#Spain #La Palma #Macaronesian Gin #Vicente Leal

Macaronesian Stories: Rebuilding Lives After La Palma's Volcanic Eruption

Today marks three years since the volcanic eruption on La Palma, an event that changed the lives of many residents. This initiative, titled Macaronesian Stories, is a heartwarming campaign aimed at helping those affected by the devastating eruption, especially a local resident named Vicente Leal. In the eruption’s aftermath, Vicente fought valiantly to reclaim his dream that had been buried under ash and lava.

A Journey of Loss and Hope

Vicente Leal, a dedicated individual who spent 30 years building his dream home, faced an unimaginable nightmare in September 2021. Nestled in a picturesque Canarian forest and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, his home was dangerously close to the volcano's crater. When the volcano erupted, it not only threatened his residence but also the dream he had worked tirelessly to achieve.

Over the span of 85 days, the eruption caused chaos, resulting in the evacuation of more than 5,000 residents and the destruction of around 1,000 homes. Vicente witnessed his beloved home being enveloped in a cascade of molten lava and ash. However, the spirit of resilience within him refused to be extinguished. Despite the perilous conditions, he, along with family and friends, ventured into the eruption zone with one goal in mind – to locate and uncover the chimney of his home, ensuring that he could trace back to it one day.

The Call for Support

As the months passed, Vicente confronted the physically and emotionally exhausting task of clearing away the thick layers of volcanic ash. Recognizing that he could not do it alone, he sought help and shared his journey through a video appeal. His inspiring story reached the ears of Macaronesian Gin, a local gin brand renowned for its unique volcanic filtration process. This company eagerly stepped in to support Vicente's plight by launching a community initiative aimed at rebuilding dreams.

A Collaborative Revival

Now, with the launch of the short film 'The Dream that Beat a Volcano', Vicente's story is not only being told but celebrated. This film captures his struggle, resilience, and the incredible community support that emerged from this crisis. Macaronesian Stories endeavors to raise funds to aid Vicente and his neighbors in recovering what they lost.

The campaign has garnered backing from notable personalities from the Canary Islands, emphasizing the region’s spirit of solidarity and unity. This initiative culminated in a gathering at Vicente's property, marking the first time since the eruption that he could welcome guests to his land. The event brought together actors, musicians, designers, and artists, all united under the mission to fight for dreams and celebrate life amidst adversity.

Conclusion

The Macaronesian Stories reflect the enduring human spirit in the face of devastation. Through solidarity, creative expressions, and community efforts, Vicente and his neighbors are not simply rebuilding homes but revitalizing dreams and aspirations in the wake of loss. The journey of recovery continues, fueled by hope and a committed initiative that stands as a testament to the power of resilience following life-altering events like the La Palma volcano eruption.