La Orotava Celebrates "Noche de Finados" with Film, Food, and Music
La Orotava's Famtàstic festival will host a "Noche de Finados" event featuring short films, a tasting menu by award-winning chefs, and a concert blending Canarian music with electronic sounds, all honoring the deceased.
On November 1st at 7:00 p.m., the Liceo de Taoro in La Orotava will host a special "Noche de Finados" (Night of the Deceased) event called "¡Toma castaña!" (Take that chestnut!), as part of the Famtàstic festival. This festival combines film, food, and music, and this particular evening will blend memories, autumn flavors, and art, all while honoring those who have passed away.
The event starts with "Stories from Beyond... and from Here," a selection of short films in collaboration with the Festivalito de La Palma, the SeSIFF of Seoul, and La Gaveta Producciones. One highlight is "Día de Finados" (Day of the Deceased) from the Canarian Institute of Traditions, which explores the connection between Canarian society and its relationship with death. There will also be international films covering themes from rituals to fantasy. Filmmaker Eduardo Cubillo will also be there to present his award-winning film, "La fianza" (The Bail), adding a local and modern perspective to the connection between film and spirituality.
After the films, there will be a food experience called "Sabores de otoño" (Autumn Flavors), led by Roberto Couto, named Best Chef of the Canary Islands in 2023, and Aday Martín, who won second prize for best paella at the Sueca International Competition in Valencia. They will offer a tasting menu featuring chestnuts, a seasonal favorite. Expect dishes like chestnut ajoblanco with Canarian shrimp, autumn rice with roasted chestnuts, and sweet black pudding bonbons with cocoa and caramelized chestnuts, all paired with wines from Bodegas Arautava and Victoria Diez beer.
The evening will conclude with "Finaos: Voces de las Ánimas" (Finaos: Voices of the Souls), a special concert created by timple player Pedro Ageno with Ayla Rodríguez and DeReo. This performance will blend Canarian roots music with electronic sounds, transforming the tradition of remembering the deceased into a modern, emotional, and interactive experience. DJ Yure RD, from the 7HTP Women DJ Collective, will start and end the night with music.
With this event dedicated to the Día de Finados, Famtàstic aims to connect art, identity, and the senses. The festival, held in La Orotava, brings back the essence of a night for remembering and celebrating, where local traditions meet universal themes, and culture becomes a living tribute and creative expression.
Famtàstic is made possible by the support of the Government of the Canary Islands, the La Orotava City Council, and Cervezas Victoria. After the event in Tenerife, the festival will move to Barcelona on November 7 for a special "Robots + AI" night.