Wednesday 9th March
The Sardine’s funeral This is probably the second biggest event in Carnival. As the name suggests, it’s a funeral for a gigantic sardine, and downright Pythonesque too. Wear black and/or drag, and be prepared to wail with fake grief. Wednesday in Santa Cruz, Friday in Los Llanos, Saturday 19th in Los Sauces (a particularly good one)
Santa Cruz de la Palma
18:00h. Reception and Wake for the Sardine, in the Plaza de la Alameda, with music by Orquesta Ritmo and distribution of grilled sardines (There are very tasty, but a little salty. Decide who’s driving first.)
21:00 h. The funeral cortege for D.ª Sardina leaves the plaza de la Alameda and heads towards the carnival stage. Once it arrives, the sardine will be cremated amid fireworks at the avenida Marítima. Afterwards, public dance with music by the musical band “Arena Caliente” at the carnival stage.
Los Llanos
11.00 hrs. Children’s activities in the Plaza de España
20.00 hrs. Murgas in the Cultural Centre at El Retamar
Thursday 10th March
Santa Cruz de la Palma
18:00 hrs. Parade of carnival krewes and percussion groups from the Avenida El Puente to the Carnival stage. Afterwards, Drag Queen festival, with performances by various dance groups and artists from outside the island.
Los Llanos
11.00 hrs. Children’s activities in the Plaza de España
17:00 hrs Children’s fancy dress party. Bouncy castles, music, costume competition, have your photo taken with models (I think this means people like Micky Mouse)
Friday 11th March
Santa Cruz de la Palma
From 17:00 hrs. Masked ball in the Plaza de la Alameda with Orquesta Ritmo.
18:00 hrs. Groups of mariachis performing in the streets from Avenida El Puente to the carnival stage on the Avenida Marítima. Afterwards, Festival of Mariachis with performances by Mariachis Michoacán and Mariachis Mencey Azteca, at the carnival stage.
22:00 hrs. Public dance with music by “Los Geniales” and “Arena Caliente” at the carnival stage.
Los Llanos
11.00 hrs. Children’s activities in the Plaza de España
13:00 hrs Start of the Sardine’s funeral. Wake at El Camino Los Lomos.
19:00 hrs Funeral procession, accompanied by
El Galvao leaves for Los Pedregales.
21:30 hrs On arrival, cremation of the sardine.
22:00 hrs public dance, with music by Bolero and Irosan
I’ve just found your blog and am enjoying looking through it. I was in La Palma for a weekend only back in 2007, when I was living in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. I loved it, and of seven beautiful islands it is I think the most beautiful.
I will return there again someday – your blog makes sure of that!
Gracias!
Andrew.