Last Wednesday, the Commercial Team of Spring Hoteles, had a “sweet duty” to endure. Our job consisted in delivering Roscones de Reyes, to some of our collaborating  Tour Operators here in the South. Roscones, like the one in the photo, which we hoped sweetened a little bit the day of our colleagues.

This Roscón de Reyes (Kings Cake), is made of a brioche like ,sweet dough, in a large ring shape, and is decorated with pieces of crystallized and candied fruits such as cherries, orange and lemon. The dough of this bun is flavored with Orange Blossom Water, which gives it such a special smell and taste. This typical Spanish cake, especially baked for Epiphany, is eaten on 5^th and 6^th January, the eve of Epiphany and Epiphany Day, when the Three Wise men visited Baby Jesus.

This typical cake, is also eaten in other Hispanic countries, such as Mexico and Argentina. A similar bun, known as “Bolo de Rei”, is eaten in Portugal, and although is also made for Epiphany the ingredients are not the same.  In France, a delicious almond paste cake,  is also made on this dates,  and is called “ Gallete des Rois”.

This Roscón de Reyes is usually served for breakfast or as an afternoon snack together with a thick & hot chocolate drink. The classic or original Roscón, like the one we delivered, is served plain, with no extra fillings. But in the last few years, there is a new trend to fill it with cream, chocolate or even crème patisserie. But we still prefer the classic one, as it reminds us of our childhood days.  Hidden inside the cake you can find a dried bean and a ceramic figurine.  The tradition states that the one that finds the dried bean, must pay the for the Roscón. And the one that finds the little figurine, will be crowned King with the dummy crown with is always included with the Roscón.

We hope you liked one of our most loved traditions!!!

Spring Hotels, who are a major chain of 4* Hotels throughout Tenerife held their 2nd annual golf tournament at Golf Del Sur golf course on Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd of May 2009 attracting some 110 competitors, both men and women, of all handicap levels from all over the Island of Tenerife and beyond. Both my Wife and I had the pleasure in playing both days in this most prestigious event. On arrival at Golf Del Sur we were met at the reception area by representatives of Spring hotels where we registered and were each given from the sponsors a lovely “goodie” bag containing a hat, pen, soaps, T-shirt and golf balls . We were then given our buggy keys and score cards, all the hard work on them had already done for us, by working out how many shots eachcompetitorgot by handicap, thanks to the Golf Del Sur staff.

The format on Day 1 was a pairs competition, the better ball format was used,whereby both players play and the best score at each hole using the stableford scoring system was used. This brought in some great scoring with one pair managing some 48 points. Day 2 was for the Canada cup an individual stableford event. The scoring system for day two was individual and the scores for each pair were counted then added to the first days score. Both days we were given super hospitality at the 9th hole which was appreciated by all competitors I am sure.

To round off two great days of golf, fellowship and fun there was a cocktail party and prize giving on the final day.The prizes were some of the best I have ever seen at any event. Spring Hotels had organised from various sponsors a variety of prizes including overseas trips, plane tickets, All-inclusive hotel stays, ferry tickets, blackberry phones, Large ham, Montblanc gifts,and many cases of wine.

How did we do ? Well as I had a bad back I did not so well, but my Wife came 4th overall so she won one of the two night stays at the Costa Los Gigantes Spa and resort hotel and a beautiful trophy, which I may add put all my trophies to shame. So well done her, and as her prize was for two I will be going to Los Gigantes with her. I am looking forward to my visit as the facilities look first class and I have heard the food is great.

They had a fantastic raffle in which some of the top prizes were included, having watched it I think its fair to say most couples won something . To make matters worse my wife also won a case of wine in the raffle afterwards, me I won nothing ! … But I for one, god willing, will be entering this fine competition again next year…

Source: Welcome to Golfing in Tenerife

Tenerife Carnival 2011 will be celebrated between 27/02 and 13/03/2011.

The Carnival in Santa Cruz De Tenerife is the 2nd largest in the world behind Rio de Janeiro.

In the next future, you will be able to find out more information about the Tenerife Carnival 2010 on this site.