Twelve panels with QR codes, poetry readings at sunset, and a silent reading party by the sea make up the free programme 'Dive into Books' in La Laguna.
The coastline of La Laguna transforms this summer into an open-air library. The new edition of 'Dive into Books', driven by the La Laguna City Council and the Mexico Canarias Foundation, offers a dozen free activities in Bajamar and Punta del Hidalgo from July until the end of August. The aim: to encourage locals and tourists to discover reading in a natural setting, with the sea as a backdrop.
The initiative features twelve illustrated panels along the La Laguna coast. Each panel includes a QR code that provides free access to works by 24 authors, including Virginia Woolf, Federico García Lorca, Hans Christian Andersen, Jules Verne, and Agatha Christie. The route can be taken at any time of day and is designed for all ages.
Activities for all tastes
The programme kicks off on 2nd July with 'Rain of Letters', an activity inviting participants to discover excerpts from great literary works and continue reading via QR codes. It will be repeated on 6th August. On 21st July, and also on 4th and 18th August, 'Free Books' will take place, a book exchange where anyone can leave or take a book.
One of the highlights is the 'Silent Reading Party', on 6th August at San Juanito (Punta del Hidalgo), at 19:30 hours. Attendees only need to bring their book and, optionally, a mat or towel to enjoy an hour of silent reading accompanied by live acoustic music. This experience, celebrated in cities around the world, now arrives on the Tenerife coast.
Poetry and stories under the moon
On 23rd July, the Bajamar lighthouse will host 'Verses to Lay the Sun to Rest', a participatory poetry reading at 20:00 hours. Interested individuals can sign up to share their own or others' poems (maximum four minutes). The evening includes recordings of authors such as Antonio Gala, Julio Cortázar, Pablo Neruda, Elsa López, Dulce María Loynaz, or Alejandra Pizarnik, creating an auditory journey.
The cycle concludes with two sessions of 'Stories under the Full Moon'. The first, on 29th July, is aimed at families with storyteller Laura Escuela and an open mic for children and families to share tales. The second, on 28th August, delves into mystery and terror with Diego González, also featuring audience participation.
The Councillor for Culture of La Laguna, Adrián del Castillo, has highlighted that “with initiatives like this, we aim to bring reading closer to the public in a different way, taking advantage of spaces like our municipality's coastline to enjoy culture outdoors.” He added that “the programme is designed for all audiences and offers an opportunity to discover new authors and continue fostering the reading habit within families.”
The initiative reinforces the commitment of the La Laguna City Council and the Mexico Canarias Foundation to make culture an accessible experience. Attendees only need to head to the coast, choose a panel, scan the code, and let themselves be carried away. However, it's advisable to bring a charged phone and, for the 'Silent Reading Party', not to forget the book and the desire to read in silence… even if it’s difficult with the sound of the waves in the background.
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