Guide: all countries » Spain » La Palma Island » Traditions and festivals

Colors of La Palma Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The inhabitants of the island, as the rest of the people of the Canary Islands, have different mentality from the Spanish. There are two most important words on archipelago: tranquilo and mañana. The first one can be translated as “serenity” or “calmness”, and the second one means “tomorrow, not today”. The travelers, who are used to the fast rhythm of life, should remember that these are the words that describe the life of the local people, so you shouldn’t expect them to be punctual or be fast decision makers. From the other side, the travelers easily except this tranquility and cohabit with the islanders in harmony.
Cuisine of La Palma Island for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe
The cuisine of La Palma differs from traditional Spanish, because of big influence of Latin American, African, and traditional local cuisines. The courses here are simple, but contain quite … Open
It is common for the locals to be late for half an hour or more. If you have been waiting for a person for an hour and decided to tell him everything you think about this situation, you will only hear “tranquilo” in response – “relax, take it easy”. The lack of punctuality does not come from the selfishness, but from the path of life of the Canary Island. There is practically no season change, and the crops do not need much of attention. That is why the motto of the islanders is “everything you can postpone till the midday, you can do tomorrow”. By the way, the people of the Canary Islands do not consider themselves Spanish, and sometimes they like to discuss how good the life was before the Spanish came to the island. But there is not a sign of separatism here. The people of the Canary Islands are very peaceful, generous, and mild.
The siesta in La Palma, as on the other islands of the archipelago, is highly cherished. Most of the shops, cafes, souvenir shops, banks, and other places are closed from 1 p.m. till 4 p.m. For the people of the Canary Islands siesta is divided into hours – for food, love, and sleep. Despite of a small percentage of passionate Christians, the tradition for not working on Sundays, which was brought by the Spanish, is widely spread. That is why a Sunday is not the best day for shopping, because almost everything will be closed. By the way, if you speak Spanish, be ready that in La Palma they speak more mild dialect, using a lot of unique phrases, typical only for the Canary Islands. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Excursion over cultural sights of La Palma Island - 'must visit' points of interest
The central city of the island, which has the main historical value, is Santa Cruz. Now it is a not very big settlement with narrow streets and Colonial architecture. But during the times of … Open
Here, as well as in mainland Spain, people raise their voice and gesture a lot when they are talking. Despite of all the heat, it almost never comes to fights. First of all, the people of the Canary Islands are peaceful, and second of all, the punishment is quite harsh even for minor injuries. That is why you should restrain yourself and remember that high voices and gestures are just a normal situation for the locals. Moreover, the people of the Canary Island love holidays probably even more than the Spanish do.
The biggest and the most colorful event in La Palma is definitely the Carnival. They still have a tradition to dust each other with talk during the procession. Presumably, it came from emigrants, who came back to the island, bragging with their slaves, money, and jewelry. Once, a bag of flour became a boasting object. As a joke, the locals started to dust each other with it. The traditions of the Carnival differ from town to town, but the amount of color and passion you can feel everywhere.
Your active city break in La Palma Island. Attractions, recreation and entertainment - best places to spend your day and night here
La Palma offers the travelers a lot of opportunities for active holidays. The easiest way to explore the island, which also doesn’t require special training, is probably tracking … Open
In La Palma they celebrate Corpus Christi Day, and Candlemas, and all the settlements, even the small ones, have parades on the days of their patron Saints. Once every three years they celebrate The Pine of the Virgin feast, and once every five years – The Virgin of the Snow. During the latter one, all the participants put on evening gowns or traditional folk costumes and take part in a rich cultural program. They also widely celebrate the day of the harvest. In La Palma they also have art festivals, and the locals like the Canarian wrestling, a unique local kind of sport, and football.
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National traditions of Spain

Spaniards are very friendly and sociable, they like to talk and start a dialogue practically at every opportunity. Spain can definitely be called a country of happy people. It’s uncommon to meet someone with a tired, sour face. Even waiters in restaurants enjoy their work. You can often meet a waiter dancing or singing while taking order. Travelers quickly dive into the general atmosphere of fun and relaxation. In Spain, the institution of the family is venerated. It is customary to live together with parents. The family actively participates in the life of relatives. Elderly people are not sent to rest homes; on the contrary, they are treated with the special honor and attention, taken care of and helped in everything. … Open

Traditions and festivals in cities around La Palma Island

La Gomera
The most important harvesting for indigenous people is fishing, as coastal waters are rich in various fish and shellfish. Visits to fishing spots are organized for tourists. Vacationers can taste a catch of local fishermen at any restaurant of national cuisine. ... Open »
Los Gigantes
Every year, city residents choose different themes for the festival. It may be devoted to traditional crafts, national music, culinary, and even modern subcultures. Local restaurants and art centers take an active part in the festival preparing special entertainments ... Open »
Canary Islands
In late August, a very interesting event is taking place in Tejina of Tenerife. Heart of Tejina Festival is dedicated to the patron of the town, St. Bartolomew. Traditionally, every family makes a big floral arrangement in the shape of heart; this staff is usually ... Open »
Playa de las Americas
But independently on importance and responsibility of work, several hours of rest at the daytime are imperative for all. Inhabitants even have the original competition named siesta championship. Winner is the person who was the best in sleeping during the resting time. ... Open »
Tenerife
According to tradition, a bright holiday begins with the selection of Carnival’s Queen. Preparation for this important event lasts all year long. Public and government organizations choose the island 's most promising contestants; after that experienced fashion ... Open »
Gran Canaria
Like in Spain, the most popular word on the Canary Islands is “magnana”. It means the mythical “tomorrow” - the day when all things will be done, and everything that is planned will finally be fulfilled. Therefore, it is sometimes needed to hurry Canarians, ... Open »
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