Fiestas on Tenerife – Beñesmen 09; Go Guanche in San Juan de la Rambla

This is a brand new fiesta (cos, let’s face it, we don’t really have enough in the north yet; there are still a few days left when people actually have to work. Not that I’m complaining; I love them), so I don’t know what to expect, but it sounds as though it could be interesting and fun.

Instead of the traditional Romería, with Beñesmen 09, the Ayuntamiento in San Juan de la Rambla are going for a Guanche themed fiesta.

Events are going to be based on the life and customs of Tenerife’s indigenous people. There’s going to be the election of a fiesta king and queen, but this time it’s called the election of the Mencey and Beñesmer. Other Guanche goings on include the re-enactment of the appearance of the Virgen de Candelaria, a bit of fighting, traditional Guanche sports; mummification, a sacrifice of a man and a woman (okay I may have mistranslated that, but I’m definitely going, just in case) and lots of goats and Guanche food (don’t expect cordon bleu sophistication - this is a primitive race we’re talking about) before the party gets spoiled by the arrival of the conquistadors and the Catholic Church (boo hiss).

Could be something different.

Location: San Juan de la Rambla

Date: 9th May

Times: From 15.30 to 21.00. Events start at the Lavaderos de La Vera and move to their conclusion at the Recinto Ferial de Los Canarios