Arrecife’s big carnival parade, which hit the street yesterday evening, was a huge success, filling the capital’s Rambla Medular with fantastic costumes, movement and riotous noise. The weather was kind, and the massive event took place without any major incidents.
As always, the parade started at thje football ground, where the various groups waited patiently before setting off on the 1,500 metre route to the Recinto Ferial.
Leading the parade were Arrecife’s oldest traditional group, Los Buches, lightly tapping onlookers on the head with their inflated fish bladders. It was also good to see the familiar presence of Juan Medina, the Charlie Chaplin impersonator who is now in his 80s. Los Diabletes de Teguise completed the traditional part of the parade.
The first comparsa (dancing group) was Sur Caliente from Yaiza, whose fantastic routines and amazing costumes set the bar for what was to come. Los Guaracheras from Tías also impressed with beautiful white outfits and a tightly-choreographed routine.
Among the batucadas (drum groups) were Woman Batucada from Tahiche, Menuda Caña and the thunderous Villa Pipól, charging forward with their native-inspired costumes.
The themed floats brought up the rear of the parade, pumping out loud music and followed by hundreds of dancing carnival-goers dressed in every costume you could imagine.
If you missed the parade, you’ll get a second chance to see most of the groups (minus floats) on Wednesday, at the Burial of the Sardine parade, which starts at 6pm at the Ayuntamiento building on Arrecife’s seafront.
Most of the groups will also parade on Saturday at Puerto del Carmen.
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