Isla de Lanzarote Local Customs

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Carnvial kicks off in Arrecife with the election of the Carnival Queen, Gay Carnival Queen, voting of the floats and the Burning of the Sardine. Then the parades visit Puerto del Carmen, Teguise, Costa Teguise, Yaiza and Playa Blanca.

Each area celebrates in its own unique way, it is all very colourful, and noisy. Join in, or at least bring the camera !

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Each Canary Island has their own flag, Lanzarote's is red and blue.

You sometimes see the Lanzarote flag and the yellow, white and blue flag of the Canaries flying together. Now you now the difference.

Although many Spanish people in the resorts speak some English, it is appreciated if you at least try and speak Spanish as a courtesy. In the villages they only speak Spanish (or Canarian).

The islanders use a short greeting when meeting or parting. Hola - pronounced Olah - hello
Buenos Dias - good morning
Buenos Tardes - good afternoon
Buenos Noches - good night

Go on, dont be bashful

If you can only say 'Gracias' (thankyou) use it. Please.

I like honey and I like very very much rum. Can you imagine how I was content reading (before the travel) that one of Canarias strong points is local ron miel (Honey rum). This product is made on Gran Canaria and it isn't specific thing for Lanzarote.

I bought quite a large bottle, found proper place with mountain view and I started to taste it. Sorry! This drink is a sweet liqueur with only small similarity to the authentic Carribean products. Almost no fantastic rum aroma, no rum taste. Even lovely sunset didn't change my opinion :(

I have to admit that the manufacturer labeled bottle with the info that this is a liqueur contains about 20% alcohol. SO, if you like sweet drinks without distinct taste........

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Carnival in Lanzarote starts at the beginning of Lent in the capitol town of Arrecife, they have a whole week of celebrations, with all kinds of festivities, ending with the Madi Gras on Shrove Tuesday.
The first of these are held in the capitol Arrecife, the second week is in Puerto del Carmen, Costa Teguise then onto Playa Blanca. People spend all year making their costumes and the wonderful floats they work very hard and spend many hours to get them ready.
The atmosphere is wonderful and the place vibrates with music and dance.
It is customary for the spectators to dress up in costume as well as those taking part, this Ad's a lot to the atmosphere

Dont stick to the tourist restaurants.Go inland and eat where local people eat and try something typically Spanish.Ask a Spanish person to recomend something local .Give tips to waiters as they are on low wages and a tip shows you enjoyed what u had.Try to learn a few words of the lingo as Spanish people can see you are making an effort and like this.

Topless sun bathing is acceptable on most main beaches,but nude bathing is not,only on very secluded beaches.A favourite sport for locals ins Canarian Wrestling.Wrestlers work in teams wearing a certain type of shorts and shirt.From time to time,hotels will hold these contests so do go along to one if you get the chance..
Do like the locals do and rise early and take a kip during the day(siesta).Have a nice lunch and then sleep it off for a few hours as the locals do.
Drink your coffee black like most locals.You can have alittle milk in it for brekkie mind.Eat donuts with your coffeee for breakfast as they are delicious.

When entering/leaving a bar,restuarant with locals in it, it is good manners to address the room with a quiet greeting of SENORES,SENORES,or say HOLA when speaking to Spaniards.Dress sensibly too as local people do not strip off or even sunbathe.Most local people always like to look smart.Try tapas as they are delicious and can be eaten as a snack or a starter to a main meal.Have lunch around 2pm and eat late as the locals do around 9 or even 10 pm.