Colors of La Gomera - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Many travelers visit the island during one-day trip, but it is simply impossible to get acquainted with cultural characteristics of local people and to see all the unique attractions in such a short time. Local residents of La Gomera are hospitable and friendly people, they are happy to introduce their way of life to foreigners and express a keen interest in the culture of travelers from distant lands. The main activity of local people is agriculture. For many years, cultivation of mango, banana, papaya and avocado has being the only mean of livelihood; some families have being engaged in farming for many generations.

One of the main national products is cheese made from goat's milk. First it has been made a few centuries ago; milk processing technology has changed significantly in past centuries, but many people prefer to continue to make cheese at home following an old recipe. Try this amazingly tasty and healthy product appreciated by all gourmets. It is considered a great luck to participate in its manufacturing process.

The most important harvesting for indigenous people is fishing, as coastal waters are rich in various fish and shellfish. Visits to fishing spots are organized for tourists. Vacationers can taste a catch of local fishermen at any restaurant of national cuisine. Speaking of local culinary traditions, it’s worth to mention another unique product - guarapo, a palm syrup. Making it is also an important national craft. Special palm honey is produced from syrup. That honey is a component of many important dishes and has unique healing properties. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The island became world-famous not because of craft traditions, but because of its inherent natural features. Travelers who go for a walk through the beautiful pine forests would be able to witness a unique natural phenomenon, the ‘horizontal rain.’ In fact, it is a dense fog appeared due to unique natural features of the wood. The beautiful island prepares a lot of surprises for its guests. Holidays in La Gomera will give a lot of unforgettable experiences.

One of the surprises is that colorful festivals taking place on the island are of interest to any traveler. So, one of the most important local holidays is the Bajada de la Virgen de Guadalupe, which is held every 5 years in October. Hundreds of tourists come to La Gomera to witness a spectacular regatta when sea vessels accompany a huge statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe in the sea. The procession begins on the neighboring island of La Palma, Puntallana becomes the first point, and the end destination is the capital of the island - San Sebastián. For the remaining four years, a colorful walking procession with carrying the statue of the Virgin Mary is held near Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (here in the capital).

Like on the other Canary Islands, a carnival takes place in La Gomera in the middle or end of February. Costumed parades to the rhythms of samba and salsa, beauty contests resulting in the election and coronation of the Carnival Queen - such a colorful program will not let any visitors get bored. The festival ends with the “Burial of the Sardine ” when people go through the central streets carrying a huge figure of fish made of papier-mâché and throwing confetti on the way. Despite the name, the tradition is very cheerful so burning the sardines at the end won't make anybody sad for sure. The festival is celebrated everywhere but the broadest program still awaits tourists in the capital of the island.

Most celebrations in La Gomera are religious in nature. Thus, Holy Week (Semana Santa), Christmas celebrated on December 25 (Navidad), and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on August 15 (Fiesta de la Candelaria) are especially revered here. On January 6, as in the rest of Spain, Los Reyes Magos is celebrated with a colorful procession headed by Gaspard, Melchior, and Balthazar. The three kings please visitors, especially the youngest ones, by throwing candies into the crowd. Besides the above-mentioned holidays, the island has many other celebrations dedicated to one or another saint - Fiesta del Carmen (July 16) celebrated in coastal cities, Fiesta de la Virgen de las Nieves (August 6), and Fiesta Nuestra Senora del Buen Paso (September 11).

Among other holidays celebrated on La Gomera, it is worth highlighting May 1 (Dia del Trabajo) when parades are held. Traditionally, nobody works on this day, locals prefer to spend it with their family inviting friends to dinner. On May 30, they celebrate Dia de las Islas Canarias when tourists can see bright processions, an art exhibition and a fair open, and performances of musicians, actors and dancers can be watched right on the central streets of the island's major cities. This is another colorful festival through which one can get acquainted with the local culture.