The kings of Spain star in an intense morning day in Tenerife to carry out a particular ‘fire route’. Philip VI and the queen Letizia They visit several symbolic points related to the fire, still unextinguished, that has been ravaging the Tenerife mountains since August 15. Symbolism is the word that defines this visit.
The Plaza del Cabildo has been a meeting point for the three buses that make up this peculiar expedition. That of the mayors of the twelve municipalities – two thirds of the 31 on the island – comes out a little earlier and, then, the two enabled for the large number of media representatives. There is no lack of media expectation.
The first stop takes place at a seriously damaged emblematic point: the Chipeque viewpoint, in the municipality of Santa Úrsula. Before, the delegation of mayors and press overcomes the usual traffic collapse on the TF-5 at the Padre Anchieta roundabout in La Laguna and heads onto the TF-24, the La Esperanza highway, an environment severely punished by the fire.
By the way, Many of the migrants who arrived in cayuco are in that area. Not in vain, there are hundreds who occupy the nearby camps of Las Raíces and The pits after the massive arrival of cayucos.
Life after the flames
The wounds in the mountains are still palpable. Places that became extremely topical after the start of the fire, such as Las Lagunetas or Las Raíces. The ascent continues along the winding road and on both sides… the mountain. The island nature is regenerated with green shoots and the Canarian pine as an indestructible emblem. There is life after the environmental tragedy that involved the burning of 14,000 hectares of the Corona Forestal, the jewel in the crown of Tenerife
Mayors and the press join the rest of the authorities, extinction technicians and neighbors who await the kings. In Chipeque you have to wear a sweater. It’s cold and the fog doesn’t allow you to see anything. It seems that the day is also sad because what can be observed is no wonder.
arrival of the kings
Felipe VI and Letizia arrive at the viewpoint accompanied by the Minister of Defense Margaret Robles. The three are received by the president of the Canary Islands, Fernando Clavijoby the president of the Tenerife Council, Rosa Davilaand by members of extinction teams and state security forces and bodies.
After greeting those present, The Kings looked out at the viewpoint to see the voracity of the flames that hit this area in August. While it seems that the day is clearing without yet seeing the Teideon a panel the Kings receive explanations about what the destruction of a symbol of the island and its mountains such as the Chipeque viewpoint means.
The following stops will have two important points: From Chipeque they will go to Arafo, where the fire started. During the afternoon, Felipe VI and Letizia will preside over the tribute to those who have fought for 63 days on the front lines against the fire. Symbols.
