders stand up in the saddle while cantering along and aim a needle type object through a ring. The ring is then released and the rider with the most rings is the winner. You would think this an impossible task as the rings swing around in the breeze as the rider is trying to control the horse, needle and himself, but it is all carried out with great zeal and good humour.
And still there is more to do with stalls selling anything from lucky bags for the children to Mexican ponchos, fishing rods, hand-made leather sandals and Bob Marley T-shirts. Plus of course any number of stands selling food and drink to keep you fortified as you dance into the light to the beat of a different drum.
Fiestas are a two fold affair, celebrating a religious event and celebrating life itself. It is a time to shut up shop, down tools and spend some serious time meeting up with old friends, making new ones and generally kick back and enjoy. These days, perhaps religion has been forced into a rear pew but you can usually bank on the odd procession and mass for the morning after.
But by far the biggest part of any fiesta is getting together, eating, drinking and dancing well into the next morning. They are open to all – free entrance, free parking (ssh,La Palma hasn’t heard of paying for parking yet), and free entertainment even when the performers are national stars. And … yes there is more … at some fiestas ALL the food is free ie soup, bread, paella, goats cheese, meat stew …. And plenty of free red wine. And almost no-body is drunk and if someone is a bit merry, they will simply want to dance with you.
One of the largest fiestas on the island is at San Antonio in the North West. In an area where there are probably more goats than people, you won’t be surprised to discover that farming is the theme and so the main exhibition is of highly prized cattle. Held around 11th and 12th June every year, the event will actually be stretched out over 3 or 4 days and on the main day, attract around 2,000 people. People literally come from near and far and hundreds and hundreds will camp in tents, vans, mini cars and any make shift device they can construct. This is basically to make the most of 36 incredible hours of live music which is only broken to present trophies to the owners of the winning cattle and for a slightly unusual horse race. This is where the riders stand up in the saddle while cantering along and aim a needle type object through a ring. The ring is then released and the rider with the most rings is the winner. You would think this an impossible task as the rings swing around in the breeze as the rider is trying to control the horse, needle and himself, but it is all carried out with great zeal and good humour.
And still there is more to do with stalls selling anything from lucky bags for the children to Mexican ponchos, fishing rods, hand-made leather sandals and Bob Marley T-shirts. Plus of course any number of stands selling food and drink to keep you fortified as you dance into the light to the beat of a different drum.
1 comment:
Well said.
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