News July 2009

This not only improves their employment opportunities in the future but helps them to broaden their horizons and meet people from many other countries.
After a language course at our Academy, which includes the module “Spanish for Tourism”, the students will be working in the five Star Botanico Hotel and four star Sol Meliá, Parque san Antonio hotel, in Puerto de la Cruz.

Living in a new country is a big step for these young people so we monitor their progress carefully during their stay and are always on hand if they need us.
For more information about how Leonardo da Vinci Projects can turn lives around see www.lifelonglearning.es

!Viva CD Tenerife¡ They did it!
After an eight year wait CD Tenerife are back in the First Division. The win in Gerona on Saturday 13th, June gave them the extra point that secured their place. Cameroon international player, Komé, scored that all-important goal towards the end of the first half.

A crowd of 200,000 cheering fans greeted the team as they rode from the airport to the capital of Santa Cruz on an open topped bus. Accompanied by a police escort, they arrived in the Plaza España at 4 pm. It was a baking hot day, but fortunately the crowd was able to cool off in the artificial lake which is part of the new refurbishment of the Plaza.

All over the island drivers sounded their horns, fireworks were let off, and the island’s blue and white flag was flying from every available vantage point. Needless to say, the celebrations went on all night.
So well done CD Tenerife – all eyes will be on you next season!

Events in Puerto de la Cruz

• July 11th - Baile de Magos - Dance in the Plaza de Europa 22:00h
• July 13th - Día del Carmen – Sardine festival at San Telmo beach 21:00h
• July 14th - Embarkation of the Virgin del Carmen in the harbour near the Plaza del Charco 12:00h . Procession of the Virgin del Carmen 18:00h
• July 14th - Fiesta of the Virgin del Carmen

The Virgin del Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen, and although this day is celebrated in other villages around the coast, the Festival in Puerto de la Cruz in the most well known. On this day the statue of the Virgin leaves her usually home in the Ermita de San Telmo, just along the sea front, and is processed through the town to the small port near the Plaza Charco. The local people all turn out to watch the event and are happy to share it with visitors.

Once at the beach she is carried onto a decorated fishing boat amid much noise of brass bands, and honking of horns from the other boats. A flight of doves is released in her honour. If the sea is rough this can be a somewhat precarious exercise…She is then taken out to sea, petals are cast on the water and prayers said for the safe return of the fishermen throughout the year. The fiesta continue with music, dancing and a spectacular firework display over the port; after which the Virgin is carried back to her sanctuary in the chapel. The fiesta goers head home, or if they have the energy, continue celebrating into the small hours.

Be part of Spanish life…
Our Spanish language courses take place in the morning so you will have the rest of the day and the weekends to enjoy the island. When you come and study at the F+U Academy you will be sure of a warm welcome. We will tell you more about local events during your stay…we look forward to seeing you soon.