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The TIC Newsletter -, The Magic of Carnival (again)
March 01, 2013

The Magic of Tenerife - issue #28
March 1st, 2013

Hi

This is your genial webmaster John with the latest Tenerife Information Centre Newsletter!


In this month's issue, we'll be taking a look at:

- Los Cristianos Carnival
- The Mountain Race Vida Trial
- The Attitude of Las Americas Police

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Los Cristianos Carnival

I hope you've all opened this newsletter as soon as you've received it, because the biggest carnival in the south of Tenerife begins today!

Yes, Arona Town Hall has finally released the schedule for the event, just in time for its start.

So, on March 1st, things kick off with the presentation of candidates for child and adult queen of carnival.

It is on Saturday the 2nd, however, that things get underway properly, with the opening parade. The theme is "Tribute to Brazil", so this gives you some idea what to expect.

Other key events are as follows:

Saturday the 9th, which is designated Carnival Day. From midday, there will be performances, workshops a parade and a dance gala. At 8:30pm there's a "Drag Queen" contest.

Sunday the 10th sees the Gran Coso Apotheosis ceremony.

Finally, on Monday the 11th, there is the Burial of the Sardine, bringing the carnival to a close.

Don't forget, too, that during this event, the fairground usually comes to town!


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The Mountain Race Vida Trail

This event has now been made annual. On the 2nd (tomorrow), if you're feeling especially fit, get yourself to the Cultural Centre at Guia de Isora by 9:30am. This is where and when this mountain race kicks off.

Consisting of two courses of either 25 or 15 kilometres, you run down the mountain towards Las Americas...then run back up again.

Last year, the event attracted some 300 runners. If you don't feel up to running the course, there's a walking option, but, for this, you have to pay five euros.

Either way, while you're not fighting for breath, you'll be able to take in the magnificent views.


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The Police in Las Americas

On my site, you may have noticed a "questions and answers" page. Under questions about the police, the thread entitled "police website address" has gradually turned into a list of submissions regarding people's experiences when dealing with the police after being victims of a crime.

Unfortunately, the police come across as rude, arrogant and unhelpful. On many occasions, holidaymakers have had to return to their home country before a police report can be prepared, resulting in any holiday insurance that might have covered a theft, for example, being invalid.

The best advice, therefore, is not to put yourself in a situation that may result in your having to deal with the police. The more "touristy" the area is, the more likely it is to contain thieves and muggers. It appears that the targeted items are mobile phones, passports, credit cards and cash. So, unless you're arriving at or leaving the island, leave your passport in the safe where you're staying; only go out with the minimum amount of cash you think you'll need; if you don't intend using your credit card, leave it in the safe, too. And...do you really need your mobile phone with you?

The best advice, however, is don't stay in, or visit Las Americas. At least, then, you'll hopefully not fall victim to a crime and will avoid having to deal with a police force that, apparently, just doesn't care. It's a shame a part of the lovely island of Tenerife now has what appears to be a no go area, but there it is.


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Comments? Ideas? Feedback? I'd love to hear from you. Just reply to this newsletter and tell me what you think!

This is John signing off. See you next month!

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