Owners & visitors report “that the boys are doing a good job – keeping pathways clean & tidy the work has not interferred with our holiday”

The works are due to complete in Mid April.

An island of contrasts and surprises, that’s Tenerife, even as Hurricane Xynthia threatened to wreak havoc, the sun beat down brightly and temperatures nudged up into the high 20 degrees. As the storms move on and through mainland Europe, it’s business as usual in resilient Tenerife, and the snow capped peak of Mount Teide looks a picture from Wimpen head office in Playa Paraiso.

It takes a lot to throw Canarians out of their stride, even Carnaval season went on largely unaffected, a few events were moved to other days but the street parties carried on. Making provision for just a few days of severe weather each year is a tough balancing act but Tenerife makes a good job of it. The barrancos(ravines) channel the water down to the coast and as soon as the rain stops the council workers and emergency services swing into action. Santa Cruz, the northern capital, suffered quite a deluge but even on the national Carnaval holiday the street cleaners were out early in the morning to mop up.

The snow on Teide can be seen from all around the island, it’s a proud and defiant symbol of the enduring qualities of Tenerife and its people. It’s quite a feeling to lay on the beach soaking up the sun as you look up and see the snow glinting in the skyline. The rainfall will also bring its reward, the lusher, greener north of the island emerges revived from the pine forests of the La Orotava valley to the many vineyards that make Tenerife wine such an export favourite. Raise your glass and say cheers to Tenerife, there’s plenty more sunshine to come.

Club Bena Vista AGM – 8th May 2010

Los Claveles AGM – 9th May 2010

To be held at:
Holiday Inn Coventry South
London Road, Ryton on Dunsmore , Coventry CV8 3DY
Tel: 02476 301585

It all kicks off with the daddy of then all, Santa Cruz , second only to Rio in size and splendour. The main events begin on Friday 12 February, and from then on it’s a constant round of competitions to find the Carnaval Queen, and the winning Murgas (musical satire) with similar competitions at childrens level. Wednesday 17 February is the night the sardine gets paraded through the city accompanied by wailing mourners, and Saturday 20 February is the big all day street party that runs into the early hours of next morning. the final day.

Then all the regional  events kick in, those staying or living at Las Rosas and El Marques will be close to the action for the Los Gigantes Carnaval. This runs from Thursday 26 February to Monday 1 March, Sardine night, with the big Coso (parade) on Sunday 28 February.

If you are lucky enough to be at Los Claveles in Los Cristianos, your dates are Friday 5 March to Monday 15 March, sardine night, with the Coso parade on Sunday 14 March.

These Carnaval celebrations really show off Tenerife at its best, they are fun, lively and very infectious. You can’t fight it so give in to the rhythm and get up and dance.