What can visitors expect on 9 October in Fuencaliente?
The event begins in the afternoon with solar observation through telescopes and using safe methods. This part is led by Miguel Calero, according to the Ayuntamiento de Fuencaliente.
It is followed by observation of shadow movement at an astronomical marker for solstices and equinoxes. This marker is located at the mirador, the viewpoint of the visitor centre. Antonio González, astrotourism technician at Sodepal, is responsible for this part.
The event closes with a talk by Miguel Martín, prehistorian and president of the Asociación Iruene La Palma. He will speak about the beliefs of the Awara, the historic original inhabitants of La Palma, and their worldview.
Who are the speakers at the event?
Miguel Ángel Pérez Calero is CEO and founder of Astronorte. As a Starlight guide, he combines science, nature, culture and sustainable tourism, according to the municipality. From Garafía he offers activities for visitors, families, groups and educational institutions.
Miguel Martín is a historian and teacher. He specialises in the beliefs and worldview of the ancient Canarians. His books include “Cosmovisión Awara” and “Antiguos canarios. La memoria de lo sagrado”, according to the Ayuntamiento.
Antonio González works as a technician in Sodepal’s astrotourism promotion programme. He is a Starlight guide and guide at the Roque de Los Muchachos Observatory.
What is AstroFest La Palma 2026?
AstroFest La Palma 2026 is a programme of astronomical education and astrotourism. It is organised by the Consejería de Turismo del Cabildo de La Palma, the tourism department of the island government, and the public company Sodepal.
The festival runs from 18 September to 24 October 2026. It includes around 20 activities, among them routes, observations, workshops, talks, shows and specialist meetings, spread across several municipalities on the island.
On 10 October 2026 the “Apaga la luz, enciende las estrellas” event is planned in El Paso. The closing on 24 October 2026 is linked to activities around the Full Moon Trail in Tijarafe.
Where exactly does the event take place?
The venue is the Centro de Visitantes Volcán de San Antonio in Los Canarios, Fuencaliente. The address is C. San Antonio, 38740 Los Canarios, according to municipal data.
The visitor centre is located at the San Antonio volcano in the south of La Palma.
Visitors can reach the municipality via the LP-2 road from Santa Cruz de La Palma.
What is known about prices and booking?
The Ayuntamiento de Fuencaliente has not named any admission prices in its announcement. No booking deadline or reservation requirement for the event on 9 October 2026 has been published either.
There is also no information on participant capacity or the exact start time. The municipality only states that the activity begins in the afternoon.
Sodepal points out that the AstroFest La Palma 2026 programme may change. Those interested should therefore check the festival’s official programme.
What defines the Awara worldview?
The Awara are the historic indigenous population of La Palma. The term refers to the original inhabitants who lived on the island before the European conquest in the 15th century.
According to the municipal announcement, their beliefs included bringing time and space into harmony. To do this they used archaeological sites as well as observation of the sun and stars.
Miguel Martín’s talk aims to explain this worldview. It connects the astronomical observation of AstroFest with the island’s cultural heritage.