Canary Islands

Due to a storm, our ship diverted to the Canary Islands, where we enjoyed a leisurely day exploring the town.

In the town square, there’s a monument featuring four figures next to an obelisk.

As you can see, each of the four men are brandishing what looks to me like a femur!

What is that all about?

After a quick spin around the internet, all I've learned so far comes from this website:

"Four marble statues of indigenous Guanche people are at the base venerating the image of Mary atop the obelisk. In May the 'Feast of May' is held in the square memorializing the founding of the city."

Guanches are the native people of the Canary Islands. But why waving leg bones around is a way to offer respect to the Virgin Mary is beyond me.

As always, I had to do a happy dance at the sight of a living wall. Not only did this one feature poinsettias, but the wall adorns the local police station, making a nice change from the usual somber demeanor such institutions have.

Mysterious bones aside, we had a fun day wandering around Santa Cruz de Tenerife.Read more