The
pre-colonial inhabitants came to be known collectively as the Guanches, although Guanches was originally the
name for the indigenous inhabitants of Tenerife.
Despite
Christianisation, Guaches were allowed to continue to celebrate their prime
fests. On the night on 27 to 28 of June I had an unforgettable chance to
celebrate one of it. Because of European catholic influence it has been
combined with Saint Peter and Paul (name) day.
Manuel, the
owner of the El Warung Beach house in Las Palmas and the cave hostel in
Artenara, where I am currently, was so kind to introduce me and my friend
Viktorija to his friends.
San Pedro
Fiesta begins in the evening of June 27 and last through the whole night till
morning traditional ritual. I was lucky to witness this in San Pedro village
(Gran Canaria). Our trip started from bocadillas y cervezas (sandwiches and
beers) with regional live music band playing on the street. At first it was
hard to find in myself in a non-English speaking group, but after a while I got
used to it and we all tried really hard to communicate. After 2 hour party, 15
minutes past midnight we started to hike “path of La Rama”. Over 1200 m asl,
8,5 km long trail in 3h surrounded by complete darkness only with head lights
and billions of stars above our heads.
From +23⁰
to +10⁰. From clear sky and good visibility to walk in the clouds (literally in
and above clouds). 25 minutes past 3 a.m. we sat in the cave. Natural, build by
wind (volcanic rock erosion) and full of hikers notes. Quick change of wet clothes,
pack of nuts, some homemade food and sleep on the hardest floor ever ;-) 3
hours later we were up, watching sunrise, sitting above the clouds in Tamadaba
National Part. 
So this San
Pedro Fiesta is not only about all night party but mostly about the rain. There
are years on Gran Canaria when there’s no rain and the natives prayed for it. The
ritual goes something along like this: hike 1200 m high mountain, collect fresh
cut branches and hike down to the ocean. Hit water with the branches and pray
for the rain.
8 in the
morning, we started to go back. Astonishing hiking trails, breath taking views
and people cutting fresh branches of Canary Island Mint, eucalyptus and
glomerate savory.
What we saw
and experienced in the mountains at nigh will stay in our memory. The next day
photos you can see below.
p.s. I feel
lucky to have the opportunity to spend this summer on Gran Canaria
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