The island is the fourth largest island and the oldest since it was created 180 million years ago. Your comment has been sent and is awaiting moderation. Canary Islands Spanish (a distinct dialect of Spanish) is spoken in the Canaries, and certain archaic words peculiar to the archipelago show Portuguese influences. We will stroll through the quiet streets of the town, between ancient buildings and conservation sites, and walk up to the impressive 12th century fortress a Templar monastery that dominates the city. People want to connect with them.. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. This information is collected anonymously and helps us improve the site by making the most sought after information easy to find. But as the years went by, the community struggled to stay afloat. We will tour the islands capital of Santa Cruz an ancient port city with colonial buildings. When possible, we acquire the meat locally from Chabad or other reliable kosher source, and in some cases we fly the meat in from Israel. In the heady pre-pandemic days of 2019, Tenerife welcomed more than 6 million visitors. In Spanish North Africa, Jews reside in Ceuta and Melilla. Overall, the population of Spain in 2022, by gender and autonomous community shows that the Canary Islands were the seventh largest autonomous community in Spain when ranked by population with. In Spanish North Africa, Jews reside in Ceuta and Melilla. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. Today we will leave Lisbon for the charming town of Sintra, which offers fascinating architecture and a number of interesting museums, beautiful gardens and impressive palaces. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura are usually the windiest islands. At breakfast, we prepare our lunches so that people have their choice as to what they eat for lunch. The Canary Islands manufacturing industries are small-scale outside Santa Cruz de Tenerife, whose petroleum refinery processes large quantities of crude oil. There may be changes to the order of places visited. Advice needed for Canary Islands - which island? . Read More About Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. Well continue to Hervidros de Aqua where well walk along a strip of cliffs created by the lava, and we will arrive at the fishing village of El Golfo that is located next to a unusual and remarkable natural phenomenon: a lake of green water, black lava sand and blue ocean waters. Meet the tour leader at the hotel. Under Muslim rule, Jews and Christians were granted with the status of dhimmi, that is, protected non-Muslims accorded special status. No matter which island you visit, the sun can be very strong, so pack sunscreen. The US is currently considered "at risk." You'd be right in comparing Spain's Canary Islands to a tropical paradise. Fridays and Saturdays, holidays and holidays in Israel, Sundays and holidays abroad are not counted as a working day. Dessert typically consists of fresh fruits. We will visit the old quarter which is the historical center of the city. They later converted to Christianity and, in 613 CE, the Jews there were ordered to convert to Christianity or face expulsion. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content. These luxury accommodations boast gourmet restaurants, sprawling golf courses and prime beach access. Though it's typically warm at sea level, bring along layers and warm clothing if you plan to hike in the Canaries or visit the Teide volcano temperatures can vary up to 30 or 40 degrees Fahrenheit at different elevations on all the islands. Cookies allow us to understand how you use this site and improve your experience. For dinners, we serve either fish or meat (usually chicken) as our main course. Omissions? It was amazing!. Telephone: +34 917 82 9500 (Photo taken by B.I.) We use kosher cereals, and bread. 939 Santa Cruz de Tenerife - Tenerife. This Torah hadnt been used in 30 years. When an older Israeli gentleman was honored with reciting theHaftarah, reports Peretz, he couldnt get through it, breaking down in tears. Tenerife and Gran Canaria, especially the southern areas of these islands are usually slightly warmer, less windy, and much sunnier. It should be very successfulTenerife is the Florida of Europe and many of the tourists are Jewish. First class hotels or the best available The Jewish community of modern Spain is composed of Jews who arrived from Morocco . Intriguing places and breathtaking views of the Canary Island and Madeira aboard a kosher luxury vessel - Lanserote, La Palma de Gran Canaria, Tenerife. The Canaries use the Spanish currency of the euro (1 EUR). Adding a logistics and kashrut person is dependent upon more than 20 participants. Theres so much to do. A certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19. Megan Johnson|Sharael KolbergMarch 3, 2023, Holly Johnson|Erin EvansFebruary 28, 2023, U.S. News Travel EditorsFebruary 28, 2023, Kyle McCarthy|Catriona KendallFebruary 22, 2023, The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. The law was originally due to expire in 2018, but was extended to October 2019. Most of these have long since been used as churches. It was so sad., The next thing she knew, we were sitting around a table with 35 people forRosh Hashanah. This religion would largely replace the Canarian aboriginal religion through the prohibition of the latter and syncretism. According to a survey conducted in 2019, Canary Islands is the fifth . I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. In my research I have found nothing more about . One of them, though, did share with us that his late wife who was a physician used to visit communities in the remote area of San Mateo and learned that some of its inhabitants light two candles every Friday night. The Canary Islands have a subtropical climate. The 'ZAKHOR' Center of Studies for the Protection and Transmission of Jewish Heritage is located in Barcelona. Co-author of. About 25,000 to 35,000 refugees, most of them Jews, went through Spain to Portugal. Tenerife, Synagogues In the 8th century, the Berber Muslims, called the Moors, conquered the peninsula. A spectacularly beautiful ship, classical, built to give all its guests the experience of a royal palace. Where we dont, we provide disposables at the meals. Accompanying persons between 12 and 17 years old are exempt. Popular cities: JewishBarcelona.org | JewishBudapest.org | JewishBrussels.com | JewishFlorence.org | JewishGeneva.com | JewishLondon.info | JewishMadrid.com | JewishMilan.com | Jewish Moscow | JewishRome.com | JewishVenice.info | JewishZurich.com All these create the magical and special atmosphere in this country. It may be 40F and raining on Teide, approximately 12,000 feet above sea level, and 74F and sunny down below. Travelers arriving from the US to the Canary Islands, or from the US to the Spanish mainland for tourism purposes, must be fully vaccinated. Arrival to London airport , the capital of Britain. We will visit the district of Belem, (Bethlehem in Portugues) a quarter built on the waterfront and where the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama is buried. Learn More I would like to. Sinatra means pink, and indeed this small town is all pink. They came to these remote islands in search of new havens after their expulsion in 1492, The second wave of Jewish immigration to these Islands was mostly of rich Portuguese Jews of higher social class. Antigen tests must be taken a maximum of 24 hours before arrival in Spain and NAAT tests (PCR, TMA, LAMP) taken a maximum of 72 hours before arrival in Spain. The best ways to get around the Canary Islands are by car and by plane. The Romans learned of the Canaries through Juba II, king of Mauritania, whose account of an expedition (c. 40 bce) to the islands was preserved by the writers Plutarch and Pliny the Elder. After breakfast we will drive to the old town of Tomar to visit the ancient synagogue that was built in 1430 and named after Abraham, a Jewish astronomer and mathematician whose name has been given to one of the craters on the moon. We will see the Tower of Belem and the monument to the explorers of Portugal. Spanish diplomats extended their protection to Eastern European Jews, especially in Hungary, because many Jews claimed Spanish ancestry. And if you're visiting some of the bigger islands namely Gran Canaria, Tenerife and Lanzarote you'll find the requisite plush resorts. After Shabbat services, Kiddush and lunch, well take a walking tour of the area near our hotel. We will travel to Guimar and visit the famous Pyramids of Tenerife, where we will learn about the life of the Guanchetos, the ancient inhabitants of the island, who were ethnically and culturally absorbed by the Spanish in the Middle Ages. Islas Canarias or Canary Islands in Spain are most famous for being the furthermost region of the European Union. From Guarda well continue to Belmonte, built around a 13th century fortress. It really bothered us, adds Doron Peretz, we had nobody to celebrate with., Their first year on the island, they thought they were the only Jews there, says Rubi Peretz. It's also a good idea to check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Embassy for updates. And on the island of La Gomera, some of the locals still speak their native language, Silbo. Winter and summer bring loads of tourists, which make accommodations more expensive and more difficult to find. They would only celebrate the main chagim, and nobody ever explained anything. Spain, 939 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Cancellation for any reason from 89 work days to 30 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the passenger will be charged $ 1500 + $ 47 They taught us a lot about things wed never know. Well make a stop at Guimares, the first capital of Portugal, to see the citadel of the city. The Canary Islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. If you are looking for a community to connect and learn, Chabad of Tenerife is for you. gobcan.es Wikivoyage Wikipedia Photo: NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Public domain. He decided to do something about it, calling Liebersohn in Barcelona and suggesting that they work together on establishing a local center. The islands are unique due to their comfortable climate most of the year. Other Countries: JewishArgentina.net | JewishAustria.com | JewishFrance.org | JewishGermany.org | JewishGreece.org| JewishIsrael.info | JewishJapan.net | JewishNetherlands.com | JewishSlovakia.org | JewishPoland.net | JewishUkraine.org We usually serve hard boiled eggs and sometimes scrambled eggs or omelets. This cruise focuses on the Canary Islands and combines intriguing places and breathtaking views: volcanic mountains, and lava rocks that created a huge variety of natural formations, dense forests, cliffs, picturesque fishing villages and verdant meadows. At the end of the tour we will travel to the small town of Castelo de Vida. We will visit a small part of the Cauva de los Verdes, a 17 km long lava cave, after which well descend to another part of the volcanic cave of Hamos de Aquo. Just check it out. All areas outside Cumbre Vieja are safe to visit, as they were not affected by the lava. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure tocheckwhat the current exchange rateisbefore you go. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The most beautiful ship in the world: Queen Elizabeth. Restaurants and lounges surrounded by panoramic views A relatively small number of Jews settled in Spain during the 19th century, and they opened synagogues in Barcelona and Madrid in the first decades of the 20th century. The Federacion de Comunidades Judas de Espaa (Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain) is the Spanish affiliate of the World Jewish Congress. Another woman was crying as she watched. Todays a day to relax and enjoy all of the ships magnificent facilities. "Go run after him," she told her daughter. Those were mostly New Christians also known as Crypto Jews *who were forced to abandon their faith and adopt Catholicism while remaining firm and devoted to Judaism during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Here, too, we will admire a combination of rough mountains, valleys, huge rocks that descend into the sea, charming bays, cultivated agricultural areas and tropical fruits. 22, 2022 | Tammuz 23, 5782Light candles on Friday at8:43 PM in Tenerife - Canary Islands, SpainThis week's Torah reading isPinchasUpcoming holiday isThe Three Weeks | Jul. Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. We saw them as we were walking in a neighborhood wenevervisit, she continues. Do note these policies are current as of this writing but are subject to change at any time. Chabadhas a reputation: They bring together all kinds of Jews, religious or not. At the end of a day filled with experiences, we will return to our hotel to prepare for Shabbat. The town looks like a toy. - Tenerife. Although the Jews did not enjoy full equality, this period, often called the Golden Age of Spain, saw Jews garner significant influence, especially in philosophy, medicine, business, and government. Meanwhile, in spring and fall, the Canaries continue to enjoy the same pleasant weather as the peak seasons, only without the tourist crowds. Were going to travel all over Tenerife and to the neighboring islands, such as Gran Canaria, where there is a small Jewish community, and connect with everybody, he affirms. Our detailed Cookie Policy can be found here. Lanzarote houses Timanfaya National Park, where travelers can take camel rides across the almost lunar-looking terrain. Against the backdrop of this impressive diversity, we will also follow the fascinating story of Jews and the Anusim (Marranos) of this land. The color scheme is fascinating: black island soil combines with green vegetation, while housing construction is low and identical with white walls and green or brown windows. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. Sign up for notifications from Insider! We will learn about the formation of the giant crater, the unique lava species and vegetation, and explore the impressive canary forests. Chabad of Tenerife is more than just a synagogue. We try to provide as many meat meals as possible. Then its onward to Ficus dos Barcelos for a look at Ponciel and Santo Antonio, where the world famous soccer legend Christiano Ronaldo was born. In areas where meat is not available nor readily acquired, we will have fish. Federacion de Comunidades Judas de Espaa (FCJE), Tel: +34 91 700 12 08 We will also visit Lanzarote with its rich and breathtaking volcanic scenery; Gran Canaria, the third largest of the Canary Islands and the island of La Palma. Passengers aged between 12 and 17 must have a negative PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours . Theyd been here for a week when we found them, says Anna. Wed been talking about doing something as a family forRosh Hashanahjust us. Rosen is among the more than 120 young rabbis attending theInternational Conference of Chabad-Lubavitch Emissaries(Kinus Hashluchim) for the first time this year, part of an international cohort of120 couples who are establishing new Chabad centersto commemorate the 120th anniversary of the birth ofthe Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory. Temperatures are warm and show little seasonal variation. It is our aim to provide the finest hotel possible in each area we visit. In 1992, King Juan Carlos in a symbolic gesture also repealed the expulsion order and in 2015, the Spanish Parliament voted to offer citizenship to descendants of Sephardi Jews. Although we do our best to keep the website updated, establishments listed on Jewish Europe are not guaranteed to be still operating or Kosher. Its beautiful beaches, great weather and the #3 tallest volcano in the world are the most significant attractions of this part of Spain. They moved there for commercial reasons during the early sixties of the last century, at the end of the French and Italian colonial period, Jews, however, are not new to the Canary Islands. The law allows descendants of the Sephardic Jewish community from Spain to apply for citizenship after being vetted by the Spanish Federation of Jewish Communities (FCJE) and meeting other criteria such as demonstrating a special connection to Spain and a knowledge of its language and culture. Dont take stones, they might be dry lava (pumice) from the volcano and will eat through clothing ( This happened to a KWB staffs mother!). Only strictly kosher food is provided to our travelers on all our tours. Of course, the Canary Islands are packed with visitors year-round especially from other European countries that don't see quite as much sunshine. Make sure to slather on the sunscreen and hydrate with water, whether you're at the beach or in a national park. Many had never met before, says Peretz. In addition the ship boasts: a magnificent hall for performances, music and singers, casino, bars, luxury restaurants, a spa, gym, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, and of course an active entertainment team every day. Popular cities: JewishBarcelona.org | JewishBudapest.org | JewishBrussels.com | JewishFlorence.org | JewishGeneva.com | JewishLondon.info | JewishMadrid.com | JewishMilan.com | Jewish Moscow | JewishRome.com | JewishVenice.info | JewishZurich.com Dry farming predominates on Fuerteventura and Lanzarote, while irrigation is widespread on Gran Canaria and Tenerife. More Jews arrived from Morocco in the last century and even had a synagogue in Tenerife, the largest and most populous of the islands. Well begin in the ancient part of the city between narrow and steep alleys that earned it a mention as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site and visit traditional wine houses and antique wooden boats, from where wine was transported to destination ports. | Donate | Feedback Updates? Coiumbra has the oldest local university in Portugal and the library of King Joao, which is built in Baroque style with about 300,000 antique books. Shabbat Candle-Lighting Times for Tenerife - Canary Islands Date: Dec 17, 2022 Candle-Lighting Times for: Tenerife - Canary Islands, Spain Change Location Candle Lighting is 18 mins. JewishBelgium.com | Jewish Gibraltar | Jewish Hungary | JewishItaly.org | Jewish Luxembourg | JewishSpain.org | JewishSwitzerland.org | JewishUnitedKingdom.com The original inhabitants of the Canaries were the Guanches (see Guanche and Canario); now assimilated into the general population, they were a Berber people who were conquered by the Spanish in the 15th century. The latter mentions Canaria, so called from the multitude of dogs [canes] of great size. In 999 the Arabs landed and traded on Gran Canaria. Stay up to date with what you want to know. Fuerteventura, though, only welcomed 2 million. If discovered still practicing Judaism, these Conversos, or New Christians popularly called marranos (pigs) by the non-Jewish population were jailed and burned at the stake. This is why the islands are so apt for surfing. before sunset | +0 GMT Make this my default location Shabbat begins Use default for this location minutes before sunset Shabbat ends Astronomical calculation Well disembark at Vigo and drive to Porto. "Hashem brought us together!" Chabad of the Canary Islands - Tenerife. This island archipelago, an autonomous community belonging to Spain, consists of seven main inhabited islands and several secondary islands. The cultural magazine Races (Roots) is published in Madrid. Today we will anchor on the island of Tenerife. Jul. Rosen wrapstefillinwith an Israeli tour guide on the island. Open to all Jewish people regardless of age, background, affiliation or level of observance. Take a tour of the many faces of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands and explore the bustling and vibrant city and awe-inspiring works of nature. It is composed by 7 main islands and 7 smaller islands and islets. Whenever there's high pressure over the Sahara, temps rise and humidity falls, creating trade winds that blow over the islands, often at strong speeds midday. This morning we will anchor in La Palma de Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria Island and one of its most important ports. Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center. See and be seen at these stunning natural wonders. The islands rich volcanic soils and mild temperatures support a wide variety of vegetation that generally follows a zonal arrangement based on elevation. On some of our tours we are able to provide glatt meals. Today, an estimated 13,000 (affiliated) and 50,000 (resident) Jews live in Spain, concentrated in the provinces of Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga as well in the autonomous cities of Ceuta and Melilla. From about 1,300 to 2,400 feet (400 to 730 metres) the climate is more Mediterranean, and cereals, potatoes, and grapes are the main crops. The main course at dinner is preceded by soup and salad and accompanied by freshly prepared vegetables. Our website cannot function properly without these cookies. The major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. At the end of the tour we will go to Coimbra, a beautiful city built on a cliff surrounded by a river. The Abolition of the Inquisition was proclaimed in 1834. It was during the Al-Mohavid invasions of Spain that Jews were forced to become Muslims pushing them to become Crypto-Jews who escaped to Christian districts in search of protection from Muslims (See Roths History of the Jews, 2023 The Times of Israel , All Rights Reserved. Jewish day schools exist in Barcelona, Madrid, and Malaga and several Spanish communities run Sunday schools and Talmud Torahs. Mandatory cookies help make this website usable by enabling basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website. The island of La Palma experienced a volcanic eruption in September 2021 that spewed hot lava and ash over many businesses and residential homes in the immediate area and also temporarily affected the air quality. I travel frequently to the Canary Islands and have done so often during the coronavirus pandemic. The primary sites of Jewish interest are those linked to the Golden Age in the region of Andalusia. It is part of a plain building, just like any other on that same block Their. Theres so much to do. Well drop anchor today on the island of La Palma, the greenest of the Canary Islands and third largest in terms of population. Most of the towns fame came from the most impressive Juderia, the Jewish quarter, in Portugal. Their inspiring and brilliant rabbi is ninety four years old and there is no one who could take his place and ensure the continued cohesive fiber of the community, Will Gran Canaria be one day added to the growing list of places where there once was a Jewish community? The first canaries that settled on the island arrived in 1492, coming from the ships of Christopher Columbus (three of Columbus's four voyages passed through the Canary Islands). The best times to visit the Canary Islands are between March and May and from September to November. Like most of these young couples, he and his wife spent some time visiting the community before establishing a permanentChabad centerthere. Today we will tour the city and visit the Jewish Museum, which offers a wonderful display of Jewish tradition and Jewish life during the period of the Inquisition. It's also important to know the Canary Islands are windy, especially in summer but really year-round. Tip for the Israeli tour guide $5 per person per day. 1. Fax: +34 1 564 5974. Explore the top-rated styles for every type of trip to the beach. It's slightly warmer in the summer when highs hover around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. No one could tell her why, The modern Jewish community of Las Palmas and other smaller, less organized such communities of the Canarian archipelago, are not suffering or being persecuted as their predecessors were. If you plan to visit another European hub before heading to the Canary Islands, make sure to check the requirements for entering that particular country from the United States before traveling. In many destinations we have our own dishes and silverware. Tenerife, Spain Jewish Tenerife; Jewish Canary Islands Synagogues in Tenerife . She lives in Israel and has recently published her first novel, "On A Wing From The Holy Land." Upon discovering this combination of beautiful beaches, luxurious accommodations and out-of-this-world natural parks, you're sure to feel like the cat that swallowed the canary. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider In our last day we will get to know Lisbon, the capital and heart of Portugal. Cancellation for any reason from 29 working days to 11 working days (inclusive) * prior to departure of the trip the traveler will be charged $ 2500 + $ 47 We will climb to the heights of St. Georges Castle overlooking the city and then descend along the winding alleys of the ancient Alfa district, which also includes the Juderia region (the Jewish quarter). I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. Times are provided solely for your personal use, with the following exceptions. This is so important to us, says Rubi Peretz. We set sail at 16:00. We will walk through paved alleys and hear about the community that lived here before and accepted Christianity by royal decree. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and shops. You should also guard yourself against the possibility of petty theft, especially in popular tourist areas, by concealing your valuables on your person or even storing them in a hotel safe. All Rights Reserved. https://www.britannica.com/place/Canary-Islands, CRW Flags - Flag of Canary Islands, Spain, Official Tourism Site of Canary Islands, Spain, Canary Islands - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up), Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain, Fuerteventura Island, Canary Islands, Spain, Garajonay National Park, Canary Islands, Spain. (2011) 2,082,655; (2019 est.) Much of the Jewish population is concentrated in Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga, and is linked to FCJE, although there are also independent Conservative and Chabad communities. Jewish Europe doesn't endorse the Kashrut of the establishments listed on the website. Well take a walk in Funchal, the capital, where well visit the Mercado dos Labradors the main farmers market where fruits, vegetables and fish are sold. In addition, a diagnostic test of active COVID-19 infection will be required regardless of vaccination status or prior infection, for third countries at high risk only. Open to all Jewish people regardless of age, background, affiliation or level of observance. Kashrut is of utmost importance to us and we take special measures to ensure that everything served is kosher. But the reward for accepting the challenge is the amazing view of the surrounding landscapes that are revealed.. At the end of the visit we will continue to the fishermans town of Nazare, located on an impressive cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The Canary Islands, also known informally as the Canaries, are a Spanish autonomous community and archipelago in Macaronesia in the Atlantic Ocean. Take a dip in the pool or play some tennis, sit at the bay window while reading in the library, marvel at the art works in the gallery, share a cappuccino with friends in the coffee shop, enjoy a massage in the spa, score a few wins in the casino, go to the movies or take in a show. The synagogue closed, and its Torah scroll lay in a closet collecting dust. Pop. The most famous of these is the hill of Alfa, on which the Old Quarter is built, and where the Jewish Quarter of the city was also located. and what a beautiful way to spend a relaxing Shabbat on board, along with Shabbat services, scrumptious Shabbat meals, lectures and shiurim. | Donate | Feedback We will make every effort to visit every place mentioned in the itinerary. The couple will be moving to Tenerife together with their daughter in time forChanukah. The major centers of Jewish life in Spain are Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga. Well drive up to the foot of the Tyda volcano, the highest mountain in Spain (about 3,720 m in height, covered most of the year with a snow dome) to admire spectacular volcanic landscapes. After visiting the museum, we will visit the local synagogue, Beit Eliahu, and become acquainted with the local people and the Shavei Israel organization, which works to help bring the Marranos back to Judaism. In that year a grape disease caused by phylloxera (a plant louse) attacked the vineyards, and viticulture was soon largely replaced by cochineal production. The recent arrival of Jewish families from Latin America, where Reform and Progressive Judaism are popular, has contributed to changing religious traditions amongst Spanish Jews. A car will enable you to get where you want to go quickly and efficiently. Canary Islands, Spanish Islas Canarias, comunidad autnoma (autonomous community) of Spain, consisting of an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, the nearest island being 67 miles (108 km) off the northwest African mainland. Annual precipitation, which is concentrated in November and December, is low, rarely exceeding 10 inches (250 mm) anywhere except on the windward northeastern sides of the islands, where it may reach 30 inches (750 mm). Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates often, be sure to.