If you plan to visit the Canary Islands in September, don’t miss your chance to take part in an odd but very fun fiesta. Every year on the 11th of September, La Aldea de San Nicolás organizes a festival, which gathers hundreds of people around the Pond of Aldea. More and more people come here to become a part of this event and experience the thrill of catching a mullet with their bare hands.
Festival Program
The locals gather at 9 am at the Plaza La Alameda and depart an hour later, at 10 am, on a 4-mile (6 km) walk towards El Charco, the pond of Aldea. Before the fishing, everyone has a chance to relax and unwind at the pier, listening to performances of local musicians and taking a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
At around 5 pm, the participants all gather around the pond and wait for the signature rocket signal, marking the beginning of the celebration. Until then, everyone needs to stand behind the white line around the lake. The rocket is set off at 5 pm, and with the sound of its explosion, the fun begins. Everybody runs into the pond and tries to catch the mullet. It's as if the pond is boiling with all the commotion, filled with so many people that the fish jump out of the water without any space to swim.
The view of this is spectacular. Some people catch the fish and keep it; some catch the mullet, kiss it for luck, and let it go. But when the last mullet is caught, the bonfires are set up on the beach to fry the fish. The after-party goes on all night.
Other Attractions
The outdoor bash continues after fishing, with live music on the main street of the village, dance parties on the beach, and tastings of caught fish. Local musicians and ensembles entertain the crowd. Some of the artists, who performed in the past, include Banda de Agaete and Orquesta Sinfónica de Las Palmas.
History and Origins of the Festival
The celebration dates back to the ancient custom of fishing for mullets with bare hands after pouring plant sap into the water, which is also known as the embarbascar technique. The substance would sedate the fish and make it easier for fishermen to catch them. In the 20th century, this technique grew into a festival the locals know and love today, Fiestas del Charco. The festival is annually celebrated as part of the San Nicholas de Tolentino festivities, which span from August until the end of September.
