A Unique Kite Spectacle Over the Island
This weekend, Fuerteventura transforms into the vibrant backdrop for one of the island’s most stunning events. The International Kite Festival of Corralejo celebrates its 37th edition, drawing more than 300 kite fliers from across the globe. Enthusiasts from Brazil, Turkey, and various European nations, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and Spain, are already gracing the skies with an anticipated total of up to a thousand kites. It’s a spectacular display as Fuerteventura hosts the XXXVII International Kite Festival of Corralejo.
Perfect Conditions for Flight
With only a day to go until the inaugural flight, kite enthusiasts are testing the winds at Playa de La Concha in El Cotillo. The winds are blowing steadily at around 22 to 25 km/h, creating an ideal environment for initial test flights. Throughout the day, intrigued spectators and fellow kite lovers have flocked to the beach, witnessing the exhilarating spectacle as kiters fine-tune their colorful kites, foreshadowing a weekend awash with color in the sky.
Activities for the Local Community
The festival extends beyond aerial exhibitions; it actively engages with the local community. This year, participants are reaching out to locals, with senior citizen associations from La Oliva and students from CEIP El Toscón given the opportunity to experience firsthand the art of kite creation and flying. The attendees have shown keen interest in learning about the techniques and history associated with this captivating sport.
A Sustainable Event with Environmental Awareness
The Mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, emphasized the significance of this festival, which has become a staple in Fuerteventura’s cultural and tourist calendar. “This event not only celebrates creativity and sport but also our connection to nature,” Blanco remarked. Additionally, David Fajardo, the councilor for Tourism and Environment, highlighted initiatives to ensure the festival unfolds sustainably. These initiatives include promoting public transportation, safeguarding the flora within the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, and organizing environmental workshops.
Event Programming
The festival’s agenda features a plethora of activities catering to all ages. From Friday through Sunday, spectators can enjoy acrobatic and static kite displays at Las Grandes Playas de Corralejo from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The thrilling Rokaku kite battles, set to take place on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM, promise to be a major highlight of the festivities.
As night falls, attendees can revel in an innovative drone show, lighting up the sky over the Bay of Corralejo. With over 220 synchronized drones, viewers can behold astonishing figures in the night sky, set to a musical backdrop. Additionally, there are activities for children, including kite-making workshops and lessons on Brazilian kites.
Institutional and Business Support
The International Kite Festival of Corralejo is organized by the tourism department of the La Oliva City Council, with backing from the Cabildo of Fuerteventura, the Government of the Canary Islands, and Promotur Turismo Canarias. Collaborations with Binter, Naviera Armas, and RIU Hotels & Resorts further bolster the event, which continues to be a significant draw for both residents and tourists alike. Fuerteventura proudly celebrates the XXXVII International Kite Festival of Corralejo.
