The Dance of the Dwarfs (Danza de los Enanos), one of La Palma’s most beloved and unique traditions, has made a spectacular return after ten years, captivating thousands who gathered to witness this emblem of island identity and folklore.
Usually held every five years as part of the Bajada de la Virgen festivities, the event faced delays due to the Covid pandemic, making this year’s celebration even more anticipated.
This edition also marked the centenary of the dance in its modern form, prompting organisers to faithfully recreate the 1925 production, complete with the original music by Elías Santos Abreu and the iconic “Polka of the Dwarfs” by Domingo Santos Rodríguez.
An excited crowd assembled hours in advance, filling the streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma with food, drink, and festive spirit. The highlight came when performers, moments after appearing in a solemn scene, emerged transformed into playful dwarfs, launching into a lively, symbolic polka that accelerated with each beat. For the first time, two queens joined the performance, adding a fresh note to the cherished spectacle.
Local officials, including the mayor, Asier Antona, hailed it as “one of the most moving moments in our recent history, more than a tradition, it’s a living expression of our people’s devotion and cultural soul.” The artistic direction, led by Alonso Lugo Hernández, was widely praised, along with the Banda Municipal de Música San Miguel, which beautifully recreated the original 1925 score.
After a decade-long wait, the return of the dwarfs was met with overwhelming emotion, applause, and a collective sense of pride, reaffirming this dance as one of the Canary Islands’ most treasured cultural events.
