Carnival Fever in Santa Cruz — Los Indianos
Carnival in Santa Cruz de La Palma reaches its peak on February 16 with Los Indianos — one of the island’s most beloved and unique traditions.
The celebration commemorates the return of emigrants who once left La Palma for Cuba and later came home with stories of prosperity and Caribbean influence. Today, that history is honoured in spectacular fashion: a massive, joyous talcum powder “battle” set to Caribbean music, accompanied by rum, sugar cane juice, and plenty of laughter.
Participants dress entirely in white — elegant colonial-style clothing, linen suits, flowing dresses and Panama hats — before dousing one another in clouds of talcum powder. By the end of the day, the streets — and everyone in them — are blanketed in white. It is exuberant, playful, and wonderfully chaotic.
In the days leading up to the main event, the festive spirit is already building. Residents and visitors alike don colourful wigs and imaginative costumes, turning the town into a cheerful preview of what’s to come. I’ve captured a few photos to give you a sense of the atmosphere…
Tomorrow our tour group goes its separate ways, and Fran and I head onward to Portugal.
Another chapter begins.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de La Palma
Lola the parrot at our hotel
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