Orotava Carpets

This festivity is held every year in June. It all starts some days before the real event, when man and children draw on the streets of the town of the Orotava the outline of decorations, animal figures and portraits of religious natures. The drawing as a whole will represent three different biblical scenes. In the meantime women prepare the petals.

The days just before the event petals, seeds and various volcanic sands are laid on the outline previously drawn by the men, bringing to life brightly coloured and beautiful images. Everybody in the town takes part of this joyous event.

The most spectacular alfombra (“carpet” in Spanish) is found in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Every year the carpets are different.

Then, when everything is finished with the alfombras, a procession passes worshipping Jesus Christ. This religious service is held with great solemnity and most of the town’s inhabitants attend. It is an event you cannot miss.