Día de Los Indianos Fiesta

There are some crazy fiestas on La Palma - for example there's the Death of the Sardine where everyone dresses in black and weeps and wails at the passing of our esteemed friend, the fish. Then there's the fiesta of the dancing dwarves of La Palma, Los Enanos, once very five years (you may never uncover the mystery of this fiesta). And then there is also El Diablo where a 'monster' with fireworks attached to its body chases small children (and adults who can't help but join in). All wholesome fun.
But then there is the Día de Los Indianos which is right up there in the top three of Big Fiestas. This means that reinforcements are brought in, yes flights and ferries from all over the Canary Islands full of Indianos. And what for? This!

It's a joy-some day where everyone dresses in white and throws talcum powder at each other. Honestly - it's fun!! And it's all to do with the history of La Palma when, following mass emigration to Venezuela and Cuba in the 50's and 60's, Palmerans returned to their beloved island having made their 'fortune.'
Enjoy the photos! And if you are in La Palma next year, hopefully you'll be able to time it so you can join in. It's held in February or March every year. This year's was on Monday, 3rd March.
You can see the list of fiestas on La Palma on our website here: http://www.holiday-lapalma.com/listoffiestas.html

Los Llanos de Aridane

Interesting that when people talk about Los Llanos de Aridane but haven't yet been, there are clearly quite a few misconceptions.
'Are there any shoe shops in Los Lllanos de Aridane' is one question I was recently asked. And the answer is 'yes for sure, it's the biggest city on the island and you'll find plenty of shops of almost every kind.'


And then, 'Oh, I don't want to go to Los Llanos, I don't like big cities.'
Well actually although it is a city with a dual carriageway running almost right through its centre, at the heart of it is the wonderful Plaza de España which is surrounded by a pedestrain precinct. So although it's a vibrant city and certainly more commercial than Santa Cruz, it still manges to feel tranquil and more like a village than a city.




The Plaza de España is the place to go and sit and chat, have a glass of wine or coffee and get down to some serious people watching.
When we were there last week, the magnificent Indian laurel trees which populate the Plaza were in the midst of being pruned. The trees were brought from Cuba in the mid nineteenth century and whilst the pruning can seem severe, they've seen it all before. And probably heard it all before too.

And then there's the culture. If you take a wander in the back streets, particularly the ones that rise up from the Plaza de España, you'll discover all the tiny, multi-coloured cottages jammed in along the narrow streets, one after another.

Around the plaza are the grand mansions, some of them housing the municipal offices. And some huge murals too! 

Around most corners there's also a great view of the Caldera which is a good reminder that this is La Palma - La Isla Bonita!

You might also bump into a bar on your travels, often a in restored old house so there's plenty of atmosphere and a warm welcome too. Street cafes abound, mostly in pedestrianised areas. This is a great chance to try out the tapas - the 'little snacks' - or a 3-course meal. 

Certainly worth seeking out is the Archaeological Museum Benahoarita which is full of fascinating treasures. It's currently open from 09.00 to 20.00 hrs, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays until 14.00 hrs, on fiestas, it's closed. They also hold photographic exhibitions so even if you've been once, you might want to drop by for a second visit. It's a great way to discover the history of La Palma.

For anybody who has any doubts, Los Llanos is more than just a tangle of streets - it's got a heart and a soul and that's for tourists and locals alike! 

The Indians are coming to town

Call it crazy and you won't be far wrong.  The Indians are coming to town.  OK so to be more precise, it's the Indianos and it is more a case of 'going to town.'
It is all about the fiesta of the Indianos you see which has its main day on Monday, 7th March.  It is a rather clever portrayal of people returning to La Palma having earned 'a fortune' in Cuba.  Really - how else could you pursuade a significant percentage of the population to dress up in white - white shirt, white trousers, or pretty white dresses and white parasols, depending on your pursuasion.  And if there was any doubt about the white which is intended to represent wealth, there is plenty of talcum powder being thrown about.  And I am talking about kilos, be in no doubt about that!  Oh, and the ocassional  travel bag stuffed with monopoly money just to emphasise the point.

So if you are on La Palma already, it could be worth you heading for Santa Cruz to see what the fun is all about.  Just follow the music (there are street bands on most corners and a marching band plays as they parade through the town), the supermarket trolleys stuffed full with 'ron y cola' (rum and coke) which act as mobile bars and the cloud of talc.  Alternatively, if you are due at the airport on Monday, you can expect to be shunted off onto the Santa Cruz bypass - unless you make a concerted effort to get in.  I suggest you park up in Los Cancajos and catch the bus though as traffic is not allowed to pass through the centre of town and parking is not going to be a happening thing. I predict fun, fun, fun. 
Here is a link for the Special Indianos Bus Timetable