<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"><channel><title>The Canarian Times</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en</link><description>Latest news from The Canarian Times</description><language>en</language><lastBuildDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 16:43:37 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://canariantimes.com/rss.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><atom:link href="https://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/" rel="hub" type="application/rss+xml"/><atom:link href="https://canariantimes.com/uk/rss.xml" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" hreflang="uk"/><atom:link href="https://canariantimes.com/en/rss.xml" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" hreflang="en"/><atom:link href="https://canariantimes.com/es/rss.xml" rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" hreflang="es"/><item><title>Public Voting Opens for 2027 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Poster</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/public-voting-opens-for-2027-santa-cruz-de-tenerife-carnival-poster</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/public-voting-opens-for-2027-santa-cruz-de-tenerife-carnival-poster</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 16:16:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The countdown to the 2027 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival has reached a key stage. Organizers announced that public voting for the festival’s official poster—which will celebrate the theme of classical Rome—begins this Monday, October 5.

The public can vote for their favorite design on the official Carnival website until October 12, with a limit of one vote per person. This initiative, supported by Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez to encourage civic involvement, features five finalists chosen by a technical committee from 41 initial submissions.

The five finalists are Ayoze Felipe Gómez, Eduardo Puyol, Juliana Serrano, Lucía Casanova, and Nareme Melián. Each finalist has already received 1,000 euros, and the designer of the winning poster will be awarded an additional 12,000 euros.

The winning design will serve as the face of the festival’s promotional campaign leading up to the opening gala on January 22. Javier Caraballero, the Councilor for Festivals, praised the high quality of the finalists' work, noting that the poster is a key indicator of the public's excitement for the capital’s most famous event. Through this process, the City Council aims to make Carnival planning more participatory, ensuring the festival's visual identity reflects the consensus of the community.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Santa Cruz de Tenerife Launches Targeted Pest Control Operations in Key Districts</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/santa-cruz-de-tenerife-launches-targeted-pest-control-operations-in-key-districts</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/santa-cruz-de-tenerife-launches-targeted-pest-control-operations-in-key-districts</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 14:11:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Santa Cruz de Tenerife is launching a new phase of urban health management this week. From Monday, October 5, to Friday, October 9, municipal teams will carry out pest control operations to manage rodent and insect populations, including cockroaches and wasps, in the Salud-La Salle and Centro-Ifara districts.

This work is part of the City Council’s regular maintenance schedule, designed to identify and address potential pest hotspots early to keep public spaces hygienic.

The local administration is asking for help from residents to make these efforts as effective as possible. Citizens are encouraged to report any sightings or pest-related issues using the "SC Mejora" mobile app. This allows technical teams to pinpoint exactly where their services are needed most.

Officials also emphasize that keeping the city clean is a shared responsibility. Residents are reminded to follow basic hygiene practices, such as disposing of household waste correctly, avoiding leaving food scraps in public areas, and not storing materials that could attract pests. These simple steps are essential for maintaining a healthy environment and a high quality of life in the community.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Santa Cruz de Tenerife Plans Shading Project for Historic Calle Castillo</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/santa-cruz-de-tenerife-plans-shading-project-for-historic-calle-castillo</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/santa-cruz-de-tenerife-plans-shading-project-for-historic-calle-castillo</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 12:11:17 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Adapting cities to climate change is no longer just an option; it has become a top priority for local governments. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council has taken the first step toward cooling down Calle Castillo, the city’s main shopping street. Officials have officially commissioned a technical plan to provide shade for the stretch between Calle San Francisco and Plaza Weyler.

This project is part of a broader strategy to improve thermal comfort in one of the city's busiest pedestrian areas. According to municipal sources, the main challenge is installing structures in a historic, built-up environment. The city requires that any solution be lightweight, reversible, and removable to protect the area’s architectural heritage while ensuring that local businesses and foot traffic remain unaffected.

Calle Castillo was chosen for its importance to both residents and tourists. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez’s administration is focused on balancing the street’s commercial role with the need for a more comfortable public space. Carmen Pérez, head of the Department of Strategic Planning, noted that the final design must blend seamlessly with existing trees, street furniture, and accessibility standards.

While this is a positive step, the project is still in its early stages. The current contract only covers the technical proposal, meaning the specific materials, construction timeline, and total costs have yet to be decided. The project's success will depend on finding a design that effectively provides shade without disrupting the daily life of this bustling city center.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Solo Palique: How Canary Islands Improv Comedy Became a Political Phenomenon</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/solo-palique-how-canary-islands-improv-comedy-became-a-political-phenomenon</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/solo-palique-how-canary-islands-improv-comedy-became-a-political-phenomenon</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 00:27:23 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Improvisational comedy has become a powerful tool for social commentary in the Canary Islands, building a loyal and expanding audience. As reported by *Diario de Avisos*, the project *Solo Palique* has grown from a local show in La Laguna into a major phenomenon, blending humor with current political events through a stripped-back, spontaneous format.

The group—Gerson Ramos, Vasni Ramos, Javier Socorro, and Diego Lupiañez—has turned their lack of formal production into their signature style. What started as a quick fix to fill a summer schedule at the La Bowie venue has exploded online, amassing over 41,000 Instagram followers and more than 160,000 Spotify listeners. This popularity has allowed them to sell out major venues like the Teatro Guimerá and Teatro Leal, fueled by a deep connection with their audience, who are treated as essential participants in every show.

Sociologically, the group’s success stems from their ability to tap into the irony and frustration surrounding local politics. They are open about their views, using sharp, biting critiques that many fans see as a form of resistance against the pressures of modern public debate. The show thrives on a "hive mind" approach, incorporating breaking news, social media trends, and real-time input from the audience.

Their business model has proven remarkably sustainable over nine seasons. By keeping the format organic and avoiding the rigid structures of traditional theater, they have thrived since their early days of charging just 4.50 euros for tickets. As they approach their fifth anniversary in August 2027, the group reflects a broader Spanish trend where live podcasts and late-night formats are replacing traditional entertainment, offering a mix of political advocacy and variety performance.

Beyond their commercial success, *Solo Palique* remains a champion of independent culture. Their bond with La Bowie is both geographical and ideological, highlighting the vital role alternative venues play in the creative community. With plans to tour across the archipelago and expand to the Spanish mainland, the collective has established itself as a new benchmark for comedy—one where improvisation and current events collide to challenge the status quo from the stage.]]></description><category>Culture</category></item><item><title>Arona Mayor Faces Investigation Over Alleged Obstruction of Urban Planning Permits</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/arona-mayor-faces-investigation-over-alleged-obstruction-of-urban-planning-permits</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/arona-mayor-faces-investigation-over-alleged-obstruction-of-urban-planning-permits</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 00:16:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The institutional crisis at Arona City Council has deepened following new court filings. A complaint alleging administrative misconduct—previously focused on four Coalición Canaria councilors—has now been expanded to include Mayor Fátima Lemes. The move puts significant pressure on the local government, as it centers on allegations that the mayor deliberately blocked urban planning permits that had already received technical approval.

At the heart of the case is a dispute over the Local Government Board’s meeting agendas. The plaintiff claims that a specific urban planning file, dating back to 2020 and concerning a project on Camino Montaña Chayofita, was ready for approval as early as last July. However, the complaint alleges that the mayor, who holds sole authority over the agenda, repeatedly left the item off the schedule throughout September.

The legal challenge gains weight by comparing this delay to other projects handled during the same period. Evidence submitted to the court shows that during September meetings, the council successfully processed major construction licenses for other developers, such as Metrovacesa and the Canary Island Karting Club. The prosecution argues this proves there was no general administrative backlog, but rather a selective effort to exclude this specific project—a move they contend constitutes "prevarication by omission."

The project in question involves the demolition and construction of a sociocultural center. After six years of review, it received a favorable recommendation on July 6, pending a 353,500-euro guarantee. Despite this, the item was pulled from the agenda that month, and the council subsequently requested a new legal report on issues the developer claims had already been settled.

The plaintiff has now formally requested that the mayor be called to court as a person under investigation. To support their case, they are seeking official meeting minutes, recordings, and testimony from the council’s deputy secretary general to clarify how agendas are set. The court must now decide whether to move forward with this expanded complaint, a case that raises serious questions about the limits of political discretion and the potential legal consequences of using agenda-setting powers to stall projects that have already been cleared by municipal experts.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>International Volunteers Lead Grassroots Revitalization of Costa del Silencio</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/international-volunteers-lead-grassroots-revitalization-of-costa-del-silencio</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/international-volunteers-lead-grassroots-revitalization-of-costa-del-silencio</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 00:15:01 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[In Costa del Silencio, a town in the Arona municipality of Tenerife, local residents have taken charge of their community’s future where official institutions have fallen short. As reported by *Diario de Avisos*, a diverse group of international volunteers has stepped in to tackle the long-standing neglect that has plagued the area for decades.

The group, known as *Voluntarias Costa del Silencio Limpio* (Clean Costa del Silencio Volunteers), does much more than just pick up litter. Led by Hannelore Ottevaere, the organization’s fifty members—hailing from over twelve different countries—are actively rehabilitating public spaces. Their work includes repairing playgrounds and street furniture, restoring the historic Damon Park minigolf course, and painting murals to brighten the neighborhood. They fund these projects through creative initiatives like selling charity calendars and a tree sponsorship program, where local businesses cover the upkeep of palm trees along Ten-Bel street.

The group’s influence extends well beyond physical improvements. They have built a digital community of 5,000 followers, becoming a leading example of civic engagement in southern Tenerife. Despite the ongoing challenge of dealing with litter and vandalism, the volunteers have big plans for the future, including installing solar lighting in public areas and expanding their cleaning efforts to the main roads leading into town, such as the TF-652, TF-653, and TF-66.

This movement reflects a growing trend in the Canary Islands: residents in older tourist areas are taking matters into their own hands rather than waiting for local government action. While the Arona City Council provides some tools and support, the heavy lifting is done by the residents themselves. By transforming public spaces, these volunteers have not only reversed years of decay but have also fostered a renewed sense of community pride in a town that is finally finding a second wind.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Tenerife Launches New Traffic and Mobility Strategy for Anaga Rural Park</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/tenerife-launches-new-traffic-and-mobility-strategy-for-anaga-rural-park</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/tenerife-launches-new-traffic-and-mobility-strategy-for-anaga-rural-park</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 00:13:41 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The Tenerife Island Council has launched a new strategy to improve traffic and accessibility in the Anaga Rural Park. The plan aims to balance the area's high tourist demand with the needs of local residents, who have long requested better management of visitor traffic.

Mobility Minister Eulalia García announced that the council is working with traffic authorities to restrict the size of large buses on local roads. This follows a 2025 agreement with the transport industry to limit bus lengths to 12.2 meters and establish a one-way system, with vehicles entering through San Andrés and exiting toward La Laguna via Las Mercedes.

To offer more travel options, the council plans to launch a shuttle service from La Laguna by the end of this year. This will be supported by a new park-and-ride facility in Las Canteras, providing a direct link to Cruz del Carmen. An on-demand transport system is also expected to be in place by 2027.

Beyond road traffic, the council is investing in sustainable mobility by upgrading trail signage and improving cycling routes to ensure safer connections between residential areas and popular corridors.

Managing Anaga is a unique challenge because it is a living community, not just a tourist destination. Minister García emphasized that these measures prioritize the daily lives of residents and the protection of the environment, ensuring that the park’s fragile ecosystem can coexist with the needs of both visitors and the local population.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Administrative Delays Threaten Restoration of Historic San Telmo Hermitage in Tenerife</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/administrative-delays-threaten-restoration-of-historic-san-telmo-hermitage-in-tenerife</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/administrative-delays-threaten-restoration-of-historic-san-telmo-hermitage-in-tenerife</guid><pubDate>Sun, 4 Oct 2026 00:11:22 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[The San Telmo hermitage in Puerto de la Cruz is facing an administrative delay that threatens the future of one of northern Tenerife’s most important heritage sites. Although the building has been classified as a Property of Cultural Interest (BIC) since 2000, its exterior is showing signs of decay. The Bishopric of San Cristóbal de La Laguna has requested permission from the Island Council to perform necessary repairs, but the application is still being processed.

The situation highlights the common struggle of maintaining historical monuments when responsibilities are split between different authorities. Adolfo Padrón Rodríguez, the Bishopric’s delegate for Cultural Heritage, has stated they are ready to begin painting and maintenance work—tasks they were unable to complete last summer—but they are still waiting for the Island Council to finalize the paperwork, which is expected by the end of this month.

The hermitage is far more than just a facade. Built in 1626 by the local fishermen’s guild, it has survived a turbulent history, including a fire in 1778, damage from a major storm in 1826, and looting during the Civil War. Inside, it houses significant treasures, such as an 18th-century altarpiece, a statue of the patron saint restored by sculptor Ezequiel de León, and a wrought-iron crucifix by architect Fred Hellwig.

With its traditional masonry walls and two-tiered bell gable, the building is deeply tied to the city’s maritime history. Over the years, its role has evolved; following a 1967 restoration funded by the German Episcopal Conference, it even served as a place of worship for German tourists. Today, the Association of Friends of San Telmo manages the site and ensures that local traditions honoring the saint continue.

While the Bishopric has confirmed that the interior artwork is not at risk, the visible deterioration of the bell tower and the fading commemorative plaque highlight the need for a better conservation plan. Protecting this site—which also includes the remains of the old San Telmo Battery and a vaulted powder magazine—requires better cooperation between institutions to ensure this landmark remains a vital part of Puerto de la Cruz for years to come.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>La Laguna Extends Emotional Well-Being Program for Students into 2027</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-extends-emotional-well-being-program-for-students-into-2027</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-extends-emotional-well-being-program-for-students-into-2027</guid><pubDate>Sat, 3 Oct 2026 20:11:23 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Mental health in schools is now a top priority for local government. The La Laguna City Council has confirmed that its emotional well-being program for sixth-grade students will continue for the 2026-2027 school year. The initiative is designed to help children manage frustration and resolve conflicts effectively.

This project, which reached all 27 schools in the municipality last year, is part of a strategy launched in 2024. The program goes beyond traditional lessons by combining neurobiology—specifically how the nervous system works—with therapeutic theater and play. Sergio Eiroa, the Councilor for Education and Youth, explained that the goal is to give students practical tools for self-regulation that they can use both in the classroom and in their everyday lives.

This program is just one part of a wider range of activities offered by the Department. Schools can choose from various options to suit their specific needs, including programs on healthy habits, physical activity, local heritage, and digital literacy. The local government believes this flexibility allows schools to focus on the resources that best support their students.

La Laguna’s focus on emotional education reflects a growing trend across Spain, where schools are increasingly recognizing that psychological well-being is essential for academic success and healthy relationships. By providing these resources, the City Council hopes to help students navigate the emotional challenges of transitioning to secondary school, building on a model that has been successfully tested over the past two years.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>La Laguna Announces Christmas Lighting and Noche en Blanco Dates for 2026</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-announces-christmas-lighting-and-noche-en-blanco-dates-for-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-announces-christmas-lighting-and-noche-en-blanco-dates-for-2026</guid><pubDate>Sat, 3 Oct 2026 14:06:15 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[San Cristóbal de La Laguna is gearing up for a busy end to 2026, with two major events set to boost the city’s economy and social scene.

As reported by *Diario de Avisos*, the City Council has scheduled the popular "Noche en Blanco" (White Night) for November 28. The highlight of this year’s event will be a performance by the band M-Clan. By choosing such a well-established group, the council hopes to attract a wide range of ages to the city’s UNESCO World Heritage historic center, helping to drive business for local shops and restaurants. While the full program is still being finalized, the event will once again feature a mix of cultural and leisure activities.

Before the White Night, the city will officially kick off the holiday season with its Christmas lighting ceremony on Saturday, November 21, at 8:00 p.m. 

This year, there is a significant change to the festivities: the event is moving from the Plaza del Adelantado to the Plaza de La Concepción. This shift is a strategic move to better manage large crowds in the historic center during the busy pre-Christmas shopping period. By relocating to the Plaza de La Concepción, the city aims to improve safety and pedestrian flow, ensuring that the celebration is better distributed across the old town.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Puerto de la Cruz Begins Repairs to Restore Power at El Tejar Neighborhood Center</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/puerto-de-la-cruz-begins-repairs-to-restore-power-at-el-tejar-neighborhood-center</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/puerto-de-la-cruz-begins-repairs-to-restore-power-at-el-tejar-neighborhood-center</guid><pubDate>Sat, 3 Oct 2026 00:06:16 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Normal service is set to resume at the El Tejar Neighborhood Association in Puerto de la Cruz after a long period of technical issues that disrupted local social and educational life. According to *El Día*, the City Council will begin essential electrical renovations this coming Monday, finally resolving a power outage that has lasted nearly a year.

The trouble began last September when an irregularity in the power supply led to the building’s electricity being cut off. Since then, teachers María Vanessa León Peraza and Mila González have had to teach their students without heating or proper lighting. The local domino club, which meets at the premises on Canastilleras Street, has also been forced to operate under these difficult conditions.

Alonso Acevedo, the Councilor for General Services, confirmed that the work is underway. While the electrical system is being overhauled—a process expected to take at least a month—the private tutoring classes, which have supported about thirty local children for over a decade, will be temporarily moved to a space near the Municipal Market and the César Manrique school.

The repairs follow persistent advocacy from the teachers, who eventually filed a formal complaint with the Ombudsman (*Diputación del Común*) to highlight the urgent need for a faster response for the sake of the students. The situation at El Tejar underscores how vital neighborhood centers are as pillars of community support. With these repairs, families can finally look forward to the return of a service they have relied on for years, despite the significant challenges they have faced recently.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>Contract Awarded for €58 Million TF-5 Expansion and Airport Access Upgrade in Tenerife</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/contract-awarded-for-58-million-tf-5-expansion-and-airport-access-upgrade-in-tenerife</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/contract-awarded-for-58-million-tf-5-expansion-and-airport-access-upgrade-in-tenerife</guid><pubDate>Fri, 2 Oct 2026 22:07:19 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Efforts to ease traffic on the TF-5—one of the Canary Islands' busiest roads—have reached a major milestone. The regional Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Mobility has officially awarded the contract to build a third lane between Guamasa and Tenerife North Airport. The project, worth 58.18 million euros, will be carried out by a joint venture between Ferrovial Construcción and Asyota Asfaltos y Obras.

This project is about more than just adding an extra lane; it involves a complete redesign of the Guamasa and San Lázaro junctions. The key improvement is a new, direct access road to the airport terminal. Currently, all traffic must merge at a single point, creating significant bottlenecks. The new layout will allow drivers arriving from the north to reach the airport directly, bypassing the San Lázaro interchange entirely.

This upgrade addresses a long-standing issue for Tenerife, where heavy congestion on the TF-5 has impacted both daily productivity and quality of life. By separating local traffic from airport-bound vehicles, the government aims to improve traffic flow in one of the island's most congested areas. This project is a central part of the strategy to modernize Tenerife’s transport network and improve connections between the metropolitan area and the north of the island.]]></description><category>News</category></item><item><title>La Laguna Hosts Agricultural Fair to Promote Local Farming and Sustainability</title><link>https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-hosts-agricultural-fair-to-promote-local-farming-and-sustainability</link><guid isPermaLink="true">https://canariantimes.com/en/news/la-laguna-hosts-agricultural-fair-to-promote-local-farming-and-sustainability</guid><pubDate>Fri, 2 Oct 2026 18:06:21 GMT</pubDate><description><![CDATA[Efforts to boost local food production and revitalize farming in the Canary Islands are gaining momentum this weekend in San Cristóbal de La Laguna. Asaga Canarias has announced that the Plaza del Cristo will host a special event this Saturday, October 3, dedicated to celebrating the local agricultural sector with support from the municipal Department of Rural Development.

The event will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. near the Municipal Market. More than just a market, the initiative—titled "Living and feeling the Canarian countryside"—aims to connect farmers directly with consumers. This connection is vital, as the industry currently faces the significant challenge of attracting a new generation of farmers. The location was chosen specifically to encourage shoppers to support local farms, helping to keep the region’s agricultural and livestock businesses economically viable.

The program is designed for all ages and includes guided tastings and educational activities. Visitors can learn about the value of local goods, ranging from honey and wine to fresh produce and livestock products. According to local councilwoman Cristina Ledesma, the event is part of an ongoing partnership with Asaga Canarias to weave farming into the cultural and economic fabric of La Laguna.

To encourage participation and thank the public for supporting local producers against the pressure of global markets, the event will also feature giveaways. Ultimately, the fair serves as a lesson in sustainability and responsible shopping—essential steps toward protecting the island’s biodiversity and unique culinary heritage.]]></description><category>News</category></item></channel></rss>