There’s always something to look forward to in Tenerife and with spring in the air that means Carnaval season. It all kicks off with Santa Cruz, second only to Rio in terms of size and status, after that the regional versions follow with each town trying to outdo its near neighbours.

Santa Cruz has a long lead in with qualifying events starting 10 February but the main action runs from 2 to 13 March. La Laguna takes place between 5 and 12 March, Puerto de la Cruz 3 to 12 March, Los Gigantes 17 to 21 March and Los Cristianos 18 to 28 March – to be confirmed. Different towns have different variations to the main themes but they are all about music, dance, fireworks, late nights and drinking, and everyone is invited to join in.

The key events are the election of the Carnaval Queen, every young girls dream, the Murgas competition – satirical songs sung to the backing of kazzoo trumpets, and the sardine funeral. Carnaval is steeped in tradition and is based around Lent. The sardine funeral features men dressed as female mourners following the procession of the sardine, destined to ne cremated amid much celebration. This is a direct dig at the church who turned a blind eye to their own hierarchy and the rich eating anything they liked during lent while the people had to scrap for sardines.

The road to Carnaval starts as soon as one years celebrations end, then costume designers start work on creating ever more lavish outfits for the following year. The rhythm of carnaval is infectious and one that most people cannot resist, make sure you are ready to party.

The Canary Islands are again proving to be the biggest draw as people start to book summer holidays but with increasing competition it’s important to keep people aware of the wonderful climate, beaches  and scenery. The 2011 tourism market fairs are about to start with Fitur in Madrid from 19 to 23 January and the Canary Islands will be making their prescence felt.

A huge stand for all the Canary Islands costing 360,000 euros will attract the crowds and individual islands and councils will be doing their best to entice the movers and shakers in the holiday trade. In these tough financial times the Canaries are looking to get value for money and their stand has been designed for re-use at the Berlin travel fair later in the spring.

The hot themes for this year in Tenerife are health and wellness, and gastronomy. Arona council are holding a special launch night on 19 January at the world famous Reina Sofia museum in Madrid, invited guests will be able to sample the best of traditional Canarian food as served in their region. All the signs are good for visitor numbers to the Canary Islands in 2011 and Wimpen are looking forward to welcoming back old friends and adding lots of new ones.

There are so many great places to see in Tenerife and just when you think you have got to know them they add an extra surprise. Adeje is such a place, serene and steeped in history the main street Calle Grande is shaded by palms and lined with intimate pavement cafes. Making changes can upset the balance but full marks to the locl council for its facelift of Plaza de España tucked between the council headquarters and the old church of Santa Ursula.

The new look is very modern and concrete based but careful design has allowed a clear view over the back to the magnificent Barranco del Invierno. The 1,182 square metres are open and welcoming and the new metre high tower salutes the clipped top of Roque del Conde and the hang gliders that swoop around it. The church is now more clearly seen, encouraging visitors to browse inside and see the vast glory of the ornate decoration and annex that pays tribute to the crucifiction, so emotionally brought to life in the annual Good Friday street performance of The Passion.

Just down the hill past the old canon that stood guard many years ago, the remains of the old battlements stand defiantly as a reminder of past struggles. The modern tourist area of the municipality has been renamed Costa Adeje and offers everything from beach comfort to night life and designer shopping but the old town is always worth a visit to get a feel of Tenerife and its older charms.

Many congratulations to some long standing owners at Las Rosas: Mr & Mrs Schneider, Mrs Kinsella & Mr Bradley who received their diplomas from the local authority.