The Castillo de Santa Barbara has watched over the old town of Teguise for 400 years – an unmissable landmark perched on top of an ancient volcano. However, it will soon be more unmissable than ever after a local councillor announced plans to paint it hot pink and rename it Saint Barbie’s Castle.
“It’s an idea that will increase tourism and raise Lanzarote’s profile on social media,” said councillor Primero de Abril, who hopes that the work will begin on April 1st. “The success of last year’s Barbie movie provides a great opportunity for Teguise to modernise its appeal to tourists. Every little girl in the world will want to visit Teguise.”
The castle, which was constructed in the 16th century, has previously been home to a Museum of Emigration and more recently a Pirate Museum, but the new, violently pink castle will be entirely devoted to the world-famous fashion doll. “It’ll have pink turrets and flags and everything,” commented De Abril.
The councillor explained “The idea started when my seven-year-old daughter Laura locked herself in her room when I told her there was no Barbie Castle at EuroDisney. I had to make certain promises to get her to come out and now she’s told all her friends at school and at her ballet class that papa’s going to build a Barbie Castle.”
The councillor admits that the project has not been received enthusiastically in all quarters. “The César Manrique Foundation slammed the phone down on me, and the Cabildo’s heritage department have used language that is highly inappropriate for a public institution. But I think they’ll come round,” he told us.
Ecology groups have also objected to the vast number of synthetic materials that will be used to refurbish the castle. “They’re just being small minded,” said De Abril. “Life in plastic? It’s fantastic.”
De Abril also hopes that the castle will be visited by Margot Robbie, the actress who portrayed Barbie in the blockbuster film. “I really fancy her,” he admitted, “But that bloke who played Ken can stay at home.”
