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Wednesday 6 January 2016

Christmas in the Canaries

Around the world, everybody's Christmas is different whether it be traditional, religious, just like every other day or even a working day. And this is something people often ask us - what is Christmas like on La Palma?
Our day was something of a mix starting with a Christmas breakfast for our guests. Followed by just the two of us opening a few present along with the Christmas cards we had been saving up for the big day. And of course ringing the family to wish everybody a happy Christmas.
Normally on Christmas Day, we would go down to the sea at La Fajana below us. But as David had something of a leg injury we decided to let the Land Rover take the strain and do some lovely touristy things - here are a few of our photos!
On La Palma, they love Nativity scenes. 
Ours is rather incongruous :)
Christmas lunch at La Fajana de Barlovento
Driving through one of the hand-dug tunnels on the Mimbreras road, Barlovento
Some interesting facts on the mirador information board
The Landy gets to join in with the Christmas spirit
Still in awe of the scenery

Christmas mascot
And still in the festive spirit on 5 January, a trip to the beach
However, it is perhaps the evening of the 5th January that is the star of the show. This is when the Three Wise Men arrive on La Palma (three for each major town/city) and bring gifts for the children. In some places, they arrive on real camels - it's quite a sight!
The next day, 6th January, is Epiphany and a religious holiday. So if you are on holiday on La Palma over the 5th/6th January, do try and catch a glimpse of the Kings (Los Reyes) and remember that on the 6th January, shops and banks will all be closed. 
camels