Just a reminder that this Saturday, 15 August, is a public holiday for Asunción (Assumption of the Virgin Mary into Heaven), the fiestas patronales for the whole island, and the focal point of the celebrations is the veneration of the Virgin in Candelaria itself. Sadly, this year, because of covid19, the famous fiestas patronales which include the Guanche re-enactment won’t be taking place, nor will the equally famous fireworks in Alcalá, a west-coast town which also enjoys having the Virgen de Candelaria as its patron saint – see posts HERE and HERE. Nonetheless, it’s a public holiday in Tenerife, and banks, many offices and shopsREAD MORE

Updated 10 August: Arona Ayuntamiento says that after dozens of young people were moved on last Saturday night from partying outside the Veronicas for failing to comply with security measures the Council will strengthen controls in this area. Arona says that most of those identified were between 18 and 23 years old, and this is the age group that has led to large gatherings as nightlife venues gradually reopen throughout Tenerife.  Clearly public reaction, especially on social media, to Arona Policía Local’s distress and frustration has caused the Ayuntamiento to react speedily, and it now says that reinforcements will be available to control, undertake surveillanceREAD MORE

We know there are still covid cases in Tenerife, and the cost to businesses has been devastating. Sometimes, even when doing everything right, businesses can be caught up in a maelstrom of fear and rumour, and of covid. And the media does its thing, and social media does the rest … and then it all blows over leaving devastation in its wake, lives in bits, businesses on the floor, while a new subject sees the dreaded spotlight shining on them. So, Grandee O’Donnell in the Golf del Sur. Did everything right, obeyed all the rules, but got caught up in just such a whirlwind. AndREAD MORE

The famous Perseid meteor shower will peak this Wednesday 12 August, though meteors have been visible for a couple of weeks or so now and will remain visible for some time after the peak. The Perseids can produce over 50 meteors an hour with a large percentage of very bright shooting stars, and the Cabildo generally activates a protocol to ensure safety for all the cars that traditionally drive up to the caldera to view the shower. Although the Perseids actually radiate from the constellation of Perseus, they are visible all over the sky, so just look up after midnight. Alternatively, you can follow onlineREAD MORE