10 Festivals of Tenerife
The Canarian culture is full of beliefs and traditions that will never cease to amaze us. Diverse among them, the Canarian celebrations, have in common the essence of their first inhabitants and their cultural influences
In Tenerife is no exception, for this reason we have prepared a list of 10 festivals in Tenerife that you should definitely know.
Las Burras de Güímar
It is a celebration that mixes the art, magic and religion of Tenerife and that attracts hundreds of visitors after the Carnival parties that leave that feeling of wanting to continue celebrating.
Just on the Friday after Carnival, the Cultural Association of the Donkeys of Güímar prepare a show that begins with the burial of the Sardine. On that night, the widows and peasants walk to St. Peter's Square, where they are guarded by the Burras de Güímar.
These donkeys are actually "transformed witches." To discover them, the peasants prick the donkeys and these in revenge invoke the coven (satan).
The Bishop calls the archangel St. Michael to fight against this being and finally the witches are burned at the stake. Next to the Sardine of Carnival.
Fuegos del Risco (Garachico – Tenerife)
The Fuegos del Risco take place in the town of Garincho in Tenerife and its origin reflects the history of this town in an emotional way. As is known, Garincho is a town that was greatly affected by the volcanic eruption that destroyed what was the port of Garincho, the main economic activity of this place.
That is why every 5 years this tragic scenario is commemorated with the celebration of this Festival in honor of the resurgence of the new town of Garincho, where the fireworks and the large fireballs thrown down the slopes represent the lava that one day ended with the town.
Mueca Festival, in Puerto de la Cruz
Canarian art is undoubtedly unique and attractive for locals and visitors, that is why for exactly 20 years the Mueca Festival has been held in Puerto de La Cruz, whose real name is the International Street Art Festival.
This beautiful festival, last held in May 2022, makes multiple demonstrations of the different artistic expressions that exist with spectacular themes.
There you can see circus performances, theater, music and dance with the Canarian essence. You will also delight in the energetic atmosphere and the colorful and striking streets that are decorated during the date.
Fiestas de la Candelaria (Tenerife)
The Marian celebration in honor of the also known as "La Morenita", Virgen de la Candelaria, takes place on August 14 and 15 in the region of Santa Cruz De Tenerife.
It is a very important celebration for the locals, since it is the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, to whom several activities are dedicated, including walks around the immense Basilica of the Virgen de la Candelaria, which has space for 5 thousand people.
Among the most important activities of these days, the Guanche ceremony where his appearance is represented for the first time is one of the most important. Also the athletic floral offering and the military parade are relevant activities of the celebration.
Tablas de San Andrés (Icod de los Vinos – Tenerife)
One of the funniest celebrations in Tenerife takes place in the area of Icod de los Vinos, where the wonderful Draco Milenario is also located and it is the Fiesta de las Tablas de San Andrés, which of course carries in itself some history.
This festival is celebrated in honor of the woodcutters who moved the woods taken from the logs from the steepest parts of this region to the beach and did so by throwing themselves on wooden boards that allowed them to get there faster.
In this way, every year on November 29 and 30 the inhabitants recreate this tradition through this playful festival, throwing themselves on wooden boards from the steep streets of Icod.
Tenerife Carnival
This is undoubtedly one of the largest celebrations on the island of Tenerife, so much so that it was declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest in 1980.
In the celebration that lasts several days, both visitors and locals can enjoy the election of the Carnival Queen, concerts, music and parties. The rondallas, camitas and comparsas are also part of the tradition.
On these dates you can see how thousands of people from all over the world come to enjoy the great events that take place here.
Fiestas del Carmen – Tenerife
Another of the most important dates on the island of Tenerife are the celebrations around the Virgen del Carmen. These festivities take place in the month of July, just in the middle, starting on July 16 with the Boat of the Virgin.
The latter is one of the most important for the locals, since the fishermen and the inhabitants of the parishes and the brotherhoods, enjoy the blessing of the Virgin when passing through these places.
Both the image of the Virgin and that of San Telmo, are walked along the pier and taken to their churches at the end, where the celebration ends with a pyrotechnics show.
Los Hachitos de San Juan – Icod de los Vinos (Tenerife)
This celebration is held on the occasion of the commemoration of the summer solstice. In this festival, which takes place in Icod de los Vinos, bonfires are lit that are also known as Hanchitos or candelabras, which has been celebrated since the time of the aborigines.
It is celebrated on June 23 and begins just at nightfall with the celebration of the parade, which takes place from the Vega and ends in El Amparo. All this in a cheerful atmosphere accompanied by music from the tajareste and the participation of neighbors and tourists.
Although it is a small celebration, it is undoubtedly one of the most joyful you will see in Tenerife.
Feast of Santa Cruz (Day of the Canary Islands)
When talking about important celebrations and festivals, this is undoubtedly one of the most relevant, because beyond fun and enjoyment it has a very great meaning not only for the island of Tenerife but for the entire archipelago.
In it, all the islands come together in one feeling to celebrate what happened on May 30, 1983, the day on which the First Session of the Parliament of the Canary Islands was held.
During these dates, all the islands carry out activities that highlight the culture and folklore of the Canary Islands, and that invite visitors to immerse themselves in the island feeling that represents the inhabitants of this region.
Octave of Corpus Christi (La Orotava)
This religious festival was declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest in 1980. It is a celebration that commemorates the processions that take place on the occasion of the Corpus Crhisti, where you will see that the beautiful carpets of flowers that decorate the procession stand out.
It is celebrated in the Orotava and is held in the month of June, where the volcanic sand becomes a floor carpeted with beautiful flowers.