A small rock in the Atlantic: Carnival programme for Wednesday to Friday: Santa Cruz and Los Llanos

Funeral procession for the Sardine, Santa Cruz de la Palma

Wednesday 9th March

The Sardine's funeral This is probably the second biggest event in Carnival. As the name suggests, it's a funeral for a gigantic sardine, and downright Pythonesque too. Wear black and/or drag, and be prepared to wail with fake grief. Wednesday in Santa Cruz, Friday in Los Llanos, Saturday 19th in Los Sauces (a particularly good one)

Santa Cruz de la Palma

18:00h. Reception and Wake for the Sardine, in the Plaza de la Alameda, with music by Orquesta Ritmo and distribution of grilled sardines (There are very tasty, but a little salty. Decide who's driving first.)

21:00 h. The funeral cortege for D.ª Sardina leaves the plaza de la Alameda and heads towards the carnival stage. Once it arrives, the sardine will be cremated amid fireworks at the avenida Marítima. Afterwards, public dance with music by the musical band “Arena Caliente” at the carnival stage.

Los Llanos

11.00 hrs. Children's activities in the Plaza de España

20.00 hrs. Murgas in the Cultural Centre at El Retamar

Thursday 10th March

Santa Cruz de la Palma

18:00 hrs. Parade of carnival krewes and percussion groups from the Avenida El Puente to the Carnival stage. Afterwards, Drag Queen festival, with performances by various dance groups and artists from outside the island.

Los Llanos

11.00 hrs. Children's activities in the Plaza de España

17:00 hrs Children's fancy dress party. Bouncy castles, music, costume competition, have your photo taken with models (I think this means people like Micky Mouse)

Friday 11th March

Santa Cruz de la Palma

From 17:00 hrs. Masked ball in the Plaza de la Alameda with Orquesta Ritmo.

18:00 hrs. Groups of mariachis performing in the streets from Avenida El Puente to the carnival stage on the Avenida Marítima. Afterwards, Festival of Mariachis with performances by Mariachis Michoacán and Mariachis Mencey Azteca, at the carnival stage.

22:00 hrs. Public dance with music by “Los Geniales” and “Arena Caliente” at the carnival stage.

Los Llanos

11.00 hrs. Children's activities in the Plaza de España

13:00 hrs Start of the Sardine's funeral. Wake at El Camino Los Lomos.

19:00 hrs Funeral procession, accompanied by El Galvao leaves for Los Pedregales.

21:30 hrs On arrival, cremation of the sardine.

22:00 hrs public dance, with music by Bolero and Irosan