Event: Spain

Corpus Christi

When:	22 May 2008 (annual)
Where:	La Orotava

Corpus Chisti is celebrated with vigour throughout Spain, and Tenerife is no exception. In the town of La Orotava the event is noted for the beautiful carpets of flowers that cover the streets for one brief day of festivities.

The very precise flower pictures and patterns are created using natural sand, coloured salt and flowers and completely cover the main streets, so watch where you tread. The most spectacular carpet is based in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

In addition to all this there is, of course, a queen of fiestas, music and much merrymaking. This is a stunning time to visit the town and enjoy its magnificent and monumental buildings, characteristic shaded Canarian patios, squares and ancestral houses. There are also three dark-sand beaches - El Bullulllo, Martín Alonso and El Rincón - to be enjoyed.

Corpus Christi is traditionally a festival commemorating the Christian Eucharist, in which the wine and wafer are symbolically transformed into the body and blood of Christ. The festival originated in the 13th century and is observed on the Thursday (Corpus Christi) after Trinity Sunday.