Lanzarote’s southernmost municipality, Yaiza, receives hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, mostly in the resort of Playa Blanca. Keeping those tourists happy, and ensuring that income benefits local residents is just one of the challenges faced by the local council in a world which bring new challenges all the time. We spoke to Daniel Medina, Yaiza’s Tourism Councillor, last month.

One of the more widely-supported proposals of the demonstrations against the effects of mass tourism in recent years has been a tourist tax. What is your opinion on the issue?

It’s a complicated issue, and we’d have to analyse it closely, to decide how funds could be raised and where they would be spent. We’re aware that any such proposal will have strong opposition – the example of Mogán in Gran Canaria, where hotel owners have taken the mayor to court after she introduced a municipal charge for overnight stays, has shown us that.

But we’re also aware that in recent years there’s been a disconnection between local residents and tourists, with issues like the housing crisis and water cuts. It’s important that residents here feel as though they have a stake in tourism. We should celebrate tourists, and offer them a unique experience.

Yaiza has announced a new Improvement and Renovation Plan for Playa Blanca. Will this be similar to the one that has been taking place in Puerto del Carmen in recent years?

Yes, the aim is to upgrade existing accommodation with subsidies, improve and update public zones, especially in the centre and the maritime walkway. We’re putting priority on the stretch between Fund Grube and the harbour and hope to start by the end of the year.

The approach towards Femes is also important. That roundabout near Aldi is very ugly and needs to be improved urgently. We’re also hoping that the sewage treatment centre will be tackled at the beginning of next year. Then there’s the general upkeep and replacement of roads, pavements and lighting in the resort.

There were three drownings at Los Charcones in the last year, and rescues of injured hikers on Montaña Roja are fairly frequent too. Is it necessary to do more to protect tourists?

There’s only so much we can do if tourists don’t respect weather warnings and choose to go past barriers when the road is closed.

But I think tourists get too much criticism at times, when some of the worst activities on the island are carried out by residents. Going near the pool at the Jameos del Agua, which was designed for swimming by Manrique, is forbidden, but it’s not as bad as fly-tipping.

What about the queues at Timanfaya?

Visitors can’t wait for an hour and a half in the summer heat to enter the Fire Mountains, and locals can’t keep getting caught up in huge traffic jams. We’ve always supported the idea of a shuttle bus system to the Timanfaya centre, and the council is willing to give public land to provide parking.

Where would the parking be?

Probably at the camel rides area.

Cruises will arrive at Playa Blanca this winter. What does that mean for Yaiza?

The first boutique cruiser is scheduled to arrive in November, and we’re determined to be ready for it. The harbour was extended with the intention of making profits, and we think the cruise ships can take advantage of what we provide here in Yaiza without competing against Arrecife.

What are your views on the Franz Weber Foundation’s campaign to end camel rides?

I think it shows a lack of knowledge about life on Lanzarote. The camel is part of Lanzarote’s landscape, and was always used to work, carrying goods or moving soil in the wine fields.

Nowadays, the camels usually work for two days a week, occasionally three, and they’re well looked after – if they aren’t, they don’t work.

Is the housing crisis affecting tourism?

It’s an enormous problem. My brother and I were brought up by my mother on a chambermaid’s wage, but that would simply not be possible with today’s rents. It doesn’t just mean that hotels can’t find workers who live locally. It’s also affecting professionals such as teachers, who can’t afford to live here. What we can do on a local basis is provide land, and we’ve already given space for 246 units of social housing.

Is Yaiza doing enough to promote some of its attractions? For example, the archaeological site at Rubicón, which is the earliest European settlement in the Canaries. Yet thousands of visitors to Papagayo pass it every day with no idea what it is.

This is one of the most important projects on the island, and 12 skeletons from the very earliest settlers have been found, with more discoveries to come this year, I’m told. We’d love to make more of it in the future.

The post “We Should Celebrate Our Tourists” – Yaiza Tourism Councillor Daniel Medina first appeared on Gazette Life.

Marciano Acuña is the Cabildo’s Councillor in charge of Social Welfare – a department which covers areas such as the elderly, gender equality, addiction, mental health, disability, children in care and other issues.

Lanzarote’s population is increasing steadily. Is that placing pressure on social services?

There are 170,000 people on Lanzarote. 18,000 of them are over 65 years of age and 17,000 are registered with some kind of disability. We need to provide the services that they require.

We currently have around 1,000 places for social assistance, which range from full-time care to day centres and walkin centres, and we attend around 1,000 people on a daily basis.

We operate on a budget of around €35 million for direct management of care facilities, staffing etc, and a further €35 million goes to a social partnership with NGOs.

How many old people’s homes are there on the island?

Five. There’s the Hospital Insular, Las Cabreras in Nazaret and residences in Tinajo, Haría and Tías. Altogether, they offer 250 beds and a further 250-day spaces.

Is that enough?

No. we need more resources and we need new residences. We’re currently building new centres in Tahiche and in Altavista in Arrecife.

How do you co-ordinate efforts with charities and NGOs on the island?

They’re vital to what we do. NGOs and the third sector have practical experience and knowledge that we can’t match, and that’s why we’re working towards a system of co-governance with them. Previously, the Cabildo provided grants and subsidies on an annually revised basis, but that limits their capacity to plan ahead.

 This is why we agreed the Concierto Social (Social Partnership) last year. This allows us to work alongside NGOs such as ADISLAN (special needs), El Cribo (mental health) and AFA (dementia) to manage public places at their facilities. Importantly, it also guarantees funding for seven years,giving these organisations the security they need to make plans.

How does a person access the Cabildo’s welfare services?

First, you have to attend the social services department of your Ayuntamiento. Once there, it’s necessary to apply for assessment under the Dependency Law. Once that’s done, we make the decision to classify the level of dependency according to a points system, for example Grade 1, 2 or 3. Once graded, you can be considered for services such as day care, home help etc.

What are the guidelines you use?

There are several, but an important element at the moment is the idea of de-institutionalisation. This stems from the European initiative to focus on smaller facilities, rather than large institutions, with a preference for home care. We think it’s best to remain at home for as long as possible, and care is easier in smaller facilities.

An example is the way we’ve moved children in care to smaller homes. When they were kept at the hostel in La Santa, there were problems, but now they are distributed in seven smaller centres, things are much better.

There have been complaints that the current amnesty for irregular immigrants will place pressure on social services. Do you see that as a problem?

Not at all. We’re expecting between 2,000 and 3,000 to apply on Lanzarote, and these are all people who are already living on the island. Most of them are of working age, and the amnesty will allow them to contribute and access the system correctly.

What about foreign residents? The British Embassy, for example, has urged British expats to register on the padrón in order to make use of social services.

A foreign resident here has the same rights as a local and should receive the same treatment. That’s been the case for a long time. They pay taxes, have the right to vote in council elections and participate in our community, and have the same rights to use facilities.

Has there been an increase in gender violence?

In the past it was swept under the carpet, a result of a society where women were encouraged to take a submissive role. What has happened is that the issue has become more visible. We attended more than 400 women last year.

Are things improving overall, would you say?

All societies change, and change brings benefits as well as disadvantages. An example of the benefits is the inclusion and acceptance of, for example, the LGBTQ community, and awareness of disabilities. Lanzarote’s Cabildo recently reached the finals of the European Capitals Awards for Inclusion and Diversity, and we’re very proud of that achievement.

But there are also disadvantages. Technology, for example, has meant that we now have to tackle addictions to gambling and mobile use. Gambling has been called “the heroin of the 21st century”.

Any final message? Lanzarote is an island with a clear calling to be as inclusive as possible. All of us who live here are part of the same thing, and we need to care for each other, defend what we have and create a community.

The post Interview with Marci Acuña, Lanzarote’s Councillor for Social Welfare first appeared on Gazette Life.

The Canaries should be an ideal place for the e-car revolution, with short distances, huge potential for renewable energy and no tax on new electric vehicles. However, up until now take-up on the islands has been slow compared to the rest of Spain.

Nevertheless, recent rises in the price of petrol and the arrival of affordable Chinese models are likely to spur renewed interest in electric vehicles. David Riebold shares his experience.

About six years ago some friends called, telling me that they had just bought an electric car, but had been called home suddenly – would I look after the car while they were away?

The slight hesitation I felt about being responsible for such an unfamiliar and fairly expensive car (a VW e-golf) evaporated as soon as I got behind the wheel. It was smooth, silent, odourless, with breathtaking acceleration, and charging with cheap overnight electricity cost a fraction of the price of petrol.

I was so delighted I expressed my enthusiasm on social media and was taken aback by the hostility of some responses. Someone I had known for 50 years even unfriended me, showing how emotionally charged the subject has become;

‘Lithium mining is destroying Chile’, ‘The battery will fail – or explode!’ – A quick search suggested to me that these fears are often wildly overstated, and I found myself wondering how such misconceptions can become so widespread — perhaps because established interests have every reason to slow down change.

Electric cars have been around long enough for such extreme criticisms to have faded, but a couple of valid objections remain – e-cars have a limited range and longer refuelling times. However, we live on a tiny island – a return drive from Órzola to Playa Blanca and back is well within the range of the battery.

Another objection was price: driving my friend’s VW made me want an electric car but I was quite unable to afford one.

Although an electric motor is much simpler, more reliable and vastly more efficient than a heat engine, small production volumes have prevented economies of scale. In the last few months, however, this has changed. Affordable e-cars are here!  

Some friends who know more about cars than I do bought the cheapest of the new Chinese models. They loved it, even preferring it to a more expensive European equivalent. So, I quickly accepted when I was offered one for just a bit more than 13,000 Euros! Four months later, I am still delighted.  

This is not the place for a discussion of the view that the world needs to move away from an oilbased economy as soon as possible, but if you live on Lanzarote the case for owning an e-car on this little island is especially strong.

Charging points are becoming more common and if you have a driveway or garage in your house then charging with cheap overnight electricity is easy – I’m lucky and can park and plug directly outside my house.

What has made the biggest difference for me, though, is pairing the car with rooftop solar. With so much sunshine year-round, the idea of driving on locally generated electricity is very appealing. My own system now covers most of my daytime charging, and the installation was straightforward.

I was intending to get some batteries to store up surplus power for the night but a local expert explained that our electric supply is too cheap to justify that expense. Nevertheless, battery technology is advancing fast and so that may soon be worthwhile.

It will not suit every home, but if you have a suitable roof, it is well worth considering. Even without solar power, the savings can be noticeable; and if you do have it, the economic advantage is irresistible.

The post Electric Cars Gain Ground in Lanzarote as Costs Fall and Interest Rises first appeared on Gazette Life.

Maurice Burton is a British cycling legend – the first black British cycling champion who went on to an exciting professional career in Belgium before becoming the owner of De Ver Cycles in Streatham. Maurice has been coming to Lanzarote since the 1980s and has run regular cycling camps on the island for 20 years. We chatted to him about his eventful life in Costa Teguise last month.

Maurice, how did you start cycling?

My dad wouldn’t let me get a bike, and my dad wasn’t the sort of person you argued with. So I didn’t learn to ride until I was 12, out and about with friends. I then started to compete at then Herne Hill Velodrome, which had been built for the 1948 Olympics. I soon found out that no one could catch me!

I won my first Junior Sprint title in 1973 and the amateur scratch title the following year. It was on Grandstand, but I’m not sure if my father watched it – he preferred Mick McManus and the wrestling on ITV. I don’t have any bitterness – it’s good to know that I achieved everything on my own.

There are reports that you were booed by racist spectators when you crossed the line. Is that one of the reasons why you left the UK?

There were a few people booing, but it was more to do with problems with the team and coach. I competed in the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand, but I wasn’t selected for the Olympics in 1976, and decided to move over to Belgium, where I took part in 6-day-races.

They were big events then, and I made good money. After a couple of 6-Day races I put the money down for a Toyota! I was cycling alongside the best, and met riders like Eddie Merckx. Once he asked me to let him win a track event once, so I gifted him the race.

Did you ever do the road tours?

No. track was my thing. I could beat Eddie on the track but I wouldn’t have stood a chance on the road.

Why did you return to London?

I had a bad crash at a 6-Day event in Argentina in 1984 and had to leave professional cycling. An Australian friend who I’d cycled alongside in Belgium had opened a cycle shop, De Ver Cycles in Streatham, and kept asking me if I wanted to take it over. So, finally, that’s what I did.

When you’re running a business it’s hard to take time off, so I bought a timeshare on Lanzarote, which forced me to organise two weeks holiday a year. That was the first time I came to Lanzarote, and we later bought a property here.

Do you think the island has improved for cycling over the years?

Definitely. I remember when the roads were a nightmare, but now they’re wellmade and often resurfaced. Roads like the ascent to Tabayesco are great, a really good workout. One thing that I wish they hadn’t done is ban cyclists from the climb to Femés from Playa Blanca. I miss not being able to do that.

What are your favourite routes on Lanzarote?

That depends on the wind, but I love riding down to Puerto del Carmen and Puerto Calero, then riding up the “donkey trail” (Camino Hoya Limpia) to Tías.

The other day I was taking a rest while riding near Costa Teguise when I met a couple who recognised me – they turned out to be the parents of Lucy van der Haar, who raced alongside my son Germain a few years ago.

Have you ever had any bad accidents on the island?

Just one. It was 29th March, 2008 – I remember because it’s the day before my wedding anniversary. I was riding up from Famara when a local driver who’d had a few to drink came up behind me with the sun in his eyes. He knocked me two metres into the air. Luckily, I was riding with Dr Miguel Medina, so I got the best of attention. I was airlifted to Gran Canaria with a broken back and a nasty head injury, and I’ve still got a big lump there now.

I think Lanzarote is pretty good for cycling, though. Drivers are usually patient and give you the 1.5 metres space when passing. It can get hairy when they’re passing a group of riders and a car comes in the other direction, but accidents are rare.

Britain’s had great success in cycling in recent years. Do you ever think you were born too early?

No. I’m 70 years old now, and have spent almost 60 of them in the saddle. I was there right from the beginning, and those days in Belgium and Europe were the best of times. I gave it my best shot.

The post Interview with British cycling legend Maurice Burton first appeared on Gazette Life.

Contemporary dance has always had a faithful audience on Lanzarote, and exciting, experimental performances have been a strong feature of the island’s cultural scene for several years. One of the people responsible for that is Quino Falero, who grew up in near the Charco de San Ginés in Arrecife.

In his teens, Quino was inspired by theatre and the vibrant, innovative artistic scene that César Manrique brought to the island. He went on to become a prolific theatre director and TV presenter, and is the creator and director of Escena Lanzarote, a festival of the performing arts that takes place in the winter and spring of each year.

We spoke to Quino last month at the Jameos del Agua, just before the Daniel Abreu Company’s poetic and moving performance in this year’s festival.

What is the idea behind Escena Lanzarote?

Escena Lanzarote aims to keep the spaces that César Manrique created relevant and dynamic by promoting arts with a universal language – that is, spectacles such as dance, music and mime where the language barrier doesn’t exist. It’s not exactly a festival without words, but it’s aimed at an audience of all backgrounds.

As a teenager in the 1980s, I was lucky enough to be able to see performers such as Marcel Marceau, Lindsay Kemp and the Momix Company perform in the Jameos. It changed my life, and I’d like to carry that inspiration on.

That’s why training and education is also a part of the festival – an attempt to bring guests into contact with the local scene through workshops and other events

What shows do you aim to attract?

Ones that have a strong artistic proposal. These aren’t the sort of shows you see in the hotels. What’s really important is that the venue should bring something to the performance and vice versa.

Manrique’s spaces are utterly unique and magical. Which of them have you used and which are yet to host events?

There have been events at the Jameos, the Cueva de los Verdes, the Castillo de San José. I’d love to put events on at the Mirador del Rio and Timanfaya, but those places present difficulties. Every one of Manrique’s spaces has its possibilities, but I love the Jameos del Agua – it’s a very special place for me.

What has been the biggest success of the festival so far?

Just a few weeks ago the Jameos was completely sold out for a performance of Viva!! By Manuel Liñan’s company. This is a show where seven talented male dancers perform in the traditional dress and style of female dancers, and it’s been a big success in London, New York and many other places.

It was exactly the sort of thing we want to showcase. I love flamenco, but I didn’t want to just bring traditional dancers. There has to be an artistic idea, something brand new.

Actors and dancers have a saying “love is a full theatre”, but it’s not just about selling tickets. In art it’s necessary to support less popular ideas.

Events such as the Saborea Food Fair, carnival and Lava Live are becoming increasingly significant tourist attractions. Does tourism play a part in your plans?

Of course. Cultural tourism is an important element of what we do, and there’s also an important international community resident on the island. It’s a little more difficult for Escena Lanzarote to promote itself, as it’s not something that happens over a few days – it’s several events programmed over many months, but we’re getting a better response all the time and a growing audience of faithful supporters.

The post Interview with Quino Falero first appeared on Gazette Life.

If you’re a regular reader, you’ll know we love checking in with Ramesh and Sara Saraswati. The duo behind Playa Blanca’s beloved Indian Delights have been busy since opening their second venture, Indian Gourmet, back in 2024. Recently, they’ve given the restaurant a stylish upgrade.

We popped down to Indian Gourmet to see the changes and sat down for a chat about what’s new.

It has been a while! Indian Gourmet looks fantastic. How has the journey been?

Ramesh: It has been wonderful. Indian Delights was the first restaurant we opened in 2020, but Indian Gourmet has really found its own identity since opening 2 years ago. The feedback has been incredible, and we are hitting our stride now.

Sara: It is a different vibe. More lounge like. But the core is still the same: quality Indian food made with love.

We noticed the new glass on the terrace. Tell us about that.

Ramesh: The terrace has always been popular for the mountain views, but Lanzarote can be windy. We wanted our diners to enjoy eating outdoors without feeling the chill. So, we have installed glass partitions around the terrace.

Sara: It is sheltered now, but you are still outside. You can see the views and feel the fresh air without such strong gusts of winds. It has made a massive difference for lunch and early evening dining.

And you’ve embraced the “Lounge Bar” side of things too?

Ramesh: Yes! That is the other big change. We have added a new outdoor seating area specifically for the bar. You don’t have to be at a dining table to enjoy the place now.

Sara: We have expanded the drinks menu too. We have classic cocktails plus great wines, premium gins, and more. It is perfect for a relaxed, late night drink.

Do you have a favourite from the new drinks menu?

Ramesh: A classic pink gin & tonic. Simple but perfect here.

Sara: I love the Mango Mint Cocktail! But I am just happy seeing people treat the restaurant as a destination for a whole night out, not just for a meal.

Finally, is the kitchen quality staying the same with all these changes?

Ramesh: Absolutely. The kitchen is the engine. The lounge bar just complements it. Whether you are here for a three-course meal, Indian tapas, or just a cocktail, the same care goes into everything. We are here for the love of it, and seeing people enjoy that keeps us going.

The post We’ll Drink To That! Interview with Indian Gourmet Owners first appeared on Gazette Life.

A Lanzarote association that aims to support families affected by Parkinson’s is stepping up to the next level.

Janet Harper set up Living With Parkinson’s in Lanzarote (LWP) three years ago after experiencing how the condition affected her father and a life-long friend.

The registered charity has a team of volunteers that currently provides assistance to 14 families on the island, as well as visitors with holiday homes here.

Parkinson’s is caused by loss of nerve cells in the brain, which leads to stiffness, loss of balance and mobility problems. It can also cause depression, anxiety and loss of memory.

Recent studies have found that Parkinson’s now affects one in every 32 people, with men slightly more vulnerable than women. It is degenerative, but many sufferers can expect a normal life expectancy – it is the quality of life that is affected.

Muhammed Ali, Billy Connolly and Ozzy Osbourne are just a few of the celebrities who have raised the profile of a cruel and debilitating condition.

Janet tells us that the aim of LWP is to raise awareness of the condition on the island, but also to offer practical help.

When a partner or family member is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, many people end up as care givers, and they require support as much as the patient. A short spell of respite, assistance with hospital appointments and other actions can make all the difference.

Socialising is also vital – the association holds monthly coffee mornings, giving members the chance to meet up with others who understand their journey through first-hand experience. Janet says “It’s important to know that you are not alone in this.”

The association also offers workshops on nutrition, diet and exercise – all of which can alleviate and improve symptoms and improve quality of life; and can also assist with equipment in the home.

The most recent discovery by LWP is a new device similar to a smart-watch, called a BeechBand, which sends a gentle pulse to the brain which in turn greatly reduces the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Three Members have so far taken part in a 6-week trial with BeechBands funded by donations to LWP and have seen significant improvements. More BeechBands are now on the way for other members to experience the benefits.

“Our fund-raising events have been strongly supported,” Janet comments, “and we now feel that now it’s the time for growth and really getting our message out there.”

Janet says “There are surely more families still to be reached, and new volunteers will be needed to help them.”

In March, Janet and six other volunteers will head to northern Spain to walk 132kms of the ancient pilgrims’ route, El Camino de Santiago, in order to raise more funds. They are all funding their own flights, accommodation and food etc – so all monies raised will go directly to the charity.

To find out more, visit www.livingwithparkinsons.es, email at janet@livingwithparkinsons.es or visit the association’s Facebook group (Living with Parkinson’s in Lanzarote). You can also subscribe to the quarterly newsletter.

The post Living with Parkinson’s in Lanzarote: “You are not alone” first appeared on Gazette Life.

Carnival and St. Patrick’s Day will fill the streets this spring, but on Lanzarote, smaller celebrations take place all year round. We met Miriam Hernández at Tías Ayuntamiento to chat about this important aspect of the island’s cultural life.

Thanks for making time to see us, Miriam. It must be a busy time for you, with carnival preparations and St. Patrick’s Day.

It is, although St Patrick’s Day isn’t part of my responsibilities. It’s mainly funded privately by Irish-owned businesses, and the Tourism Department take charge of it. There are a number of events like this, where we’ll offer support and help, but we don’t take charge.

Carnival is a lot of work, but at the moment much of my time is spent meeting local groups who want to arrange smaller local fiestas later on in the year.

How many of them are there?

I’ve never counted, but there are several. We usually have a preliminary meeting with a group of representatives from the village, where they make their requests, and there are usually a couple more meeting to finalise the arrangements.

When do fiestas happen?

Each fiesta is associated with the feast day of the saint or virgin that is the patron of the town or village. For example, in La Asomada it’s St. Joseph, while Puerto del Carmen celebrates the Virgin of Carmen. They’re often in summer, but here in Tías we have the fiestas of La Candelaria very early in the year.

The date isn’t always important – the reason why the fiestas in Puerto del Carmen take place at the beginning of August, when other places celebrate them in late July, is because the fishermen of the village were usually at sea until the end of July.

What are the elements of a fiesta?

The fiestas usually take place in a social centre in the town or village. Often there’s a marquee, and locals usually operate a ventorrillo – a stall which serves drinks and food.

Each fiesta is different, but they also have many things in common. One of the most popular events is cards tournaments, where games like Canarian envite, ronda and chinchón are played. They’re popular events, where people of all ages get together and have fun. I think they’re lovely.

There are different foods served at all the fiestas, too. There’s usually a big event where they serve portions free of charge. At San Juan celebrations they grill sardines, at La Asomada and Conil they serve chops, Masdache is paella and in Mácher they barbecue jareas (wind-dried fish).

Some fiestas have a romería, which is a pilgrimage involving a walk that everyone does together. People wear traditional dress and there’s always an excited atmosphere. The pilgrimage ends at the church, where the image of the saint or virgin is honoured.

Last year, we revived the old romería that was celebrated at Entremontañas, the region between Conil and Masdache. It hadn’t been celebrated for years because the church had closed, but it was lovely. Many older people told us how they remembered celebrating the fiesta as children.

Is the religious element important?

We always have to remember that the fiestas are held in honour of a Saint or Virgin, and that the church is a centre of some of the events. But it’s just as important that they are social events, where people of all ages get together and meet.

What are the biggest fiestas?

In Tías it’s carnival and the fiestas de Carmen in August. These are big events and there’s a lot of organisation to do. For example, food and drinks stalls need to be put out to tender, and we have to work with police and private security groups to arrange security measures, road closures etc. We hardly ever have any security problems, but we also need to plan – just as you would for any large event.

What role does tourism play in the celebrations?

Carnival and the fiestas de Carmen are very popular with tourists, because they take place in the main resort. I think it’s great – they add a lot to the atmosphere. Many people say that the carnival parade in Puerto del Carmen is their favourite because it passes along the seafront, and because so many tourists are there to add to the atmosphere.

Is there a risk that tourism might spoil the smaller local fiestas?

I don’t think so. It certainly hasn’t been something we’ve noticed yet. In Tías, there are many foreign residents who live here, and we often see them at the local fiestas. They’re more than welcome, and they help keep the traditions arrive.

What are your favourite fiestas?

I don’t want to say because I don’t want to offend anyone, and every single fiesta has its attractions, but I grew up in La Tiñosa, Puerto del Carmen’s fishing village. That’s my local fiesta and I love the maritime procession at sea during the fiestas for the Virgin of Carmen, which is unique.

Do you attend all the fiestas?

Yes, every one. I have my traditional costume ready for the romerías and I love getting out and meeting the people of the municipality.

Are there any plans to bring back the market in Puerto del Carmen?

We’ve been in talks about it. There was a proposal to hold it in various places in the resort, but the association of stallholders have said they’d prefer a fixed venue. What has been a huge success is the Christmas market at Los Pocillos. Last year the stalls sold more in two days than they had done in the previous four years.

The post Life Is A Fiesta: Interview Tías’s Councillor for Fiestas and Commerce first appeared on Gazette Life.

For over three decades, Dr. Javier Ramones, an orthopedic surgeon and traumatologist, has dedicated his life to public and private medicine with a clear purpose: to offer hope and regeneration beyond conventional treatment.

In Lanzarote, that dream takes shape with Genesis, a centre that combines advanced technology and compassionate care to transform health from its cellular source.

We visited Genesis Center in Playa Honda to speak to Dr Ramones and find out more:

How was Genesis Center founded, and what is its vision?

Genesis Center was set up with a clear vision: to address health from its cellular origin, not just from the symptoms. The project arose from the need to offer advanced medical solutions for people seeking to restore their well-being in a profound, scientific, and personalized way, integrating medical innovation with a humancentred approach.

What is Regenerative Medicine and how is it applied at the Center?

Regenerative Medicine focuses on stimulating the body’s natural recovery mechanisms at the cellular level. At Genesis Center, treatments are based on advanced science and technology, and always preceded by an individual medical assessment. We are aware that each body, and each recovery process, is unique.

Who are the treatments at Genesis Center for?

People who want to improve their quality of life, regain functionality, reduce persistent discomfort or prevent the deterioration associated with aging. Many patients seek an innovative, conscious, and evidence-based medical alternative at Genesis Center.

What type of patients especially benefit from these treatments?

They are primarily aimed at patients with acute and chronic musculo-skeletal conditions, such as back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, tendon injuries, sprains, or delayed fracture healing, as well as in cases of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, where the goal is to improve quality of life.

In the neurological field, they can complement the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive impairment, and, more recently, long COVID patients, always from a comprehensive and personalized medical perspective.

What sets Genesis Center apart from other medical centres?

A comprehensive and personalized approach is one of the centre’s main advantages. At Genesis Center, there are no generic protocols: each treatment begins with a detailed medical evaluation. This takes place in an environment designed to convey trust, calm, and professionalism, where the patient’s experience is an essential part of the health process.

What benefits do patients typically notice?

Results vary depending on the individual and their condition, but many patients report progressive improvements in their overall wellbeing, increased vitality, and sustained recovery. The goal is not only to treat, but also to support lasting and responsible improvement processes.

Why is it so important to restore health from the cellular level?

Because the body has an enormous capacity for regeneration when provided with the right conditions. Regenerative medicine allows us to work more deeply, supporting the body’s natural processes instead of simply alleviating symptoms.

What role would you like Genesis Center to play internationally?

Genesis Center was founded in Lanzarote, but with a clearly international focus. The goal is to become a leading centre for Regenerative Medicine for patients from Europe and around the world, positioning the island as a health destination based on medical innovation, scientific rigour, and personalised care.

What message would you give to those who are not yet familiar with Regenerative Medicine?

Getting informed is the first step. Regenerative Medicine opens up new possibilities for those seeking to care for their health from a deeper and more conscious perspective. At Genesis Center, we are committed to medical evaluation, personalized care, and professional support at every stage of the process.

WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND US?

C. Navío 1, 35509 Playa Honda

genesiscenterlanzarote@gmail.com   

+34 633 734 370

www.genesiscenterlanzarote.com

The post Genesis Center: Innovation In Health & Regenerative Medicine first appeared on Gazette Life.

The Templar Chronovisor is the first novel by Bruno M., an Italian writer who has lived on Lanzarote for 11 years. A fascinating journey through space and time, in the tradition of bestsellers by Dan Brown and Ken Follett, the novel is the first part of a trilogy and is partly set on Lanzarote. We chatted to Bruno last month.

Can you tell us a bit more about the book, Bruno?

The Templar Chronovisor is primarily a historical thriller with strong philosophical and speculative elements. I didn’t want to write pure science fiction, nor a classic crime novel. Instead, I aimed to create a story where the reader constantly wonders: “Is this really impossible… or just unexplored?”

What is the chronovisor?

The chronovisor is inspired by the real historical theory attributed to Father Pellegrino Ernetti, who claimed that the Vatican had developed a device capable of observing past events.

In the novel, it becomes a symbolic and narrative device: not just a machine, but a metaphor for humanity’s obsession with understanding time, truth and origin. It represents our eternal desire to look behind the veil of history — and the danger of doing so.

Why did you choose Lanzarote as a setting? What elements of the island inspire you?

I live here, and that allows me to write daily life with absolute authenticity – the light, the silence, the rhythm of the streets, the pubs, the conversations, the atmosphere.

My characters move through spaces that I know. They walk the streets I walk. That gives me the possibility to describe every detail as if I were inside the scene myself, not observing it from outside.

But Lanzarote also carries something deeper: it feels ancient, raw, volcanic, suspended between beauty and desolation. That contrast perfectly reflects the psychological tone of the story.

It seems strange that a book grounded in history is set in Lanzarote, where little history exists before 1402. Was this a conscious choice?

Absolutely. The lack of documented history before 1402 is not a limitation; it is an opportunity. Silences in history are often more powerful than facts.

Where official documentation stops, imagination, oral tradition and speculation begin. That gap allows me to explore themes such as lost knowledge, forgotten civilizations and alternative interpretations of the past, while still grounding everything in plausibility.

What novels, films and other works serve as your inspiration?

In literature: Edgar Allan Poe, for psychological tension and distorted perceptions of reality; Baudelaire, for the aesthetics of darkness; Dante, for the idea of journey as knowledge; and Manzoni and Foscolo for moral depth and memory.

Cinema strongly shapes my style: I write in a cinematic, visual way, inspired by directors like Tarantino. I don’t want the reader to “read” the book. I want them to see it.

The post Interview Bruno M, author of The Templar Chronovisor first appeared on Gazette Life.