The 36th International Kite Festival of Corralejo has already begun to color the skies of Fuerteventura with a vibrant spectacle of movement and artistry. Running until Sunday, November 12, this year’s festival has attracted around 210 kite flyers from over twenty different countries, including notable participants from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. The opening day featured an exhibition at the stunning Playa de La Concha in El Cotillo, blessed with clear skies, a curious crowd, and warm temperatures typical of this time of year.
On this first day, kites of all shapes, sizes, and colors took to the sky as the wind reached speeds exceeding 25 kilometers per hour, setting the stage for a weekend filled with breathtaking performances. La Concha offered spectators both magnificent static kites and dynamic acrobatic displays. Among those who gathered to enjoy this colorful spectacle were nearly a hundred students from CEIP Puerto del Rosario and CEIP El Tostón, as well as participants from the Adivia Association.
The mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, emphasized the event’s commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability. He remarked, “The International Kite Festival is an iconic event that has been an essential part of life in La Oliva over the years. It embodies a harmonious connection between tourism and the environment, and we will continue to advocate for its preservation.”
In attendance were key figures including the councilor for Tourism and Environment, David Fajardo, the councilor for Sports and Youth, Gleiber Carreño, and the councilor for Finance and Contracts, Juan José Rodríguez. Fajardo pointed out that this festival brings together “all the attractions of La Oliva, including kilometers of golden sand, spectacular winter weather, biodiversity, untouched landscapes, active tourism, and family-friendly activities that respect the environment.”
This year, special emphasis has been placed on protecting the natural landscape of the Corralejo Dunes. The local government has put in place a special bus service to the event, along with guides to direct visitors along designated paths to safeguard the area’s endemic flora.
This Friday, beginning at 10:00 AM, the inaugural flights will take place on Las Grandes Playas de Corralejo, a location returning for the second consecutive year following last year’s resounding success. In addition to acrobatic and static kite displays scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 10:00 AM with international kite flyers participating, the festival will feature a series of exciting activities. Notable among these are the Rokaku kite battles on Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 PM and a stunning nighttime drone show featuring 200 drones displaying images related to La Oliva, set to take place in Corralejo Bay on Saturday starting at 9:30 PM.
This year’s edition also introduces a new element: a photography competition titled “Kites in Focus.” Professionals and amateurs alike can submit a maximum of five photographs taken during the festival for a chance to win one of three cash prizes, with awards of up to 150 euros for the best images.
More Than Just Kites
Beyond the stunning aerial displays, attendees at the Fuerteventura International Kite Festival will enjoy a variety of parallel activities combined with the experience of watching hundreds of kites soar. Dubbed the Wind Festival, this segment features inflatable castles and workshops designed for families over the weekend, including opportunities for children to create their own kites, alongside workshops on Brazilian kites and environmental interpretation. Evening festivities will also include concerts and live music. Los Salvapantallas will perform on Saturday at a stage located on Avenida de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in the heart of Corralejo, while a Coldplay tribute band will take the stage on Sunday as part of their Music of Spheres tour. Registrations for workshops and detailed activity schedules are available on the festival’s official website, corralejokitefest.com.
To minimize the environmental footprint around the Corralejo Dunes Natural Park, the La Oliva local government recommends attendees utilize the free bus service specially arranged for the festival. Scheduled every 20 minutes on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, the service will depart from the Corralejo Bus Station and make stops at Lobos Bahía Club and El Campanario Shopping Center before heading to the roundabout at the RIU Oliva Beach Hotel.
