Within the island as a whole, the Carnival of Puerto del Rosario stands out for its participatory nature, its constant animation and for keeping its own acts that have made it a unique reference within the Canary Carnival. The capital of Puerto del Rosario offers a varied program that includes the election of the Carnival Queen, costume contests -both for people and pets-, competitions of murgas, musical performances, popular dances and the traditional carnival cosos, which fill the streets with troupes and floats.
However, there are two events that concentrate the greatest expectation and that have become authentic signs of identity of the capital’s carnival: the Achipencos Regatta and the Arretrancos Race.
The Achipencos Regatta is undoubtedly one of the most original and expected acts of the whole carnival majorero. Although it is a relatively recent tradition, with little more than two decades of history, has achieved enormous popularity and today is one of the essential events of the festive calendar of Fuerteventura. Thousands of people congregate each year on the promenade of Puerto del Rosario to actively participate or enjoy as spectators of this unique spectacle.
The term Achipenco, in the majorero carnival context, is an acronym that humorously responds to the definition of Artilugio Carnavalero Hidrodinámico Impulsado Por Energía No Contaminante Obviamente. However, the Canarian language already included similar words such as achipenque, archipenque or archiprenque, used to refer to a junk, an object of little value or a precarious construction, a meaning that fits perfectly with the carefree spirit of this regatta.
The idea of the Achipencos was born in 1998, when the carnival-gastronomic collective “Así Andamos” sought to create a differentiating act that would give personality to the carnival of Puerto del Rosario. Since then, this crazy maritime race has established itself as one of the most representative events not only of the capital’s carnival, but throughout Fuerteventura.
The Achipencos are floating contraptions built by hand, usually with recycled materials, where creativity and ingenuity are fundamental. The goal is not speed or to arrive first, but to float, move forward and have fun, although many end up sinking, which is an essential part of the show. It is forbidden to use parts of conventional boats or surfboards, as well as any polluting propulsion system. Propulsion must be done manually, with hands, oars or paddles made by the participants themselves.
The regatta is usually held on the first Sunday of Carnival, leaving Shrove Tuesday as an alternative date in case of suspension due to bad weather, so that the effort of months of work is not lost. The course is approximately 1.5 kilometers, starting from the commercial pier and finishing at Los Pozos Beach, although many Achipencos do not make it past the first breakwater.
In recognition of the effort and imagination of the participants, the City Council awards various prizes that value aspects such as originality, finishes and costumes, never speed. Among the usual awards are the prize for the best creative ensemble, the most original propulsion system, the best children’s Achipenco – built and manned by children under 14 years of age – and the best individual and collective costumes.
Overall, the carnivals of Puerto del Rosario and Fuerteventura offer a vibrant, creative and deeply linked to local identity festive experience. They are a unique opportunity to enjoy music, dance, gastronomy and humor, while discovering one of the most authentic cultural manifestations of the island. Visiting Fuerteventura during carnival is to immerse yourself in an open, participatory and different celebration, considered by many as one of the most original carnivals in Spain.
