Bajamar’s Gastronomic Legacy Celebrated
The Fiestas de Bajamar are renowned for their culinary heritage. In 1969, the first monumental paella of Tenerife was made, serving around 5,000 people. By 1973, that number doubled to 10,000, thanks to the tireless efforts of the beloved Tomás Morales, who was key in making this giant dish a reality.
During the 1960s and 70s, Bajamar became the place to be, drawing crowds who travelled from La Laguna on packed buses. Many rented summer apartments, while some enjoyed the luxury of beach chalets.
Nostalgic memories remain, tied to favourite local dishes such as fried fish from Casa Onofre, the famous sandwich cart serving chorizo, octopus in vinaigrette from Casa el Cherif, and the beloved ‘Orange Cruz de naranja’ drink.
In 1969, the excitement of the festivities expanded with the introduction of dinner events for couples, spearheaded by the Hotel Neptuno. The popularity of these dinners grew, and by 1973, over 150 guests gathered at Hotel Nautilus, a significant turnout for the time.
The lively spirit of the era also saw the launch of the ‘Fiestas Canarias’, precursors to today’s Baile de Magos. A remarkable moment in island folklore came in August 1973, when Los Sabandeños attempted a world record by singing non-stop for 28 hours and 15 minutes.
In 1985, Morales returned with another audacious culinary venture: a gigantic sandwich. While it was more than just a large sandwich—he fondly called it a ‘bocadillote’— featuring a bread roll measuring 102 metres long and 33 centimetres wide, baked thanks to local bakeries. The sandwich was filled with a variety of ingredients and required the help of nearly 100 volunteers, turning this feat into a community celebration.
The imaginative spirit of the Fiestas de Bajamar is not just about food; it’s about the people. Tomás Morales and countless others transformed a small coastal area into a vibrant hub for locals and visitors alike.
Though those festivities and summers have passed, the shared memories endure, encapsulating youth and nostalgia in the hearts of many. For so many, the mention of Bajamar brings back joyful memories of summers gone by.
