Santa Cruz Carnival Piñata Friday: 61 Treated, Multiple Arrests

Piñata Friday at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, a night known for being one of the busiest, saw many people needing medical help and several public safety issues. In total, 61 people were treated at the Carnival Hospital, a special medical center set up for the event.

Alcohol was the main reason people needed medical attention, making up almost half of all cases (46.7%). Of those treated, 45 were adults and 16 were minors, highlighting the ongoing problem of underage drinking at the carnival. The number of men and women treated was almost equal, with 29 men and 32 women.

Besides alcohol poisoning, medical staff helped 16 people who had injuries or falls. Five cases were related to drug use. Violence also occurred, with three people treated after being assaulted. Eight people had to be moved to other hospitals on the island, either because of their injuries or for more specialized tests.

Regarding public safety, three men were arrested. One was held for suspected drug dealing. The other two were arrested for attacking Local Police officers in different parts of Tenerife's capital. Early in the morning, police also had to break up a crowd of about 300 people in the Maritime Park parking area. During this, another man was arrested for assaulting officers.

The security report also noted 32 official reports for people having or using drugs in public. To manage the large crowds, security and emergency teams worked together. This included the National Police, Local Police, and Civil Protection volunteers, with extra help from nearby towns like Güímar and San Miguel de Abona.

A special operation run by the Red Cross, working with the police and the Juvenile Prosecutor's Office, identified 13 young people. Seven of them were severely drunk, again highlighting the need to watch out for minors drinking alcohol.

On a more positive note, the "Purple Points" and "Rainbow Point," which aim to prevent gender-based violence and promote diversity, reported no sexual assaults or related incidents on Piñata Friday. These points focused on raising awareness and giving information, advising 173 people on topics of sexuality and diversity. The whole operation, including firefighters, medical staff, and security forces, was managed from a central Advanced Command Post (PMA). This ensured that, despite the problems, the carnival remained under control.