One of the biggest island fiestas reaches an explosive finale on Saturday 25th August. As the annual Fiestas De San Gines in Arrecife comes to a close with a massive fireworks display.
San Gines is the patron saint of the islands capital – and lends his name to the El Charco area of the city, also known locally as The Puddle.
During the 16th century he was responsible for the construction of a small hermitage, which is now the Church de San Gines, which ministered to the nearby population of this small inland lagoon.
Legend has it that during the 1700´s a portrait of Bishop San Gines appeared, floating on the waters of El Charco. And from that moment on the “porteños” (port dwellers) proclaimed him the Patron Saint of the city.
His memory is celebrated every August with two weeks of events – which all culminate in a really impressive fireworks display on Arrecife´s main beach, the Playa del Reducto. The fireworks start at 11pm and attract thousands of locals and tourists.
One of the best places to view the fuegos artificiales (artifical fire – as the Spanish call fireworks) is from the top floor restaurant of the Arrecife Gran Hotel – who are offering a special buffet dinner along with a front row seat. Phone (0034) 928 800 000 for more information and reservations.
Alternatively, just join everyone else in and around the beach area and enjoy the fireworks for free.
It´s worth noting that parking will be at even more of a premium than usual in Arrecife, but public bus services run to the capital from all resorts. You can view the local bus timetables here.
