Tenerife in December
As winter approaches, precipitation increases (avg. 51mm) thus making December the wettest month of the year. The temperature fluctuates between 16/22°C, but can feel cooler depending on the Atlantic winds brushing across the island. This month has the shortest number of daylight hours, but, don’t worry the islanders have a solution (lights, lots of lights).
With turning the clocks back and the mornings and evenings get darker, the islanders put up their lights! Bright lights, colourful lights, every kind of light. During the Christmas period the streets are illuminated like the hallways of Santa’s Grotto.
A famous tradition on the Canaries (and mainland Spain) is the National Lottery. The event starts at 8am in the morning and is broadcasted nationwide. In England when a number is shouted out, the announcer simply calls it out matter of factly, but not here. The Spanish National Lottery is, children sing the numbers and the singing continues until someone wins. In 2016 a total of €2.3billion was up for grabs, whilst the largest single pot on offer was €4 million.
Since the Island has a high Roman Catholic population the Nativity scene is a big tradition across the island. Not only this, but Christmas is not celebrated on the 25th of December but instead on the 6th January to celebrate the 3 Wise Kings (who bring the children gifts).
Christmas Nativity Scene
On the night of New Year’s Eve, the Canarian people have a different sort of tradition. The English have a 10 second countdown before midnight with a spectacular fireworks display, after which, people sing the traditional Auld Lang Syne song. Whereas, here on the Canary Islands and mainland Spain, 12 seconds before 12 (midnight) people stuff a grape in their mouths every second until the clock strikes for the New Year. Why you ask? For good luck!
New Year’s tradition
Image sources: Sarah_Ackerman, Guilhem Vellut and Baker County Tourism