The Almond Blossom Festival in Puntagorda is celebrated annually in the municipality of Puntagorda, located in the north of the island of La Palma. This event is dedicated to the blooming of almond trees and has been declared of Tourist Interest in the Canary Islands. The celebration has been held since 1977 and takes place on the last weekend of January or the first weekend of February, depending on the almond blossom season.
The blooming of the almond trees is an impressive natural spectacle that lasts several days. During this period, the Almond Blossom Festival in Puntagorda includes lively parties, traditional and gastronomic activities, talks, contests, workshops, and exhibitions for all visitors to enjoy. In addition, thousands of almond rations are distributed, which, along with grapes and wheat, drive the economy of the municipality.
The Almond, not only the protagonist of the Almond Blossom Festival in Puntagorda but also the queen of traditional sweets in La Palma
The exceptional quality of Palmeran almonds is due to the island’s subtropical climate. Although small, they are flavorful and very sweet, contributing to La Palma’s economy for centuries. In the 1950s, almond exports peaked with sales to the UK.
Almonds are the foundation of many Palmeran sweets and desserts, such as bienmesabe, rapaduras, almond pastries, quesillos, Principe Alberto, and cookies.
The almond shells also have commercial value. They are highly valued for smoking goat cheese, as organic fertilizer, or as insulating material for cave floors.
Tourists can taste these delicious almonds and desserts in many places on the island, as well as purchase local almond-based products as a memento of their trip.
