DANCE WHILE WE CAN

On an island which brings glorious sunshine, fresh air and a sense of hope every day, it’s difficult to feel down; but this year started with sad news for many, as we learned of the deaths of familiar Lanzarote residents who had each changed the island in their own way and left a legacy of love, fond memories and generosity.

But the more time you spend on Lanzarote, the more you realise how this island can help you through the hard times. There’s always a rainbow around the corner, especially at this time of year, and it’s worth remembering that Lanzarote’s existence is built on memories, with millions of tourists taking away fond reminiscences of the island.

Those memories can be sad or bittersweet, too, as many have learned, but Lanzarote keeps them vivid and precious, and somehow helps the healing.

Different emotions will arrive this month with the arrival of the carnival parades that are such a unique feature of Canarian life, filling the island’s towns with colour, rhythm, music and grace.

I’ve seen plenty of carnivals over the years, and while the humour, laughter and thunderous noise are always, exciting, what I always like best are the comparsas – those well-drilled dancing groups that dip and sway gracefully along the avenue in fantastically vivid costumes of plumes and glitter.

If you’re lucky you’ll get to see them sashay by in front of a gorgeous sunset, and you’ll experience a thrilling moment of pure beauty. And then the parade has moved on.

Carnival doesn’t last long, but that’s the point. It reminds us that joy and beauty are fleeting, that life goes by quickly and that we should laugh, cry, dance and make the most of it while we can.

Enjoy the magazine!