Santa Cruz de La Palma
For 16 consecutive years now, the TALL SHIPS sailing in the Canarian waters gather around Christmas time in the port of Santa Cruz de La Palma to celebrate a Fiesta of peace and friendship, together with the local population of the island.
History:
The idea started 16 years ago, when it was noted that around Christmas and New Year, the ships were sort of “lost”. Some decided to meet up in some port, but most ships were just scattered around the Canary Islands and always the complaint was heard from crew members and trainees that Christmas was not what they expected, rather dull. So, in 1996 Active Connect S.L. organized the first “Christmas Encounter of Tall Ships” in Santa Cruz de La Palma which turned out to be an enormous success. In 2012, we celebrated the 16th “Encounter”.
The organization:
Active Connect, S.L. has the support and collaboration of local authorities and sponsors and invites all tall and small sailing vessels to come and celebrate a day days of fun, games, dancing and sampling of local atmosphere on the subtropical island of La Palma. The island is by now well known to the trainees and sailors of the Tall Ships, who have been frequenting this port for over 20 years, attracted by the natural beauty of La Palma, the great excursions and food, and the organisational skills of Active Connect S.L. as their representative, to make their stay memorable.
Programme:
Depending on the year, the programme may consist of a large Christmas Market, all day long, on the quayside, orchestras and dance performances, boat races, and other activities.
PROGRAMME 16th CHRISTMAS ENCOUNTER of SAILING SHIPS
SANTA CRUZ DE LA PALMA 2012
(Subject to change and weather conditions)
24th December
Arrival of all SAILING SHIPS in the course of the day
Evening Religious celebrations in Santa Cruz de La Palma
25th December
09.00 – 18.00 BIG CHRISTMAS MARKET in the port area
09.30 Departure of the half-day excursion “Caldera de Taburiente” for crewmembers only (reduced prices)
10.00 – 13.00 OPEN SHIP – visitors allowed on board
11.00 – 14.00 Live music with “EL CARDERO PUNTO COM”
11.30 PEACE DOVES! Release of carrier pigeons
16.00 ROWING COMPETITION between the ship’s crews
16.30 – 18.00 Open Ship – visitors allowed on board
26th December
Departure of the Tall Ships