The Orotava is already immersed in the Christmas spirit. Today, an extensive agenda of events was unveiled, featuring over a hundred recreational, cultural, and religious activities set to unfold over a duration of forty-five days, aimed at enlivening the municipality during this festive season. Consequently, this Friday will witness the inauguration of festive lighting and the display in the Town Hall Square, which boasts one of the largest displays in the Canary Islands, featuring around 600 life-size figures.
Mayor Francisco Linares highlights that the town becomes an enchanting destination during this period, perfect for strolling, shopping, indulging in local cuisine, appreciating heritage, and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere, alongside the nativity scene trail, craft fairs, festive celebrations, children’s choral performances, and an exceptional New Year’s concert… all contributing to a remarkable programme. He affirmed that La Orotava transforms into a unique and attractive locale during these festivities, drawing an anticipated 200,000 visitors.
The Councillor for Festivities, Alexis Pacheco, underscored that the itinerary comprises traditional events along with innovative additions aimed at engaging audiences of all ages, especially families. He also noted that while most activities occur in the town centre, many will be hosted in various neighbourhoods.
The Delegate Councillor for Commerce, Deisy Ramos, stressed that the campaign is designed to enhance local trade. A special programme has been crafted to both stimulate sales and foster the Christmas spirit in the streets. Among the array of events, the Christmas Fair, which has already opened, will run until December 9 in the Plaza de la Constitución, featuring 10 booths offering Christmas decorations, gastronomic delights, and nativity scenes. Additionally, from December 13 to January 5, the same area will host the Gift and Crafts Fair, showcasing a variety of artisans creating jewellery, wooden toys, and decorative handmade items such as Christmas baubles, among other perfect gifts and decorations.
In the Plaza de la Constitución, until January 13, children can enjoy attractions including trampolines, carousels, and other amusements. Furthermore, from December 12 to 15, and from December 19 to 22, a Christmas Train will traverse the main streets of the urban centre. Access requires only a receipt from purchases made at businesses within the municipality.
This year, during December, workshops will be available for families, covering cooking, crafts, Christmas decoration, and face painting. Local businesses are invited to take part in a window and facade competition, with registration open until December 14. Moreover, events, bands, and parades will infuse the streets with lively entertainment. Continuing last year’s tradition of cultural enrichment, there will be two Christmas concerts titled ‘Christmas Around the World’, featuring themes from China and Venezuela, scheduled for December 21 and December 28, respectively, in the Plaza de la Constitución. Live music, Disney performances, and a Family Scape Room experience will also be hosted from December 20 to 29 in the same plaza, allowing families to celebrate Christmas in a fun and engaging way.
Following the success of last year, Franchi Alfaro Square will host a children’s New Year’s Eve celebration on the morning of December 29, complete with surprises and games for the little ones and their families. Meanwhile, January 4 will see the traditional solidarity Roscón de Reyes celebrated.
The council will distribute tickets to local businesses for them to share with their customers to ease parking in the commercial area (car park on La Carrera street). Additionally, discount vouchers for children’s attractions will also be provided.
The president of the Belenista Taoro association, Esteban García, presented the poster and programme for the 17th edition of the Nativity Scene Route, which this year features twenty nativity scenes situated across the municipality. The routes include four distinct types: the ‘Beleneando’ route aimed at schoolchildren, expecting participation from around 1,500 children; the ‘Road to Bethlehem’ route open to all groups, conducted in Spanish, English, and German; the ‘Towards Bethlehem by Bus’ route for easy access to the six nativity scenes outside the town centre; and a night route for visiting the nativity scenes lit up in the evening. All routes will be guided by professionals, with estimates suggesting over 30,000 participants.
The full programme of Christmas events and the nativity scene route can be accessed through the website laorotava.es
