Fiestas San Blas and the Virgin del Carmen
Bus Routes: 470 [Grandilla] or [Los Cristianos] and 483 [El Medano] or Las Americas] to Los Abrigo.
The preparations started at the beginning of the week with the arrival of carpenters to build the stage as Los Abrigos seems to be the only village I have come across which does not have a permanent structure. Once completed artists and electricians moved in then at about 06.00 on Tuesday morning the streamers and lights went up. I don't know if they work this early because it is cooler or if they are volunteers and have day jobs to go too. Everyone seems willing to help on these occasions. Whilst all of this was going on large and small trailers arrived and set up around the plaza and down towards the harbour. These contained the rides and sideshows, the bars and snacks which keep the party going long after the regular bars and restaurants have closed for the night. The sense of anticipation must be just like Christmas for the children.
12,00 h. Feria de Artesanía.
18,30 h. – Merienda los Niños.
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| The village plaza is prepared for the fiesta |
The annual fiestas San Blas and the Virgin del Carmen commenced on Wednesday 5th September and lasted through until the early hours of Tuesday 11th. I have toured the island attending fiestas and romarias but this gave me a unique opportunity to follow the preparations and the full calendar of activities which takes place during this week long affairs. Surprisingly I found out that the 'Fiesta committee' comprises of only three ladies, so quite a large task for them!
The preparations started at the beginning of the week with the arrival of carpenters to build the stage as Los Abrigos seems to be the only village I have come across which does not have a permanent structure. Once completed artists and electricians moved in then at about 06.00 on Tuesday morning the streamers and lights went up. I don't know if they work this early because it is cooler or if they are volunteers and have day jobs to go too. Everyone seems willing to help on these occasions. Whilst all of this was going on large and small trailers arrived and set up around the plaza and down towards the harbour. These contained the rides and sideshows, the bars and snacks which keep the party going long after the regular bars and restaurants have closed for the night. The sense of anticipation must be just like Christmas for the children.
12,00 h. Feria de Artesanía.
The fiesta proper started on Wednesday 5th at 12.00 with the opening of stalls displaying crafts made by local artisans, from embroidery to wood carving, cakes to cheese. Of course these items can all be bartered for. Whilst wandering around looking at the displays the last minute preparations were continuing, setting up the sound stage, speakers and lights. An articulated lorry arrived containing one of the rides which gave an interesting display of driving as it was manoeuvred down through the stalls into place. I watched them trying to get it through the entrance barrier and eventually suggested moving the wheelie bins out of the way! You cannot prepare for everything it turned out that the tree branch was longer than last year to which they demonstrated a typical Canarian solution. It all adds to the entertainment and an afternoon where everyone stands around watching, commenting, giving advice and generally doing nothing.
20,00 h. Musica Canaria, Grupo AMAZIG
The evening saw a performance by a large ensemble playing typical Canarian folk music and this encouraged people out of their seats to dance along to the performance.
Thursday 6th September:
21,00 h. Gran Gala Elección de la Reina Infantil y Adulta
Thursday evening saw the competition to elect the infant and adult 'Queen of the Fiestas' with a lively show built around the competitors in casual, evening and formal wear. It lasted for some 3.5 hours and was very entertaining all round.
Friday 7th September:
16,00 h. – Castillos Hinchables para los más pequeños y Taller de Manualidades. 18,30 h. – Merienda los Niños.
Bouncy castles and other entertainment for the children around the plaza and harbour.
23,00 h. – Baile amenizado por la Orquestra Sensación Gomera.
Boogie the night away to the band 'Gomera' ....
(now contains all photos for the whole week of the fiestas)
The Fiestas description continues in blog part 2.....
The Fiestas description continues in blog part 2.....
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