Los Realejos fireworks display, the biggest and safest in Europe
The festival of the Crosses and May Fires in the Tenerife municipality of Los Realejos, on the north side of the island, is the biggest pyrotechnic spectacle to be seen in Europe, with a police operation backed up by an Extraordinary Security Plan, which reinforces the coordinated services for the digital activation of the fires during the exaltation of the Cross in the Santa Cruz parish church. The huge outdoor elevator platforms are corrective measures in confined areas for the protection of the public (buildings and public), and have allowed to enjoy an aesthetic choreography of coloured fire and black fire, in a phantasmagoric atmosphere of thunderous noise, blinding dust, electrified skies and disconcerting smoke.
A traditional "pique" every 3rd of May (traditionally, due to social differences) between two streets, where the procession of the Santa Cruz de Plata departs towards El Sol street (the medianeros) and once it has finished its route, the first part of the nocturnal pyrotechnic display begins. Shortly afterwards, the Cross is handed over, at the point where it meets El Medio Street (the landowners), to the bearers of this second street. The Santa Cruz de Plata continues its journey towards the chapel of origin, but not before "burning" the other half of the pyrotechnic spectacle. Just at this moment, the crossfire of high calibre firecrackers and coloured lights flashing in the sky cover the rooftops of the houses in both neighbourhoods. A voluptuous ceremony of light and sound that compresses the heartbeat, provoking hysterics, screams, applause and cries from a people who will have to wait until the following year to pay homage to their Silver Cross again. "I have only seen them once on the top of a rooftop, I prefer to see them from afar because of the noise it causes. They are the best in Europe," says acting Mayor Adolfo González Pérez-Siverio.
The acting Mayor of this town has assured that the fireworks display had an unprecedented police presence, including members of the local police, the National Police, the Guardia Civil, the Canary Islands regional police, the Fire Brigade and the Puerto de la Cruz police station. More than two hours of explosions of luminosity and detonations that were on the point of being postponed until the following day due to inclement weather. Constant rain and low clouds that had not been seen for more than 40 years in this small municipality.
Those responsible for activating the fires, by digital connection, what is known as the "firing zone" in Calle de El Sol were the Toste Brothers, and in Calle El Medio, the Caballer Brothers, from Valencia. "A computer is the one who fires digitally. The small calibre fire is activated by the neighbours from their homes," says Agonec Hernández, a senior member of the Calle El Sol Festivities Committee.
According to Agonec Hernández, the Security Plan scrupulously complies with the regulations, adapting to changes, given that the first fireworks display at night dates back to 1958. "In the old days, the one who made the most noise was the best. The exchange of the Silver Cross gives way to a pyrotechnic combat where there are neither winners nor losers". Agonec Hernández confirms that the cost of setting up both streets, together with the fireworks, is borne by the brotherhoods and associations of the Cross. The Town Hall of Los Realejos does not contribute any economic budget. "Each street is supported by the popular support throughout the year, without any administrative contributions", he adds.
The volume of tons of gunpowder in the pyrotechnics is a well-kept secret. The same goes for the setting up of the more than 300 crosses on the roads of both streets, corresponding chapels and private altars that embody the best of this popular art, which dates back to the 18th century. The total cost is a fact that can never be known. Both districts raise the money from their own pockets, we are talking about neighbourhood donations," says the acting mayor. The festival of national tourist interest aims to become an international festival.
For his part, Jacob Expósito Martín, designer of the Cruz de la calle El Sol, told this correspondent that the team behind the Chapel on this road came up with an original idea as they went along in the search for a structure and colours of flowers. "Flowers imported from Holland, Ecuador and Colombia". A total of 12,000 firecrackers made by the local residents and members of the festival committee will be set up along this street up to the border with Calle La Pila.
The celebrations of the 3rd of May conclude with "la papada", a local meal to thank the inhabitants of Los Realejos who have selflessly contributed to the festivities of their village.
