The Batranco de Santos in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

摘要

First there were ravines or the barrancos: a natural feature in the landscape of the Canary Islands -like mountains, beaches and trees - which were formed over the centuries by the action of water flowing down to the sea. The original dwellers of the islands, the Cuanche, took full advantage of the barrancos seeking refuge in their caves, penetrating the territory thanks to their riverbeds and edges, growing crops on their slopes and valleys and using them as access to the sea. Then, the once-so-useful barrancos turned into obstacles which were difficult to reach and people used them as refuse dump. Over the last two centuries, such abuse, together with the development of urban settlements, led the authorities to introduce sanctions on any misuse. Dumping-ground and latrine, drinking-trough and public wash-house, pigsty and shambles, even lazaretto (in the caves), water reservoirs to irrigate gardens and, last but not least, fascinating background to youngsters' adventurous games, to the traditional fireworks on St John's Eve, to fairs and to music and dancing shows... The medley of activities the Barranco de Santos has has housed over the centuries highlights the difficult relationship between Santa Cruz and its great ravine. Spreading