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. 

Felices fiestas

Christmas in the Canaries has a certain ring to it - a pleasant chime you might say - and although the goats' bells were ringing on the hillside, it's often a day of concentrated relaxation for most of us. 
In the past at Christmas time, we have gone to the Port of Santa Cruz to enjoy seeing the Tall Ships and market there. It's a great fun day out when you can go on board the ships and talk to the crew, many of whom are English and part of the Prince's Trust programme for young people. And we all love a good mosey around a market!

 However, Christmas Day in the Canaries is generally a fairly low key event with the main day for presents being the 6th January, Epiphany. Not only is this a cause for great excitement among the children but also a very good reason for another fiesta!
In both Santa Cruz and Los Sauces there is fabulous parade with the Three Wise Men being the centre of attention - in Los Sauces they ride on real camels, throwing sweets to the children along the way (and many adults too). It's an event well worth seeing!

But if there is one thing for certain, La Palma is big on nativity scenes. Every town, village and hamlet has its own nativity scene ranging from the simple to incredibly detailed works of art which include not just the nativity scene but also little springs with mountain water and tiny traditional houses with even tinier stones on the roof. Or sometimes full-sized figures tucked away in a cave along a quiet country road. Just watch out for any stray donkeys.

Wherever you are and however you like to celebrate Christmas and New Year, we wish you all the very best for 2013 and happy holidays for the future.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
Ann and David

Christmas Day

Christmas Day – Santa Cruz de La Palma. A day of celebrations with live music, market stalls and the towering Tall Ships.

For the last 12 years, the Canary Islands has been the meeting ‘ground’ for the Tall Ships, the multi-sailed masters of the sea, many from yesteryear. It is a wonderful idea not just for the crews of the ships but also for the residents and visitors to La Palma to have a get together at a time which is after all, traditionally a time to be with your own family. And so for those who are away from ‘home’ the special atmosphere generated by a throng of happy and peaceful people goes a long way to making Christmas that bit more special.

Actually, the Tall Ships have more purpose than just drifting around the islands. Most are part of a special project, such as providing a learning opportunity and a unique experience for underprivileged and disabled youngsters.

This is the website for it:

www.tallshipslapalma.com