The locals of Gran Canaria enjoy many quirky festivals throughout the year, yet the most unusual one of all could be the Bajada de la Rama, or ‘Bringing Down the Branches’, held this year on August 4th.During this popular and historical event residents of the island make their way to Tamadaba, the island’s pine forest located 3000 feet above sea level, to snap off branches from the pine trees as part of an ancient Guanche ritual.(Photo "Teide" by SizterS)
Accompanied by a marching band, the branches are then carried down the mountain, through Agaete and on to the coast of Puerto de las Nieves. Upon arrival, the pine branches will then be carried into the sea and used to beat the surface of the water, to pray to the Gods to provide enough rain for the next season’s crops. If you’re lucky enough to be taking a holiday to Gran Canaria during Bajada de la Rama you’ll have a fantastic opportunity to see the island at its liveliest, and also to get involved in the colourful celebrations.
Bajada de la Rama is also famous for the copious amounts of alcohol that are consumed over the course of the day, which may explain why the festival has remained so popular throughout the years, even though its origins go back centuries! Yet even when the festivities are done there are plenty more exciting things to see and experience on Gran Canaria, no less in the island’s cosmopolitan capital, Las Palmas, where every type of tourist can find something to do that will make their holiday to Gran Canaria a cut above the rest.
From sightseeing around the beautiful 19th century town of Arucas to relaxing on the beaches of Las Canteras, and of course dancing the night away in one of the capital’s many buzzing bars, it’s no wonder that Las Palmas is where most holidaymakers head after arriving in Gran Canaria.(Photo "Playa de los Enamorados" by NellyFreit)However no matter where you choose to spend your time on holidays to Gran Canaria you won’t have to spend a fortune, as cheap holidays to Gran Canaria from companies like Jet2holidays start as low as £259 per person.
