La Orotava is embracing the festive season with an enchanting display of new Christmas lights and decorations. The official launch of the Christmas lighting took place on Friday, November 22, in the town hall square, drawing crowds of all ages eager to experience the town’s festive spirit and the joy that accompanies this special time of year.
A spectacular performance titled “The Gift of Christmas” captivated the audience, prompting reflections on the significance of gift-giving during this period, while emphasising essential values such as sharing, support, and cherishing moments with loved ones, as well as remembering those who are no longer with us, yet remain an integral part of our lives. The excitement of the festive season truly embodies Christmas magic. Following this performance, Mayor Francisco Linares activated the dazzling ornamental lighting throughout La Orotava’s urban centre. Thousands of attendees revelled in the cheerful ambiance and festive decor, alongside the subsequent event in the Bridge area, ‘Tapas with chestnuts’, held in celebration of the San Andrés festival, attracting an estimated turnout of over 20,000 people.
The nativity scene situated in Plaza del Ayuntamiento has also been unveiled, part of the municipality’s renowned Nativity Scene Route, the most significant in the Canary Islands. This life-sized nativity tableau depicts an ancient Hebrew marketplace and features approximately 25 stalls and new scenes, open for viewing until January 6, around the clock.
This year, the arches on Carrera Escultor Estévez Street and the decorations in Plaza de la Constitución are particularly noteworthy. The central area boasts over a hundred Christmas light designs and numerous arches, complemented by more than a thousand metres of garlands and curtains, along with approximately 7,000 metres of decorative strings. Nearly 60 arches, around fifty stars, and a hundred festive motifs adorn the neighbourhoods as well. Additionally, illuminated Christmas decorations can be found throughout the streets, squares, and entrances to the municipality, accompanied by several photo opportunities. Furthermore, more than 5,000 ornamental flowers have been installed across La Orotava to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the town.
The festive theme within the historic centre focuses on stars, gifts, angels, Christmas trees, snowflakes, baubles, garlands, sledges, reindeer, and presents. The decoration of urban and neighbourhood areas has seen a significant increase in Christmas lighting. It is also commendable that all lighting in the municipality uses low-energy consumption technology.
The Christmas decorations serve to enrich the experience of visiting this town, encouraging walks through its streets, shopping, and indulging in the local culinary delights. La Orotava truly transforms into a magical place during Christmas.
Tapas with chestnuts
The Bridge at Carrera Escultor Estévez Street hosted the established event ‘De Tapas con Chestnuts’ on Friday, November 22, successfully intertwining the San Andrés festival with seasonal cuisine.
This initiative, organised by the agricultural department of the town council, aims to celebrate this traditional event in the northern part of Tenerife, reviving the custom of making and sharing food while spotlighting the chestnut as a local delicacy.
This year featured a chestnut roasting stall alongside the Farmer’s Market, with participation from local wineries and restaurants. Various tastings of chestnut-infused products were available. Tapas were priced at €3.50, while glasses of wine and chestnut cones were €2 each.
The Bentahod group provided entertainment that continued until midnight. Children were also catered for, with a special area allowing them to engage in making their own pots and participate in educational workshops focusing on chestnut trees and pot-making traditions.
The town council’s goal is to encourage the consumption of local products, protect the agricultural landscape, and valorise the region’s crops, whilst also enhancing the significance of the San Andrés festival, the tradition of chestnut consumption, and the custom of pot-making.
