Influencer challenge to find €1,000 in the Maspalomas Sand Dunes goes viral

According to local reports, a social media influencer broadcasted that they had hidden €1,000 in the protected dunes of the Natural Reserve of Gran Canaria, prompting people to turn up with shovels and spades in an attempt to find it.

The stunt aimed to promote the DN7 Music Festival, set to be held in March at a stadium in Maspalomas, a tourist resort on Gran Canaria

Word quickly spread about the hidden bounty with crowds of people turning up to the dunes at Maspalomas hoping they would get lucky and find the €1,000 'prize.

Yo solo quiero pensar q es una puta broma estar con sachos cavando en las dunas de Maspalomas pic.twitter.com/31taUAUQvm

February 24, 2024

However, the mindless act resulted in digging, unsettling and and destruction of the area leaving the previously perfectly wind swept dunes covered in 'holes'. Many complaints have since been received, lambasting the negative impact the ill thought out social experiment had had on the area.

The Cabildo of Gran Canaria have since fined the organisers.

The lack of respect and consideration for the natural reserves of the Canary Islands has been an increasing problem lately, usually carried out by holiday-makers carrying out acts such as climbing lava bombs, or walking protected paths.

It is important to remind people that ares of historical and geological importance are protected for a reason, not only for our own enjoyment but for the pleasure of generations to come.

The landscape has now been restored and there were no reports of damage to animal or plant life.