Today, the Canary Islands commemorate a pivotal milestone: three years since the volcanic eruption devastated La Palma. For 85 relentless days in 2021, the Cumbre Vieja volcano roared to life, displacing over 5,000 residents and obliterating 1,000 homes. Yet, amid the chaos, an extraordinary story of determination and resilience emerged — that of Vicente Leal, who refused to let the volcano bury his lifelong dream.
The Dream Shattered by Lava
Vicente Leal, a longtime resident of La Palma, spent three decades pouring his time, savings, and love into building his dream home on a picturesque plot of inherited land. Nestled in the lush Canarian forest and offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the house symbolized a life’s worth of aspirations.
However, nature had other plans. In September 2021, the earth beneath his sanctuary erupted. Vicente watched helplessly as molten lava surged toward his property, engulfing it in a suffocating blanket of ash. For many, this would have been the end. But for Vicente, it was a call to action.
A Beacon of Hope Amid the Ash
Vicente Leal at his house today, closer for his dream to be completed.
Determined not to surrender his dream, Vicente braved the hostile environment with nothing more than a shovel and sheer willpower. With the help of family and friends, he uncovered the house’s chimney — a marker of hope and resilience. His symbolic act became a rallying cry for rebuilding, not just for himself but for a community shattered by the disaster.
Fast forward to 2024, and Vicente’s struggle continues. The daunting task of excavating his property remains unfinished, but his unyielding spirit has inspired others to join the cause. This year, his heartfelt video plea for assistance captured the attention of Macaronesian Gin, a local brand synonymous with the Canary Islands’ volcanic heritage.
Macaronesian Stories: Turning Tragedy into Triumph
Macaronesian Gin celebrated for using water filtered through volcanic galleries, launched the “Macaronesian Stories” campaign to support Vicente and others affected by the eruption. At the heart of this initiative is the short film The Dream That Beat a Volcano, chronicling Vicente’s journey and the resilience of the Canary Island community.
“This campaign is more than just about rebuilding homes,” said a spokesperson for Macaronesian Gin. “It’s about reigniting hope and celebrating the indomitable spirit of the Canary Islands.”
The film debuted today, coinciding with a special gathering on Vicente’s plot — the first since the eruption. Artists, musicians, and public figures from across the islands joined forces in a celebration of solidarity, creativity, and renewal. The event highlighted the transformative power of community and the shared mission of turning despair into inspiration.
A Call to Action
Macaronesian Stories is not just a narrative; it’s a movement. The campaign is raising funds to help Vicente and his neighbours recover their lives. The initiative also aims to spotlight the rich cultural and natural heritage of the Canary Islands, an archipelago forged by volcanic forces over millions of years.
“When we come together, we’re unstoppable,” said one attendee at the gathering. “Vicente’s story reminds us that even in the face of nature’s fury, our dreams can survive.”
Donations and support continue to pour in, underscoring the power of unity in the wake of disaster.Visit Macaronesian Stories too contribute to Vicente’s rebuilding efforts and the broader mission of recovers.
Resilience as a Legacy
The story of Vicente Leal and La Palma’s recovery exemplifies the strength of the human spirit. It serves as a poignant reminder that dreams, though fragile, are not quickly extinguished. As the Canary Islands rebuild, they do so with renewed vigour, proving that hope burns brightly even in the shadow of a volcano.
Stay tuned to our coverage of the Canary Islands’ journey of resilience for more inspiring stories and updates on recovery efforts.
Written by: Bridget Gomez
