If you are looking for a unique and authentic cultural experience in Gran Canaria, you should not miss La Fiesta del Charco de La Aldea. This is one of the most popular and traditional events on the island, celebrated every year on September 11th in the coastal town of La Aldea de San Nicolás.
La Fiesta del Charco, or the Mud Festival, is a celebration deeply rooted in the pre-Hispanic heritage of Gran Canaria. It revives the ancient tradition of the native Canarians, who used to fish in the coastal lagoons by stunning the fish with a plant called “barbasco” or “tolda”. This technique is known as “embarbascar” and it involves throwing the plant into the water and waiting for the fish to float to the surface.
Catching Fish
The main attraction of the festival is the moment when hundreds of people jump into the large pond of La Aldea, known as El Charco, to catch the fish with their bare hands. The pond is filled with different species of fish, such as mullets, eels, crabs and shrimps. The participants wear traditional costumes or old clothes and have to follow some rules, such as not using any tools or containers to catch the fish.
The festival is a fun and festive occasion that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the island and beyond. It is also a way of preserving and honoring the ancestral culture and identity of Gran Canaria. The festival is recognized as a cultural asset by the government of the Canary Islands and it has been declared of national tourist interest by the Spanish state.
Plan Ahead
If you want to join La Fiesta del Charco de La Aldea, you should plan ahead and book your accommodation and transportation in advance. The town of La Aldea de San Nicolás is located in the west coast of Gran Canaria, about 75 km from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. You can get there by car or by bus, but be prepared for some traffic jams on the day of the festival.
In Conclusion
La Fiesta del Charco de La Aldea is more than just a fishing contest. It is a celebration of life, nature and culture that will make you feel part of a unique community. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience one of the most authentic and original festivals in Gran Canaria!
