It's been three years since the La Palma volcano roared to life, erupting on the small Spanish island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. The eruption, which lasted 85 harrowing days, caused widespread devastation, including the evacuation of more than 5,000 people and the destruction of around 1,000 homes. Among those most affected is Vicente Leal, whose house is nearest to the volcano's crater.
For over three decades, Vicente poured his life savings and endless dedication to building his dream home perched above the sea and tucked away within the lush Canarian forest. Yet, all his dreams came crashing down when the volcano erupted on September 19, 2021, laying waste to the land around him and burying his cherished home beneath layers of ash.
Faced with the loss of everything he worked for, Vicente refused to accept defeat. With help from his family and friends, he braved the precarious and volatile conditions of the eruption to reclaim what he could. Equipped only with shovels, they ventured to clear away the ash and expose the chimney of his house, marking it as their beacon of hope for the future.
This year, Vicente finds himself still struggling under the weight of recovery. The towering mountains of ash surrounding his home serve as stark reminders of what was lost. Feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task before him, he decided to seek help by recording and sharing his story. It was then he caught the attention of Macaronesian Gin, the only gin produced on the Canary Islands using water filtered through volcanic galleries.
Responding to Vicente's call for assistance, Macaronesian Gin launched the initiative titled "The Dream That Beat A Volcano" aimed at helping Vicente and others like him rebuild their lives after the devastation. The initiative features a short film documenting Vicente's struggle against the relentless forces of nature, which serves both to inspire and to generate funds for recovery efforts.
Macaronesian Stories, the driving force behind the project, is also supported by prominent figures from the Canary Islands. They aim to highlight the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity within the volcanic archipelago. Earlier this week, several of these personalities gathered at Vicente's plot for the first meeting since the eruption, making it a moving occasion filled with emotion and hope.
The gathering, highlighted by performances from actors, musicians, and designers, showcased the unity and determination of the local community. "Actors, musicians, designers, and artists experienced a unique and exciting encounter, with the shared goal of fighting for all our dreams," expressed one participant, emphasizing the collective commitment to recovery.
The cultural event had dual purposes: to celebrate life and to remind the attendees of their roots and heritage on this volcanic island. Together, they voiced their support for Vicente's mission, encouraging others to come together for those affected by the volcanic eruption.
Macaronesian Gin stepped up not just to assist Vicente but also tackle the repercussions of the eruption, ensuring aid reaches those still grappling with the aftermath. They recognize the challenges many are facing; with dreams shattered and lives altered, the brands have made it imperative to showcase solidarity.
Three years on, the echoes of the volcanic eruption still resonate within the hearts of La Palma's residents, especially for those like Vicente who have fought to maintain hope amid the chaos. The looming mountains of ash still obscure many dreams, but with communal support, there’s potential for renewal and reconstruction.
This is not just about rebuilding homes; it’s about rekindling aspirations and reigniting the spirit of the island itself. The aftermath of the eruption serves as both reminder and inspiration, as tales of perseverance and cooperation bring the community together.
This initiative, combining culture and charity, reflects the unwavering spirit of La Palma's inhabitants. It not only aims to restore homes but also endeavors to restore the bonds of community strength and resilience.
La Palma stands as a living testimony to the forces of nature and the ability of people to recover and thrive beyond destruction. Through efforts like Vicente's and programs initiated by Macaronesian Gin, the island's communities continue to rally together, ensuring no one is left to face the devastation alone.
