La Palma International Classical music festival - 22 June to 7 July

For lovers of classical music in search of a summer music festival with a relaxing twist, the International Music Festival held on the island is one of La Palma's most notable events. For the third consecutive year, a concert will be held in the grand Circo de Marte Theatre in the capital Santa Cruz, welcoming some of the biggest names in classical music. Some of the acts will include, pianist Joaquín Achúcarro, brothers Sergey and Lusine Khachatryan, world-renowned violinists and pianists, Nicholás Chumachenco and his string sextet and pianist Valentina Lisitsa. In July, La Palma will play host to the Reina Sofía Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Xavier Gagnepain, violinist Arabella Steinbacher and pianist Sergei Redkin. With dozens of performances throughout the two weeks, from some of the best in the genre, the classical music festival brings a touch of elegance to the volcanic island, putting the destination on the map.   

For more information visit: www.acapo.eu/

Sant Joan Festival – 23 June

San Juan is an annual event that takes place on 24 June, the most internationally recognised event and one of the most anticipated in the Spanish calendar. The nationwide celebration takes place on the shortest night of the year and commemorates both the summer solstice, and the birth of John the Baptist, with fire playing a central part of the celebrations. Coastal towns host particularly exciting festivities, as their picturesque beaches serve as a backdrop for the large bonfires that symbolize the cleansing of the body and soul. Legend has it that the bonfires lit on this night can cleanse the body and soul by jumping over the bonfire a minimum of three times. Puerto Naos adds it's own twist with a coven of witches who join the beach celebrations late at night to dance around bonfires, and explain the Spanish legend to children. The festival is a night filled with remarkable bonfires and elaborate fireworks filling the skies, watched by thousands of locals who fill the islands beaches and cobbled streets to enjoy local delicacies and rejoice in Canarian song.

La Bajada de La Virgen del Paso- 14 July to September 2

In the heart of the island, the municipality of El Paso will this summer celebrate the Triennial Festival of La Bajada de la Virgen Del Pino. This festivity represents one of the most important pilgrimages in Palmeran culture and centres on the Pine Virgin. Local priests carry the statue of the religious figure down to the town centre, from its place of resting at Cumbre Nueva every three years. The statue is accompanied by hundreds of people, dressed in traditional Canarian clothing to represent their religious pilgrimage. The statue remains in the main plaza for 15-20 days guarded by the oldest Canarian Pine tree, and is a period referred to by locals as the Great Days, as it represents a time where the village is blessed with the presence of the Virgin. Celebrations for the event bring the town of El Paso to life, with modern and classical music concerts, children's shows, art exhibitions and fairs, theatre performances depicting folklore stories, and traditional dances. The tradition is one of the many reasons why the town has been designated the cultural centre of the island, showcasing the strong indigenous Canarian values through traditional costumes, artisanal floats and folkloric musical groups.

La Isla Bonita LOVE Festival – 22 to 28 July

Homage to the LGBTQ community, LOVE Festival La Palma has gained international recognition. Its unique combination of music, gastronomy, and fashion combined into one festival- aims to bring social cohesion and acceptance, while showcasing the diverse culture found on the island. The Mexican rock band Mana, who has sold out international arenas, will headline the festival's musical performances with their classic hits, attracting visitors from all over Europe. Within the festival, there will also be a space dedicated to showcasing the culinary richness of the island of La Palma. Dishes will focus on local produce and traditional cuisine, which has been remastered with modern styles and techniques to appeal to the international culinary market. Popular local chefs and farmers will discuss the high quality of products produced on the island with visitors, providing an insight into the gastronomic diversity of La Palma. For more information: www.islabonitalovefestival.es/

Verbenas- Year Round

In between the big festivities, visitors can get involved with local Verbena celebrations which take place year round, and are held throughout almost all municipalities on the island. The Canarian equivalent of a street party, each town's cobbled streets are filled with the sounds of live orchestras playing Salsa and Merengue music until the early hours. Locals spend the night dancing and singing while indulging in traditional delicacies sold at market stalls set up in the streets. A staple of Canarian culture, a visit to a Verbena is not to be missed.

-Ends-

For more information, please contact Camila Holden-Ayala or Kate McWilliams at LOTUS: 020 7953 7470/ LaPalma@wearelotus.co.uk.

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