#Spain #La Palma #Macaronesian Gin #Vicente Leal

Macaronesian Stories: A Journey of Resilience

Three years have passed since the fierce eruption of the La Palma volcano in the Canary Islands, an event that reshaped lives and landscapes. The eruption, which lasted 85 days, not only devastated the land but displaced over 5,000 residents and destroyed about 1,000 homes. Among those affected was Vicente Leal, a local resident whose dream of building a home on his inherited land was almost buried under volcanic ash.

For three decades, Vicente dedicated his life savings and effort to constructing a house in a picturesque location surrounded by lush Canaria forest and overlooking the sea. But in September 2021, his plans were shattered as the ground trembled and the volcano erupted just behind his dwelling, forcing him to witness the lava flow threatening to obliterate everything he had worked for.

Despite the daunting challenges, Vicente refused to succumb to despair. In a remarkable display of courage, he bravely ventured into the volcanic zone with his family and a handful of friends. Armed with only a simple shovel, Vicente aimed to clear the ash from the chimney of his engulfed home, determined to ensure he could one day return to it.

This year, Vicente faced the monumental task of removing the remnants of black ash that blanketed his property. In a heartfelt moment of desperation, he recorded a video seeking assistance, highlighting the dire situation of not just himself, but many in his community. Responding to Vicente’s plea, Macaronesian Gin, the only gin produced in the Canary Islands using volcanic-filtered water, stepped in to lend support.

Macaronesian Gin launched the campaign titled ‘Macaronesian Stories,’ aiming to raise funds to help Vicente reconstruct his house, a dream intertwined with the volcanic legacy of the region. This initiative gained traction with the support of several prominent figures from the Canary Islands, uniting to display the community's spirit of resilience and solidarity.

Recently, a significant gathering took place on Vicente’s property—the first such meeting since the eruption. Many artists, musicians, and designers came together, sharing a collective goal to celebrate life and fight for their dreams amidst adversity. This memorable event, encapsulated in the short film titled ‘The Dream That Conquered a Volcano,’ aims to inspire others while raising the necessary funds to aid Vicent and his neighbors.

The campaign not only seeks to uplift the affected individuals but also celebrates the unyielding spirit and camaraderie that thrive in the face of destruction. Vicente’s journey is a reminder that dreams can endure the harshest of storms, and together, we can rebuild and reclaim what was lost.

This story of hope and resilience is now shared through Macaronesian Gin’s platforms, portraying a narrative that resonates far beyond La Palma. Join Vicente and the community by watching the short film and supporting their dream of recovery, demonstrating that from the ashes of despair can rise the promise of new beginnings.