The customs of Playa Blanca and its people are faithful to the local and Canary traditions.
People of Playa Blanca are faithful to the canary customs and traditions :
SPORTS: Lucha Canaria is an indigenous wrestling sport, it even has it's own traditional school in Uga . It's a derivative of wrestling, carried out inside a circular field of 9 meters in diameter. This field is stamped earth covered with sand . The outer circle that surrounds the inner one has one more meter in diameter . In this sport there are no weight divisions because weight is not a determinant factor for success , rather, what is much more valued is the respect of its strict standards, where skill and ability is all that matters . Playa Blanca proudly presents a victorious group of canary wrestlers.
MUSIC: Timple is a musical instrument that resembles the ukelele, with four or five-strings and it is crafted in Teguise. The canary timple differs from the Spanish and Portuguese versions, but is very close to the musical instruments in northwest Africa and South America . The story narrates that the Berber slaves introduced the instrument in the Canary Islands and that Canary emigrants, in turn, took them to South America . This instrument is used frequently in Canary festivities .
CARNIVAL: Carnival parades are held in Playa Blanca along Papagayo Ave., by the town centre. Involved in this festivities is the fervent participation of several groups organized primarily by the City of Yaiza. Also, a tent is set up in front of the village church for different events like musical battles that are waged with drums , horns and verses that are both mocking and constructive.
It would be an absolute shame to miss the carnivals of Playa Blanca, the festival begins on Ash Wednesday and goes almost until Easter .
DAY OF OUR LADY OF REMEDIES: (8th of September every year)
Yaiza and Playa Blanca hold a ten day tribute to their patroness , who protected the islanders from destruction due to volcanic eruptions in the eighteenth century.
In a solemn procession , the patroness is carried through the streets , accompanied by decorated camels and donkey carts . At the end of the procession, a great firework display ensues, to finish with some traditional food, some delicious sardines.
CAVALCADE OF THE THREE MAGIC KINGS (5th of January every year)
After gift-giving for children, the cavalcade of The Three Magic Kings follows. This parade goes from Yaiza to Playa Blanca, along Papagayo Ave., right through the centre of town.
