Lords had never leaped so high, and figgy puddings were being demanded at Los Cristianos beach in Tenerife. This was no revolution, just an outpouring of classic festive hymns and songs from a bygone era. The swallows (an affectionate nickname for the mature visitors from the UK) are the driving force and had put in plenty of effort to make sure the early morning gathering were primed with song sheets to complement their sparkling outfits.
The large sandy beach and busy port provided the background but several hundred people were drawn to the popular morning event, many still in party mood from the night before. Costumes ranged from cheeky to outragous, but all dedicated to rousing a little musical mayhem from 11am. Each of the main players was summoned into the centre of the musical circle as they surged forward when their characters were summoned by the words of the songs.
Starting with familiar hymns, it soon progressed to hand picked small groups surging forward at the mention of the characters they portrayed in the Twelve Days Of Christmas – a particularly loud and competitive set piece. Home cooking and a little lubrication play a part but people were deserting their sun beds and towels as they drew near to join in the fun.
It was a stirring warm up for those about to enjoy big traditional dinners, or making a splash in the sea. God Bless You Merry Gentlemen (and Ladies of course) for a fun packed hour.
Some observers of the Walk For Life are surprised at the humour, joy and optimism shown at the annual Walk For Life (Carrera Por La Vida) march to highlight awareness of breast cancer. It´s because its so much more than solidarity with the victims and current sufferers. It´s a pledge of defiance and a commitment to supporting and comforting those affectected as research pushes the boundaries to an eventual cure.
The 2024 version boasted a turn out of 3,175 people as the pink stream meandered down from Siam Mall, through Adeje and Arona to the finish at the Golden Mile. A financial haul of 22, 702. 25 euros also showed that the belief in an eventual cure is still unwavering. The costumes and drum driven musical soundtrack made sure the spectacle as survivors gave thanks, and friends and families honoured those who were are no longer with us.
Dakar For Life is an innovation of recent years, pioneered by Rafael Lesmes who took on the brutal race route across Saudi Arabia in his Pink Elephant monster truck – the Walk For Life is always looking for new ways to publicise the cause on all fronts, and has grown each year since its 2005 debut.
The walk is the show case event but all through the year, the foundation offers support, advice, and a central point in Adeje for those seeking help. This link feeds to the multi language centre and the Pink Room doors are always open https://carreraporlavida.org/
Drum bands, dancers, and people of all age groups once again made it a powerful day. Each year the pink ribbon grows bigger. Well done to all involved in 2024 – and thanks to the generous copntributors who ensure it is always one of the biggest events in the Tenerife calendar.