Canary Islands Fiestas
1st January - New Year
6th january - Epifanía del Señor
9th April - Jueves Santo
10th April - Viernes Santo
1st May - Workers holiday
30th May - Canaries Day
15th August - Ascension of the virgin
15th September - Virgen de los Dolores, Nuestra Señora de los Volcanes
12th October - Fiesta Nacional de España
7th December - Day of the constitution
8th December - Immaculate Conception
25th december - Christmas Day

And the local Fiestas
Arrecife
24th February: Martes de carnaval
25th August: San Ginés

Tias
2nd February: Ntra. Sra. de la Candelaria
24th February: Martes de carnaval

San Bartolome
24th February: Martes de carnaval
24th August: Festividad de San Bartolomé

Teguise
16 de julio: Ntra. Sra. del Carmen
5th August: Ntra. Sra. De las Nieves

Haria
24th February: Martes de carnaval
24th June: San Juan

Tinajo
24th February: Martes de carnaval
24th June: San Juan

Yaiza
7th July: San Marcial del Rubicón
8th September: Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios

Our thanks to Angela at www.lanzarotelates.com for this information

Here’s a guide to what the different coloured bins mean here.

Blue Container - Paper, cardboard, cardboard containers, cereal boxes, papers + magazines
Yellow - Plastic  - bottles, containers, CD boxes, bags
Green - Glass - jars, containers, bottles

It’s hardly in keeping with the UN Biosphere Status of the island. According to “The Statutory Framework of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves,” biosphere reserves are created “to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between humans and the biosphere.”

…and don’t even get me onto both locals and tourist throwing crap out of car windows…

For those people trying to sell their property back in Ireland or the UK, this isn’t the easiest time. With banks being a lot stricter about lending… less people are buying. So although a family’s personal circumstances may be perfect for making the move… that house sale could be holding them back.

Ok… but what if the property is already sold, and the money’s in the bank waiting? Well… if that money is in pounds, then right now is a horrendous time to get it changed into euros.

But worry not. For house buyers in Lanzarote who have the cash ready, there are many many bargains to be snapped up. Many people are keen to sell for their own reasons, and haggling is achieving new dreams for many potential buyers that would have struggled a year or so ago.

Moving on to employment. Ok - so if you think you’re going to move over with your family of four… and just “get by” with a bit of bar work, and cleaning - then think again. This is a tourist destination remember? So if there are less tourists coming, then there are less jobs in the tourist industry. Most companies on the Island will not consider employing someone until they are actually living on the Island… and many more won’t employ until the person can provide references and experience of Island life too. It’s not personal, it’s just what employers have learned through valuable experience.

However, all is not lost. There are still new people relocating to Lanzarote all the time - who have the know how, gumption, and desire to make a proper living. You’re not likely to make your millions here… but a comfortable living is very achieveable. Starting your own business can be a good way of achieving this. But make sure you do your research and if buying a business, make sure you are given all the support, paperwork, and legal advice to allow you to make an informed decision. Don’t snap up the first “bargain” you see. If the business is selling… then why? Ask as many questions as you can… and make sure you remove those rose tinted glasses. Do your research if you are starting up a business of your own. Make sure there is a market for you. And ask lots of people for their advice and help - don’t just rely on one or two… as opinions can often be skewed.

If you do your research, plan carefully, bring enough money to live on for a few months in case you can’t find work immediately… and come over with your eyes wide open - then the rewards are immense. We should know!

So think carefully about your impending move… and we’ll see you when you get here!

She says she has -
Next clothes
M+S Clothes
Books
DVDs
Hard to find stocking fillers

… and in her words its all “VERY CHEAP”! We do not mind a bargain or two eh?!

If you would like the lady’s name and address - to pop in to grab yourself a bargain - then drop me an email to info@lanzaroterelocation.co.uk

Happy Crimbo shopping!

Alan went into the newly opened shop recently… not expecting too much at all as they didn’t appear to have much stock.

He and nipper were looking for a joystick, and when I asked  - there were none in stock. However, the shop assistant was more than helpful, and  showed them the available range on her screen, adding that it could be ordered in fairly quickly. Just like that - nice and simple.

Although the shop itself doesn’t really look much - the range available on the Beep website is excellent. It now seems that we have access to the kind of range of products you’d expect from the likes of PC World in the UK. Hurrah!

To find the shop… keep the Correos (Post Office on your left, and walk past El Salvador’s hardware store. Keep going until you are almost level with the waste ground on the right, and the entrance to Hiperdino’s underground car park. “Beep” is just on the left. Happy Shopping!

Food. Speaking of food, the Spanish tend to have their major feast on Christmas Eve. This is often the biggest meal of the year, with plenty of courses. If there’s one thing the Spanish can do well… it’s eating! Lobster is usually a large feature, and there is always a roast… usually lamb or suckling pig. All accompanied by plenty of side dishes. there’s so specific ritualistic food per se… only the requirement to eat well. Both Alan and I love our food… so we’re hearty fans!

Got a sweet tooth? For a few weeks now, the supermarkets have been filled with chocolates, nougats, dates, and many more sticky sweet goodies. Go on, treat yourselves!

When? The Christmas season in Lanzarote all kicks off on December 8th, with the “Feast of the Immaculate Conception”. This day is a fiesta on the Island, so don’t try filling out any paperwork on that day. Christmas Eve usually sees Spanish restaurants closing early so that staff can go to the Christmas Eve mass, or simply spend time together as a family. However, Christmas Day is not the same here as in the UK - there are no oodles of presents around a tree for example.

Nativity Scenes. Dotted around the island you will find Belénes, which are miniature nativity scenes. However, these are usually erected with a Lanzarote twist, and are often miniature versions of Lanzarote… complete with little landmarks. Our favourite was always the one at Yaiza, but it seems it’s not happening this year. Look out for the little boy figurine who is doing a “number two”. Apparently if you spot him, it means good luck for the following year. I’m yet to find him, but I’ll keep trying!

New Year. This will be the 3rd New Year we have spent in Lanzarote, and we’re very much looking forward to it. The bars and restaurants are all full to the brim, and there’s plenty of people milling about in the streets. Firework displays (plus the unofficial ones from bars and restaurants too), beeping horns, and much in the way of merriment.

Las Tres Reyes. Presents are traditionally given on the day of the kings (January 6th), when there are street parades, and kiddies queue up to receive sweets and gifts from the 3 Kings… or Las Tres Reyes. Each local ayuntamiento will lay on some form of celebration for this. The kiddies will also lay out their shoes outside on the previous evening, stuffed with straw for the camels of the travellers… only to be replaced the following morning with goodies. This generally marks the end of the season of navidad.

Christmas TV in Lanzarote. Of course you have your usual family Christmas movies. Look out for Harry Potter, Love Actually, and Christmas carols for all to sing along to. Missing the Queen’s speech on Christmas Day? Well, worry not - as King of Spain Juan Carlos gives his speech out on Christmas Eve, around 9pm.

Winnings?! A real tradition is the largest lottery of the year - El Gordo - with a bumper prize of 2.32 million euros this year, being drawn on the 22nd December.

Less Commercial. The main difference we have noticed is how uncommercial the whole holiday season is. You’re not bombarded with Christmas carols from the end of September… you don’t see a different Santa Claus on every street corner… no stressful panic buying of presents… no overloaded credit card bills arriving in January. Yes, I think we’ll stay!

¡Felices fiestas!
Elle y Alan

Why Lanzarote? Many retirees choose Lanzarote because of the springlike weather. They may have holidayed here for a number of years also, giving them warm fluffy feelings whenever they hear the Island mentioned. Perhaps they’ve just simply had enough of the UK, and fancy that relaxed atmosphere that the Island can offer.

Lanzarote has a huge amount to offer for many reasons. We’ve already mentioned the climate, but what about the well established expat community? Speaking Spanish here is a real benefit, but with such a large British and Irish contingent, you can actually muddle through while you take a few lessons. There are many translation services on the Island, and people happy to offer help and advice (yes, just like us).

Problems? Of course, a major worry of many people moving to Lanzarote is the lack of contact with friends and family from “back home”. But with Skype, and a decent airport - the world isn’t such a big place after all. As long as you try to avoid flying during the school holidays, there are often cheap flights to be snapped up. You’ll also find that family and friends will love to come and spend time in your new home.

Healthcare. Make sure that you place a priority on gaining proper health care for when you arrive. Your entitlement to healthcare won’t be a problem, as long as you have paid your dues. Speak to HM Revenue & Customs for advice. We cannot advise you on specifics, as every person’s situation is different. You may also wish to consider private health care for peace of mind, but do ensure you read your paperwork very carefully. Going for the cheapest deal might not be best in the case of emergency or longer term care.

There are no nursing homes here in Lanzarote, as the Spanish custom is to care for your families at home. But as long as you are well insured, you will enjoy the benefits of the highest standards of health care.

Transferring money to Lanzarote. The recent weak exchange rate has meant that your pound sterling is not worth as much in Euros as it was even a couple of years ago. So if you are considering transferring a lump sum over, then do be careful. As this article is being penned, the rate is €1.11 to £1.00 - compared to €1.42 when we arrived in 2006. - That’s an astonishing €0.31 difference - a lot of money when you are talking in larger sums of cash.

As long as you have thought the whole process through, and ensured that you are covered both medically and financially, then Lanzarote can offer you a fabulous place to spend your twilight years. We’ll see you soon!

At the time of writing this we currently pay €0.17 to call landlines in the UK and USA on pay-as-you-go. These are to people that don’t have Skype themselves, of course - as those calls are completely free!

Also, just recently Skype has introduced  a flat monthly rate of €3.95 for unlimited calls to landlines within Europe which we think is a cracking deal!

If you don’t already have a Skype installed you can download the free software.

There are a couple of different ways of actually making the calls. You can buy a USB plug in phone, or headset, or simply use your PC speakers and microphone.

So save yourselves some money, and switch to Skype. We have!

Lanzarote Guidebook is packed with loads of useful information for tourists.  Featuring comprehensive guides to all of the islands resorts, towns and villages.
As well as full information about of all of Lanzarote´s many attractions, excursions and sightseeing destinations.  Such as the breathtaking Timanfaya Volcano Park and the many creations of the island born artist and architect Cesar Manrique.

Lanzarote Guidebook also features a handy Essentials section containing lots of practical information from bank opening times and ferry timetables through to emergency phone numbers and tips on driving locally.

Written by residents, Lanzarote Guidebook is published every quarter.  Ensuring that information is always accurate and up to date.  And also includes maps to all of the main resorts as well as inside tips and information about upcoming events and fiestas.  As well as recommendations about where to eat, what to see and things to do.

The 104 page Winter 08/09 edition of Lanzarote Guidebook can be downloaded for free now at www.lanzaroteguidebook.com.

Online, visitors can also catch up on the very latest island news, check the latest weather reports, use interactive island maps and even seek free advice via the websites Tourist Advice Line.

In addition to booking their own holidays, flights, hire cars, villas and hotels in Lanzarote via island based companies – often at prices far more competitive than can be found in any High Street travel agency.

10,000 copies of Lanzarote Guidebook are also distributed entirely free of charge to tourists on the island via car hire and villa rental companies.  But everyone can get their hands on one by downloading a copy for free from the Lanzarote Guidebook website.

Information & Visuals::
Nick Ball
nick@lanzaroteguidebook.com
0034 660 121717