When you are out and about touring the island, you will pass through lots of little sleepy villages, many of which have a colourful and interesting history. This month we thought we would take a look around an inland village called Tetir.
An Article by Bernie Power with The Voice Fuerteventura
As you leave La Oliva and take the road to Puerto Rosario. You will pass a village called La Matilla and then find yourself entering Tetir. If there was a prize for “the sleepiest village” then this would be well in the running. When you approach it on the main road, you will notice the signs signalling you to reduce your speed. These are often accompanied by a police camera as there is a bus stop nearby, so please obey them.
Eventually, these signs will slow you down and draw you into this lovely, tranquil inland village. As is the usual case with villages, head for the plaza which is right in the centre as here there is a few bars where you can take a pits top, enjoy a snack and cool down with a drink while you look around.
The Church in Tetir - Santo Domingo
The church is well worth a look as it is really unusually built in a pagoda style and the tower can be seen for miles. This lovely building contains a lot of fine artwork and the altarpiece is dedicated to Saint Dominic, Domingo de Guzman who was the founder of the order of friars known as Dominicans in 1216. An order who were very influential in the island during the 17th and 18th centuries. It replaced a church to St. Andrew who is the patron of the village. You can see his name in the stones on the nearby mountainside. Depending on when you visit, you may come across the tri-monthly craft fair, where you can sample and buy some of the local produce that is on sale.
Lucha Canaria - Cañarían Wrestling
Many houses in the village are formed with a local red stone which is abundant and known as a sturdy building material. The lighthouse at Punta la Entallada in the south of the island also uses this stone to spectacular effect. The very large round building that can be seen from the main road is the centre for Lucha Canaria. This is a particular form of wrestling native to the Canary Islands and has similarities to Japanese Sumo where the wrestlers rely on strength and balance to topple their opponents or put them out of the sand covered ring. It is a very popular sport and can be seen on local TV.
Sleepy, Silent Village
Behind this structure is a nice tidy cemetery and as usual you can read the history of the place by the inscriptions on the graves. Speaking of cemeteries, Tetir also houses the pet cemetery in a peaceful rural setting. The traditional agricultural activities can still be seen if you drive around, but is nowhere near as busy as it was in the past. Although many people still live here it is a quiet, tranquil and sleepy town.
Gofio
If you want to find out more about the staple grain 'Gofio' that has been a staple part of the Fuerteventura Locals diet for decades and is still eaten in various forms today, then there is also a small museum dedicated to all things Gofio, that you may want to visit.
