Thousands of people packed the natural pools of Bajamar this Saturday for the third edition of Cañas & Camarones, which distributed nearly 1,000 kilos of shrimp and featured six musical performances.
On Saturday, July 11, the surroundings of the natural pools of Bajamar became the epicentre of summer in La Laguna. Thousands of people attended the third edition of Cañas & Camarones, an event that combines gastronomy, music, and local commerce, and this year distributed nearly 1,000 kilograms of shrimp, according to data from the La Laguna City Council.
A successful date change
The organisers decided to move the event from August to July to coincide with the optimal shrimp-catching season. This decision proved to be a great success: nine uninterrupted hours of activity during which residents and tourists enjoyed seafood tapas, explored the market featuring thirteen local brands, and enjoyed live music. The acting Councillor for Tourism, Fran Hernández, highlighted that "Cañas & Camarones has exceeded all expectations and confirms that Bajamar has the capacity to host top-level events."
The event, which started at 11:00 and ran until 20:00, filled the promenade and the areas surrounding the pools. Attendees were able to sample everything from traditional tapas to more innovative dishes, always with shrimp as the star ingredient. The atmosphere was described by the organisers as "excellent," with queues at the most popular stalls but no incidents.
Institutional support and the fishing sector
The President of the Tenerife Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, emphasised that "Bajamar once again demonstrates that tradition, landscape, and gastronomy form an extraordinary combination to continue positioning Tenerife as an authentic destination." Meanwhile, the General Director of Fisheries of the Canary Islands Government, Esteban Reyes Hernández, highlighted the nearly 1,000 kilos of shrimp sold: "Shrimp is much more than a gastronomic product; it is part of the identity of our coastline and the daily work of those who live from fishing."
The Vice President and Councillor for Tourism of the Cabildo, Lope Afonso, emphasised the collaboration between administrations to give visibility to local producers. "Gastronomy with its own identity helps to diversify the tourist offer and attract visitors interested in local experiences," he stated. The event was born three years ago to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bajamar as a Tourist Interest Destination and has already established itself as a fixed date on the Canary Islands summer calendar.
Music, market, and a maritime atmosphere
The musical programme included six performances that enlivened the day from midday until sunset. The local market, featuring thirteen brands from local entrepreneurs, offered artisanal products, clothing, and accessories, while the seafood establishments served specialities such as fish broths, grilled octopus, and, of course, grilled shrimp. Councillor Fran Hernández noted that "today we have seen thousands of people enjoying our coast, our gastronomy, and a product as local as shrimp."
For the residents of La Laguna, the event represents a direct economic boost: the restaurants and bars of Bajamar saw an increase in clientele, and local fishermen sold all their merchandise. Juan Antonio Alonso, CEO of GMR Canarias, stated that "betting on local products is betting on the future of our primary sector." The event, which has already become a reference for the summer in Tenerife, demonstrates that the combination of tradition and modernity can fill a coastal town with life and business. The next edition is expected to maintain the July date to continue taking advantage of the high shrimp season.
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