The 37th International Kite Festival in Corralejo: Soaring High Above Fuerteventura
The skies over the breathtaking natural reserve of the Dunas de Corralejo in La Oliva, Fuerteventura, have come alive with vibrant colors and whimsical shapes. More than 300 kite enthusiasts have descended upon the stunning Grandes Playas, ready to showcase almost a thousand unique kites as part of the 37th edition of the International Kite Festival of Corralejo.
A Grand Inaugural Flight
The festival kicked off with an impressive inaugural flight featuring a massive panda kite holding a bamboo plant between its paws. Spanning an impressive 18 square meters, this gigantic creation posed a significant challenge to the kite operators, who had to skillfully manage such a large kite against the wind’s resistance.
Celebratory Presence
The opening event was graced by notable figures including David Fajardo, the Councilor for Tourism and the Environment in La Oliva, and Marlene Figueroa, the Tourism Advisor for the Cabildo of Fuerteventura. Together with the festival’s promoter, Raúl Rivero, and several other local council members, they celebrated the festival’s return and its importance to local culture and tourism.
Fajardo expressed his joy at seeing the sky filled with kite flyers from around the globe, emphasizing that this festival is not just an event but a celebration of the identity of the region. The diverse program includes environmental workshops designed to honor the value of the Dunas Natural Park.
Recognizing the Festival’s Impact
Marlene Figueroa highlighted that the festival has become synonymous with Fuerteventura, gaining recognition over its 37 years as one of the island’s most significant tourist events. The ecological and environmental relevance of the festival is underscored by its location in one of the island’s most emblematic natural settings.
A Special Experience for Local Students
Adding to the festival’s charm, hundreds of local schoolchildren from primary schools in La Oliva and a center from Puerto del Rosario participated in the festivities. Just days before, they had attended a kite-making workshop, and today they saw their creations take flight, lending an educational aspect to the celebrations. This unique experience creates lasting memories and encourages innovation among the young participants.
Perfect Weather Conditions
The timing of the festival coincides with unseasonably warm November weather, which has attracted many visitors eager to explore the beaches and sea. The enchanting sight of colorful kites soaring against the blue sky provides a backdrop for families and friends to enjoy the outdoor festivities.
A Festival of Activities
But the excitement doesn’t stop at kite flying. This year, festival-goers can look forward to a groundbreaking nighttime spectacle featuring up to 220 drones lighting up the Corralejo Bay, scheduled for 9:30 PM on both Friday and Saturday. Additionally, various activities such as inflatable castles, children’s kite-making workshops, Brazilian kite workshops, and environmental initiatives are part of the vibrant program. Guided tours led by experts on local flora and fauna and thrilling Rokaku kite battles promise fun for all ages.
Accessing Festival Information
For those looking to immerse themselves in the magic of the International Kite Festival of Corralejo, all necessary information can be found on the official event website, corralejokitefest.com, as well as through their social media channels, @corralejokitefest.
Organizational Support
The festival is organized by the tourism department of La Oliva Town Hall, supported by the Cabildo of Fuerteventura’s tourism sector and the Government of the Canary Islands through Promotur Turisma Canarias, backed by the European REACT EU fund and EcoTur2 project initiatives. Collaboration with partners such as Binter and RIU Hotels and Resorts adds to the festival’s success, ensuring it continues to thrive as a hallmark of local culture and tourism.
