El Cotillo Fiesta

Day Thirteen began sedately with no events until 20.00 when the “Canarian Walk” commenced.   This was a singing procession and was made up of several groups of bandoleers with guitars and mandolins accompanied by singers and dancing groups all dressed in national costume.   In amongst the procession was a mini JCB pulling what can only be described as a 'beach hut'.   We were bemused as to why it was there until all became clear.   In the bucket at the front of the JCB were dozens of bottles of wine which was liberally dealt out to the players whilst on route.

The whole column was headed by the “rocket launcher”.   This man released rockets at specific points on the route to notify everyone that the procession was passing, in case they had not already heard the melange.   Windows were opened wide and people were hanging by their lintels to get the full benefit.   I can only guess at how it must have sounded from above.   From ground level as the group passed by the music changed as all these bands were playing different songs.   The “rocket launcher” was releasing the rockets with a hand held contraption;  a brave man indeed because if someone distracted him during this process he was at risk of losing a finger!

On route they encountered points where they gathered around microphones and the local dignitaries gave small speeches to the onlookers before the march reconvened.   Eventually they arrived at the harbour side and forced their way through the awaiting crowds.

On arrival at the harbour each group of musicians and dancers performed individually on stage for the entertainment of the awaiting crowds.

Once the dance exhibition had ended, prizes were award to the winners of all the competitions held throughout the two weeks.   Trophies and presents were passed to all deserving participants and we were pleased to see that even our local street cleaner received recognition for his efforts.   After thirteen days of events the female MC was finding it extremely difficult to be heard even with the aid of a microphone.   On a daily basis this lady serves cheese in the local shop and at the time of writing still has not regained her voice.

Throughout these proceedings, Canarian stew and paella were passed  around and yet again all refreshments were free of charge.

The final entertainers then mounted the stage consisting of some twenty singers and musicians.

They played and sang traditional music into the early hours until the raffle was drawn.   There was just one prize of an all expenses paid holiday to Lanzarote.   At the very second this prize was accepted the throng dispersed at the speed of light, carrying with them their white plastic chairs.   Only the hardy remained and adjourned to the local hostelry and once again the bandoleers present started to play and sing spontaneously.   It was a real treat to hear traditional music played at such a high standard just for fun.

Unscheduled Day 14 – Monday 28^th August

The village is now quiet and empty of outsiders so we were able to enjoy a peaceful dinner in the harbour side once again.   However as we sat devouring our appetizers a slow stream of people were visiting the harbour rolling barrels of beer and carrying baskets of fish.   It transpired that a final barbeque, solely for the villagers, was being assembled.    The rocket launcher announced the start and free beer and barbequed fish were then served to those who responded to the call.
 

Days 15 – 19 etc.

All traces of the fiesta were removed such as bunting and the stages, only to be re-erected in a smaller form a week later at Majanicho, a few miles along the North Shore, for their fiesta which started on the 3rd September.   This hamlet is an unlicensed shanty town but still enjoys the benefits of the council sponsored fiesta.

We are told that there is a fiesta somewhere on this island everyday of the year so that the hardy amongst us could revel continuously if they so desired.   Not for us we are looking forward to the relative quiet of the next eleven months.

This is Your Cotillo Correspondent signing off, totally impressed with the commitment of the council and the villagers alike, exhausted but exhilarated, and feeling privileged to have been able to share the experience.