Spain - Wind turbines hum as Eolica 2008 generates the crowds

The gigantic wind turbines loomed high in the sky, setting the scene for Eolica 2008, Tenerife’s popular renewable energy festival.

There was juggling and face-painting, the chance to have your hair strangely styled, break-dancing, steel drums, a model railway, unusual sculptures, wind toys and even turbine simulators. But all these and more came together at the Granadilla Wind Farm, with its fantastic views over the ocean and craggy shoreline, to hit home one vital message. The world has to sit up and realise that finding alternative and renewable energy sources is now even more imperative than before.

With global warming very much in the international news, Eolica 2008 was being held for the sixth year and once again attracted thousands of people over its two day duration.

More than 50 artists took to four separate stages, with performances lasting well into the early hours of last Sunday morning. In fact, revellers were able to watch the moon go down and the sun go up as the wind turbines hummed.

Artists came from all over the Canaries, Europe, mainland Spain and North and South America. They included headline band Juliette and the Licks, Masters at Work, Asian Dub Foundation, Drummer, Ursula 1000 and Addictive TV. Away from the stages, there were exhibitions and displays highlighting the work of the ITER, Technological and Renewable Energy Institute. All related to renewable energy sources, energy saving, bioclimatic architecture, climatic changes and hydrogen technologies.

Visitors were invited to get involved through a series of fun games and crafts, workshops, films, theatre and dance. Special sculptures were also made of recyclable materials, such as bottles, cans and even straw hats.

The ecological trail was also open with its picturesque ponds and paths which led up to the wind turbine simulators. Hundreds of fans took the opportunity to camp overnight on land outside the wind farm, throwing parties, picnics and barbecues.

Organisers said the festival was another resounding success with even greater interest from the general public and the media.