A wave of anger has swept through social media following reports of a large party held by tourists in La Caleta, a Protected Natural Area within the municipality of Adeje, in the south of Tenerife.
The incident, denounced by the Asociación Tinerfeña Amigos de la Naturaleza (ATAN), has sparked fresh calls for stricter access control to locations that are meant to be under special environmental protection.
La Caleta, which has also been declared a Site of Scientific Interest, was already the focus of a joint operation in December by the Canary Islands General Police Force and environmental agents from the Tenerife Cabildo. That intervention resulted in 12 fines for unauthorised camping in the area, highlighting the ongoing struggle to enforce regulations in this protected zone.
Images shared by ATAN on their Instagram profile show dozens of people dancing around a bonfire, with a live music performance taking place. The footage has led to a surge of criticism from local residents, who argue that authorities are failing to properly enforce conservation laws when it comes to tourists.
Many Tenerife residents have voiced their frustration on social media, commenting:
The backlash highlights an ongoing debate in the Canary Islands regarding the balance between mass tourism and environmental conservation. Residents are increasingly demanding tougher restrictions and stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent further damage to Tenerife’s fragile ecosystems.
As concerns mount, pressure is growing on local authorities to respond decisively and ensure that protected areas remain just that… protected.
Organiser takes full responsibility
The Dutch DJ and singer, known as Moto Moto, has publicly taken full responsibility for organising the party, addressing the controversy through his Instagram account, acknowledging his role in the event.
Moto Moto, who specialises in hosting "sober ecstatic dance events", clarified that his gatherings are free from drugs and alcohol and are intended as a spiritual space where people can "dance and connect together in the name of God."
Despite this, the event sparked outrage among Canarians and conservationists, who have condemned what they see as a disregard for the environmental protection laws that govern the site.
In response to the backlash, he has assured that his next event will take place on private land, rather than in a protected natural space.
