The Marine-Inspired Christmas Lights of Corralejo
A Unique Holiday Concept
In a surprising twist of holiday traditions, Corralejo, a coastal town in Fuerteventura, has embraced a decidedly marine-themed Christmas this year. The connection between an octopus, a squid, or a jellyfish and the festive season may seem tenuous—much like Santa Claus or snow in a sun-drenched tourist destination. However, local architect Fernando Menis has ingeniously transformed discarded beach items into vibrant, eye-catching installations that celebrate both the local culture and sustainability, raising eyebrows and delighting onlookers.
The Birth of the Idea
The concept was born during Menis’s stay in Corralejo, a hotspot for tourists seeking sun and surf. Observing the numerous pool floats and plastic bottles discarded after vacations, he saw an opportunity. When the mayor of La Oliva—which includes Corralejo—invited him to take charge of the town’s Christmas lights with an emphasis on sustainability, it sparked an idea. Menis, whose international acclaim includes designing notable buildings like the CKK Jordanki auditorium in Poland, sought to blend sustainability with local maritime flavor.
“This project embodies reason and emotion,” Menis explains, noting that recycling and the festive spirit of the town influenced his design.
A Dazzling Display
For weeks now, residents and visitors have been greeted by a kaleidoscope of underwater-themed decorations lining the central streets of Corralejo. This whimsical display features around twenty giant squids and octopuses, some measuring up to 10 meters in diameter, accompanied by approximately 700 glowing jellyfish. The installations are crafted from about 300 repurposed floaties, painted in luminous shades of blue, orange, and green. Some are fitted with blacklight elements to create an enchanting glow reminiscent of a nightclub atmosphere.
Each creature was meticulously designed, down to scale drawings, ensuring consistency and allowing for potential replication by other designers. Menis’s work exemplifies artistic intention combined with environmental responsibility.
Mixed Reception Among Locals
Despite the innovative approach, the local reception has been mixed. Isaí Blanco, the town’s nationalist mayor, expresses pride in the project, highlighting its positive exposure in international design publications and even coverage from Germany’s ZDF news outlet. Yet, opinions diverge among local residents. Some appreciate the fresh take on holiday decor, while others lament that it strays too far from traditional Christmas symbols.
Opposition from factions like the Popular Party has emerged, with some locals claiming the decorations do not evoke the spirit of Christmas. They even proposed a motion to refund the approximately 18,000 euros spent on the installations, arguing it harms the town’s image.
Addressing Criticism
Menis acknowledges that not everyone might grasp the intent behind his creation. He reflects on the necessity of listening to local sentiments for any future projects. “This is just the beginning,” he states, suggesting that the initiative may evolve based on community feedback. He seeks to offer a coastal interpretation of Christmas, countering the Nordic traditions prevalent in many holiday displays. “Our octopuses serve as our reindeer,” he emphasizes, crafting a narrative that aligns local culture with global festivities.
In a demonstration of his commitment to sustainability and local artistry, Menis is already gathering more discarded beach items for potential use in next year’s decorations. He’s envisioning creations that could include beach buckets and flip-flops shaped like pelicans and crocodiles, further intertwining Corralejo’s identity with its seasonal embellishments.
The colorful display of marine life thus stands as a testament to ingenuity, cultural pride, and the spirit of Christmas—albeit in an unexpected form.
