By Keely Aouga
Netflix is known for its wild true crime content, such as the recently released Kings of Tupelo docuseries.
They’ve also successfully put a fictional spin on history in series like The Children's Train and La Palma.
La Palma blends family drama with action by telling the fictional story of a couple’s annual Christmas vacation with their kids gone wrong.
While the characters may not be inspired by actual figures, the volcano they encounter in the Canary Islands – Cumbre Vieja – certainly exists in real life.
The Cumbre Vieja has been erupting for 125,000 years and is considered the most active volcano on the Canary Islands, last flaring up in December 2021.
Before 2021, the Cumbre Vieja erupted in 1971 (known as the Teneguía eruption), damaging roads, crops and homes.
Lava flow from the 2021 event covered 2,500 acres of land, spanning as wide as 2.2 miles and 3.9 miles long.
Though the eruption spanned 85 days, the mortality rate was low, with approximately 7,000 people evacuating to safety.
The damage that came in its wake amounted to 843 million euros, according to the Europa Press. On Dec. 25, 2021 the eruption was declared over.
The story depicted in La Palma isn’t real, but you can visit the westernmost island paradise in the area with your loved ones.
Due to the volcano being dormant and closely monitored, it is possible and safe to explore the tropical paradise.