Carnivals
A tradition during February or March, carnivals are the most important celebrations in all the districts of Tenerife and particularly in the capital Santa Cruz. There are huge parades, crazy costumes and partying in the streets; a vibrant celebration that lasts for days and days. Specific dates of festivities depend on the calendar and can change each year.
Semana Santa and Pascua (Holy Week and Easter)
In March or April depending on the lunar calendar, there are many celebrations to mark Easter, particularly in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico and La Laguna.
Corpus Christi (The Body of Christ)
Held in June, Corpus Christi festival commemorates the institution of the Eucharist. In La Orotava, people decorate the town square with tons of colourful sand making a remarkable piece of artwork to mark the procession route and illustrate Biblical scenes.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria (Festival of the Lady of Candelaria)
August 14th and 15th is when the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, the Virgin of Candelaria, is celebrated. Pilgrims from all over the archipelago visit the city of Candelaria to take part in processions. And on February 2nd, there is another celebration of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria (Our Lady of Candelaria), which is a bank holiday in Tenerife.
San Andrés (Saint Andrew)
On November 29th and 30th, the Fiesta de San Andrés (Festival of Saint Andrew) takes place in Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava where traditionally wine cellars are opened up and the new wine is tasted. Youngsters in Icod de los Vinos also sit on greased wooden boards and slide down the town’s steep streets in an unusual tradition.
Nochebuena and Navidad (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
Christmas time in Tenerife is all about the family, with large meals and drinks to celebrate the occasion. After an evening feast on Christmas Eve many people attend midnight mass and in some places this is followed by Baile del Niño (Dance of the Child) where groups dress in traditional clothing and dance before the image of baby Jesus.
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)
After a traditional family dinner, many people take to the streets for a night of partying and to ring in the New Year. There are firework displays in many places as well as music and dancing.
CULTURAL EVENTS
Music Festival of the Canary Islands
In June one of the most prestigious European classical music festivals takes place with the best performers and orchestras taking to the stage. The programme varies every year and there is always an impressive line up of musicians to entertain the crowds in various locations around the island.
Sabandeño Festival
A folklore music festival held in La Laguna during September where various Canarian and international bands showcase their music.
