Monthly Archives: January 2021

• Currency Euro (€)
• Flying time from the UK Flights from Glasgow to Tenerife are around 4 hours 30 minutes.
• Language Spanish
• Passport & Visas If you are a British passport holder you do not need a visa to enter Spain & your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.

Puerto de la Cruz holidays 2022

• Overview

• Activities

• Beaches

• Restaurants

• Nightlife

• Shops

• FAQs

Puerto de la Cruz Overview

Exuding undeniable charm and character at every corner, Puerto de la Cruz could be the perfect holiday destination for you. Regardless of whether you’re travelling with your family or as a couple, this part of the island is the ideal spot for some fun in the sun.

Despite its ever increasing popularity, this resort has successfully managed to hold onto its traditional Canarian roots. The beauty of the town centre is made up of weaving narrow streets lined with quaint cream coloured buildings, making our Puerto de la Cruz holidays for 2022 the perfect pick for you.

You can enjoy one of the resort’s many gorgeous black sand beaches, soaking up the sunshine while you take a dip in the sea. Fancy a spot of shopping? The resort is renowned for its fantastic retail experiences, including the popular Centro Comercial La Villa shopping centre which boasts all your favourite fashion brands.

If you’re keen to stay active, head to Lago Martianez – the resort’s huge swimming complex which has seven saltwater pools. Alternatively, pay a visit to Parque Toro to soak up the scenery while you take a relaxing stroll. This beautiful botanical garden is overflowing with lush greenery and gorgeous flowers everywhere you look.

Puerto de la Cruz is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want to enjoy a quiet drink or you’re keen to dance the evening away. There are also a wide variety of eateries to satisfy your hunger morning, noon or night. Take your pick from traditional Spanish restaurants, steakhouses, small bistros and cafes.

There’s no denying the fact that there is plenty to do, see and experience when you book a cheap holiday to Puerto de la Cruz.

Activities in Puerto de la Cruz

Aside from enjoying the resort’s many beaches and browsing the shops, there are a whole host of exciting and interesting things to do in Puerto de la Cruz – including Loro Parque. This popular zoo is home to many exotic animals such as lions, tigers, gorillas and penguins, and it’s renowned for its diverse array of parrots. Loro Parque also boasts an impressive selection of sea life, from piranhas to sharks. The zoo also features a stunning garden jam-packed with gorgeous flowers and lush greenery.

For something a little different during your cheap all-inclusive holiday to Puerto de la Cruz, why not visit Lago Martianez? This impressive swimming pool complex boasts seven saltwater pools which have been carefully designed to replicate the appearance and feel of natural lakes and coastlines, complete with tall, leafy palm trees and gorgeous waterfalls. The largest pool in the complex even has its very own island in the centre, making Lago Martianez an unmissable attraction during your holiday.

Throughout the Puerto de la Cruz resort, there are many beautiful gardens where you are able to take a relaxing stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the town. At the Botanical Gardens, you’ll discover unusual plants and trees, some of which are extremely old and have taken interesting shapes and forms as they’ve grown over the years.

There is also Parque Toro which features multiple winding paths through the thriving vegetation that eventually lead to several spectacular waterfalls. Don’t forget to visit Centro de las Orquideas too. This area boasts some rare, beautiful orchids in a rainbow of colours. If you look carefully enough, you might even spot some pretty butterflies flitting about.

To soak up everything the resort has to offer, why not book a Segway tour? After a quick training session, a knowledgeable tour guide will take you and your group around the resort, providing you with fun, interesting facts about Puerto de la Cruz.

Beaches in Puerto de la Cruz

When you book cheap holidays to Puerto de la Cruz, you’ll have plenty of beaches to choose from. Whether you’re heading to the shore with your little ones for a fun family day out or you’re after a relaxing day in the sand with your other half, a trip to one of the resort’s stunning beaches is a must.

One of Puerto de la Cruz’s most popular beaches, Playa Jardin is a black sand beach – but don’t let that put you off. As you approach the beach itself, you’ll see the simply stunning gardens that surround it, while the dusky grey-black sand feels fine and soft underfoot. What’s more, the water features a lateral breakwater to provide protection from high waves while you take a dip, helping you stay safe while you cool off.

In fact, Playa Jardin is divided into three sections – Castillo beach, Charcon beach and Punta Brava beach. Each section of beach is connected by the busy promenade which features several cafes and shops for when you need to escape the heat for a moment. There is also sunbed and parasol hire available, in addition to changing facilities with access for those with reduced mobility.

For a quiet beach day, why not head to Playa el Muelle? Just 30 metres in length, this beach is much smaller in size compared to Playa Jardin, offering a relaxing spot for you to grab some rays. Similarly, Playa San Telmo is a small beach yet it is a lot more rocky. Although it’s not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the other beaches in the area, it provides a clean, spacious area to relax. Situated right by the resort’s main cluster of hotels, shops and restaurants, Playa San Telmo is conveniently located, making it a fuss-free day out.

Restaurants in Puerto de la Cruz

There’s no chance of going hungry during your holiday to Puerto de la Cruz. The resort is jam-packed with plenty of restaurants for you to choose from. Regardless of whether you’re looking for a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner, or even if you’re just after a light snack, you’ll be able to find exactly what you’re in the mood for.

Located in the Ranilla district of the resort, Restaurante Mil Sabores is a renovated Canarian-style house which has been converted into a traditional Spanish restaurant that serves up delicious cuisine at affordable prices. Tender pork filet with a herb crust and succulent lamb with olives and beans are just two examples of the mouth-watering dishes you can expect when you dine here.

For high quality meat, check out Brunelli’s Steakhouse. This restaurant is a popular choice, serving everything from soups and salads, to burgers and, of course, steaks. You can also indulge in one of the restaurant’s amazing desserts, such as the divine hot chocolate puddle pudding or its famous Brunelli’s cheesecake. What’s more, it’s conveniently located right by the entrance to Loro Parque zoo, making it the ideal stop after you’ve paid a visit to the lions and tigers.

Nestled in the historic old town centre of Puerto de la Cruz you’ll find Cha’ Paula. The menu includes a wide variety of small plates and tapas dishes, including chorizo in red wine, baby squid and grilled sardines. If you’re looking for even more seafood options, Casa Magnolia could tick all the right boxes. Choose from shrimps, scallops, prawns, mussels, cod and everything else in between.

Meanwhile, vegetarian restaurant El Limon exclusively offers meat free options, including veggie hotdogs and burgers, as well as tofu baguettes. This restaurant also provides a wide choice of smoothies made from fresh fruit.

Nightlife in Puerto de la Cruz

Puerto de la Cruz offers a lively nightlife scene, with the bars and clubs throughout the resort coming alive once the sun goes down. Most places open around nine in the evening with the night starting off slowly. But once the crowds start to gather, that’s when the party really starts, lasting into the early hours.

There are several vibrant Canarian bars throughout the resort, including Elements. A small bar set over three floors, Elements plays relaxing, chill-out music and serves up a fantastic selection of cocktails. Meanwhile, Color Cafe exudes an effortlessly cool bohemian vibe, playing soothing sounds of jazz while you sip on your favourite drink.

From local rock bands to tribute artists, The Blanco Bar offers an eclectic mix of live music, while Vampis is renowned for playing the latest house and techno beats complete with a spacious dancefloor for you to enjoy.

If you’re looking for somewhere that’s open late into the evening, Azucar is the place to be. This Cuban-themed bar used to be an 18th century gentleman’s club, and today it plays Latin and salsa music, making it the perfect place to enjoy a night out to remember.

For a slice of home while you’re away, stopping by The Beehive is a must do. This popular British-theme sports bar and pub is a hit with not only UK visitors to the resort, but it’s well-loved by the local residents too. The Beehive shows every kind of sport you can imagine, airing games on huge TV screens throughout the bar.

Puerto de la Cruz even has its own Irish-themed bar. Located near to the quiet harbour area, Molly Malone’s serves all of your Irish favourites, including pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson, and there is live singing every night courtesy of the owner themselves.

Shopping in Puerto de la Cruz

If you like to indulge in a little retail therapy,Tenerife offers one of the best shopping experiences throughout the Canary Islands – and Puerto de la Cruz is no exception. Plus, Tenerife benefits from lower tax rates, so you never know what bargains you might come across.

In Puerto de la Cruz, you will find Centro Comerical La Villa – a large shopping mall boasting a wide variety of stores. Just a 10 minute drive out of the resort towards the neighbouring town of Orotava, this shopping centre includes popular fashion brands such as Guess, Levi’s, Pull&Bear, Zara, Vans and many more, including a variety of Spanish clothing brands. You can even find a selection of fast food restaurants, including McDonalds and KFC, providing the perfect pitstop for a quick bite to eat after a busy day of browsing the rails.

The Martianez shopping centre in Puerto de la Cruz boasts a number of stores, including a variety of smaller independent boutiques offering unique fashion. Also known as Piramides Martianez, this shopping centre is open late into the evening.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for the best street fashion, head to Calle La Hoya where you’ll find over 50 stylish boutiques. For daily essentials or anything you may have forgotten to pack for your trip, Canary Center has you covered. Here, you can find convenience stores, clothing shops and pharmacies.

Even as you wander around the historic resort centre, you’ll come across many smaller shops during your stay in Puerto de la Cruz. Why not pick up a special souvenir to remember your trip? From magnets, postcards and novelty t-shirts to buckets, spades and all of your beach essentials, you won’t struggle to find what you’re looking for.

What is the flight time to Puerto de la Cruz?

When flying from the UK, you can get to Puerto de la Cruz in under five hours. You will need to fly to Tenerife South Airport, and the transfer time from the airport to the resort is approximately one hour and 40 minutes.

• Manchester to Puerto de la Cruz – 4h 40m duration
• London to Puerto de la Cruz – 4h 30m duration
• Glasgow to Puerto de la Cruz – 4h 45m duration




What is the best time of year to go to Puerto de la Cruz?




If you’re keen to book a sunny all-inclusive holiday to Puerto de la Cruz, it’s best to visit the island in the late spring or during the summer months. From June to September, you can expect sunshine during the day, and the sea is warm enough to take a dip with an average water temperature between 21℃ and 24℃.

What language is spoken in Puerto de la Cruz?




The language spoken in Puerto de la Cruz is Spanish, however English is also widely used.

What is the weather like in Puerto de la Cruz?




Tenerife experiences sunshine and high temperatures all year round, meaning you can enjoy pleasant weather in Puerto de la Cruz in any season. From June through to September, the average temperature varies between 27 and 28℃ with not much rain expected. If you prefer cooler weather, visiting during the autumn or spring is ideal. The weather is still sunny and warm, but the temperature is a little lower with some rainfall.

What currency do you use in Puerto de la Cruz?




The Euro is the currency used in Puerto de la Cruz.

What time zone is Puerto de la Cruz in?




Puerto de la Cruz is in the Western European Time (WET) zone, meaning it operates on the same time as the UK throughout the whole year.

Puerto De La Cruz Holidays 2022 & 2023

Seduced by the exceptional climate, stunning scenic landscapes and dramatic coastlines of Tenerife, visitors flock here every year.

Description

You may wish you’d discovered Puerto de la Cruz sooner – it’s been a big player in the tourism industry for over a century. Seduced by the exceptional climate, stunning scenic landscapes and dramatic coastlines of Tenerife, the sub-tropical gardens and enticing restaurants, all laced up with the threads of its historic past, visitors flock here every year.

Who holidays in Puerto De La Cruz?

The sheer variety of things to do in and around Puerto de la Cruz ensures a good time for everyone – young families, young singles and couples of all ages.

Destination Profile

The wonderful thing about Puerto de la Cruz is the way it has remained distinctly Canarian in character in spite of being the main tourist resort in the north of the island. As such, it brings a different culture and new experiences mixed in with all the comfort and cosseting of home. Its reputation as a sophisticated holiday resort has been growing since the first tourists found their way there over a century ago, and it now displays an easy confidence as it goes on welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It easy to see why when you consider the fascinating coastline with its characteristic black volcanic sand and staggering cliff faces, the spectacular, often eerie landscapes in the surrounding unspoilt scenery, and the town itself inviting you to stroll down its elegant streets and relax in peaceful, leafy plazas any time of year. Though it is one of the sunniest parts of Tenerife’s north, it receives sufficient rain to ensure healthy verdant vegetation in the many city parks and tropical botanical gardens which create such a pleasing environment. Thanks to its favoured spot on a projection of land at the foot of the beautiful La Orotava Valley, Puerto de la Cruz enjoys the very best of Tenerife’s bountiful natural beauty.

An attractive, hilly town, the old quarter has paid little heed to the passing of time and is lined with typical Canarian houses where island life carries on as always. Ancient pretty churches and the small castle of San Felipe, towards the west end of the town, reward a stroll around the enchantingly narrow streets and, as the fishing boats return to port and the day’s haul flip-flops on the cobbled stones, there’s a sense that time has completely stood still.

The spell is broken when it’s time to shop, and the newer part of Puerto de la Cruz brings you straight back into 21st century life. It’s here, too, where night life really takes off with a wide choice of fine restaurants, swanky hotel bars and Karaoke clubs. At the other end of the scale, is the sophisticated Casino Taoro, built on the site of a spa which was the catalyst setting off the tourism boom here all those decades ago. The morning after the night before, you won’t have to go far to find a beach on which to laze away the effects either; chose from the short stretches of volcanic sand edging the town, or venture further towards Santa Cruz to find Playa de las Teresitas which draws sunbathers with the fine golden sands brought in from the Sahara in neighbouring north Africa.

Hotels in Puerto de la Cruz are numerous and of a high standard. At Olympic Holidays, we’ve chosen from among the best. So if you pick Hotel Botanico & Oriental Spa, we’re sure you won’t regret it. You’ll enjoy 5-star treatment in amazing sub-tropical surroundings as you luxuriate in sumptuous comfort and take advantage of the fabulous sports and pampering facilities. Or there’s Hotel Rio Garoe, one of the best located in the area, with magnificent views and a tranquil atmosphere. Offering a wide range of entertainment for all ages, the hotel is perfect for families, friends and couples seeking a superb spot and fantastic facilities. If self-catering is more up your street, don’t miss out on Apartments Casablanca, an outstanding complex of apartments where the service and cleanliness never falter.

Weather

 5 Day Forecast – Puerto De La Cruz Holidays

Highlights

• Glorious year round climate
• Stunning scenic landscapes
• Beautiful coastlines

Things To Do

Sport: The enviable climate of the Canary Islands makes them the perfect holiday destination for sports lovers of all kinds, and Tenerife is no exception; virtually every sport is catered for on the island, with water sports facilities in abundance.

Deep-sea fishing: With some big fish potential in the catch, Tenerife is a great place from which to set sail to the briny blue and give deep fishing a go.

Diving: Immerse yourself in the colourful underwater world that swims beneath the waves of Tenerife’s fascinating coastline. You may catch sight of barracudas and groupers as well as enjoying some close encounters with rays, turtles and sometimes even small sharks. Diving schools are located all over the island, especially in the south, at various beaches along the Costa Adeje coastline.

Sailing: Look out for the sports marinas (puerto deportivo), local sailing clubs and federations. You can rent yachts and catamarans for day excursions or longer trips.

Water-skiing: Experience the fantastic feeling of bobbing along on top of the waves with the wind whistling through your hair. Alternatively, bounce along on a jet ski, or parasail above the sparkling sea.

Windsurfing: This is one of the most popular sports as there’s always a breeze in the air – sufficient to keep boarders skidding along the sea’s surface. Windsurfing equipment can be hired at many places along the coast.

Cycling: Head for the hills and challenge yourself around the hairy mountain passes on a hired mountain bike, available in most resorts.

Hiking: If you’re not up to the effort of cycling, don’t miss out on the stunning countryside. With 21 marked trails through the Parque Nacional de las Cañadas del Teide, you can take your time appreciating the wonders of Tenerife’s amazing landscapes. Alternatively, there are spectacular walks through the Anaga Mountain region in the north-east and around the Valle de la Orotava, also in the north of the island. (Click on Things to See for more details.)

Golf: Golfers from all over the world flock to Tenerife every year to enjoy indulging their passion on verdant green fairways and challenging courses with amazing ocean views to boot. There are numerous courses on the island.

Karting: There are several places to go-kart in Tenerife. Tracks vary in speed, size and facilities but most cater for all ages.

Tennis: Tennis is a popular sport in Tenerife with both public courts and tennis facilities within hotels.

Lago Martianez: Enjoy a day out as relaxed or active as you please, at this renowned lido which includes a spectacular swimming pool complex, with cascading waterfalls and beautiful landscaped gardens where sculptures by Lanzarote-born architect César Manrique, who designed the complex, can be admired. By night, the scene is enchanting with the pools lit from beneath and lights illuminating the pathways to the casino. There are restaurants, bars and a kiosk serving ice-cream and confectionery.

Aqualand: A little further afield, on the Costa Adeje stretch is this water adventure park for a family day out. It offers a selection of swimming pools, slides, tunnels and play areas. Entry includes an ever-popular dolphin show, seven of the amazing mammals having been born at the park. Restaurants, cafes, shops, sunbeds and parasols are all readily available.

Things To See

Loro Parque: One of the most famous animal parks in the Canary Islands, Loro Parque houses the largest collection of parrots in the world. It was founded as a refuge for the colourful birds in 1972 and has since become of the island’s most popular tourist attractions. Covering 135,000 square metres, it includes an aquarium and a wide variety of other animals including dolphins, sea lions, gorillas, chimps, penguins and killer whales in realistic replicas of their natural habitats. Whale shows are a big attraction in the park. One of its newer attractions is Katandra Treetops, a network of suspended bridges from which you can observe a range of exotic birds at close quarters.

Los Gigantes: Cliffs are large by definition, it’s true, but none more so than these awe-inspiring examples on the west coast, towering over the town named after them; they range up to 600 metres high. The dramatic precipices are visible from anywhere in the town, but you can really take in their majesty on one of the many boat trips out from the chic marina.

Mount Teide: Unless you feel confident navigating intimidatingly winding mountain roads, its best to seek out an organised trip to Mount Teide, 3717 meters high. It is the highest Volcano in the world, and the highest Spanish mountain. It sits in the massive crater of a prior ancient volcano, which so resembles the surface of the moon with its petrified lava formations, it was used by NASA to simulate actual moon landings. Look out for the Roques de Garcia. The obsidian (cooled magma), gives the rocks – and the consequent beach sands – their black colour and off-cuts are often polished up to fashion into striking jewellery. The mountain shelters the north of the island from Saharan winds creating quite a micro climate, but on the mountain itself, it can get quite cold, so take a warm sweater.

Bananera El Guanche: This is a private banana plantation 2 kms from centre of Puerto de la Cruz. A free bus service runs to the plantation departing from Avenida de Colon throughout the day. The visit includes a short video about Tenerife and a guided tour of the plantation. At the end, there is then an opportunity to sample the banana liqueur made there, and to order flamingo flowers and bunches of bananas to be delivered to your hotel.

Museo Arqueològico del Puerto de la Cruz: This is one of the most important archaeological museums in the Canary Islands offering a collection comprising more than 2,600 specimens of items from the Guanche culture, and a document collection named after researcher, Luis Diego Cuscoy. It has an enormous collection of Guanche aboriginal pottery, including the remains of several Guanche mummies. Also to be seen are two unique pieces from the island, one of which is two limpet shells, a finding of Telesforo Bravo, and a clay idol called El Guatimac.
Other historic buildings worth a visit in Puerto de la Cruz include the small castle of San Felipe, the Church of Nuestra Senora de la Peña de Francia and the Naval Museum of Iriarte House in the street of the same name, which shows the history and evolution of navigation in the area. All Saints Church, which dates back to 1890, is a place of Anglican worship built with money donated by foreign visitors and British residents in the city. The organ, the pulpit, stained glass windows, baptismal font and other items were private donations.

Masca: For the fit and strong, this picturesque village, located at the foot of the mountains in the northwest of the island, is well-worth the three-hour walk through deep ravines and breath-stopping winding roads; you’ll be rewarded with stunning views, so remember to take your camera, as well as factoring in the uphill walk back. Alternatively, you can take a boat back to Los Gigantes.

Anaga Mountains: For breathtaking scenery and unusual landscapes, a hike through this protected part of northeast Tenerife is hard to beat. Still relatively unexplored, you will discover unusual rock formations and hidden villages in which some people still inhabit caves. The path to Barranco de Las Huertas is spectacular and leads to an amazing panorama of the craggy northern coastline.

Santa Cruz: Within easy distance of Puerto de la Cruz, this city, the island’s capital, is well worth a visit. It is home to one of the most historically important harbours in the Atlantic Ocean, a frequent stop-off point for 19th-century fleets heading for the Americas. Today it is a vibrant cosmopolitan city choc-a-bloc with interesting things to see, arresting architecture and, of course, great places to shop and eat. Explore it on an open-topped bus with the option to get off and on as suits your schedule.

Festivals and Carnivals: Tenerife is an island that revels in its colourful celebrations which take place all year round. Carnivals take place in all areas, but especially Santa Cruz during February and March, when huge costumed parades and partying fill the streets. Easter celebrations are held in many places including Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava. The latter also plays host to the Corpus Christi festival in June, when the town square is decorated with tons of colourful sand to illustrate biblical events. August 14th and 15th are when the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands, the Virgin of Candelaria, is honoured with pilgrims from all over the Canaries travelling to the city of Candelaria in Tenerife to take part in processions. In late November, the Fiesta de San Andrés takes place in Puerto de la Cruz and La Orotava when, traditionally, wine cellars are opened up and the new wine is tasted. Youngsters in Icod de los Vinos enjoy a tradition of sliding down the town’s steep streets on greased wood boards. The climate in the Canaries makes it a favourite winter destination, too, and at Christmas and New Year, you may catch sight of the Baile del Nino (Dance of the Child) where groups of people in traditional dress dance before the image of the infant Christ, or one of the firework displays welcoming in the new year.
As well as religious celebrations, one of the most prestigious European classical music festivals takes place in June with a varied programme and impressive line up of musicians performing at various locations around the island. In Laguan in September, is the Sabandeno Festival of folk music with both Canarian and international bands in the line up.

Canarian Wrestling (Lucha Canaria): A popular tourist attraction, this is a spectator sport practised throughout the islands, usually in teams of twelve.

La Orotava: Located within the stunning Orotava valley is this ancient town distinguished by its picturesque buildings and quaint cobbled streets. Its historic centre is a popular tourist destination, where the Concepcion Church and Casa de los Balcones (houses of the balconies) perfectly represent the island’s unique architecture.
The town also has a beautiful botanic garden, La Hijuela del Botanico. Created to acclimatise new species coming over from America, the garden was commissioned between 1788 and 1832 and came into being through investment from the Marquis of Villanueva del Prado. In the middle of the 19th century, gardener Germán Widpret further developed it into a splendid display and in 1941 it came into the hands of the Institute for Agronomic Research. It is now home to more than 3,000 plant species, mainly native Canary Island flora but also including spectacular exotic species.

Playa de las Américas: Renowned for its round-the-clock party atmosphere, Playa de las Americas is one of the most popular places to visit in Europe. Located on the south coast of Tenerife, it is the place young people head to for its hedonistic appeal. This emanates in particular from the one-kilometre stretch known as Verònicas, packed with nightclubs, cabaret bars, live music venues, shops and restaurants. Neon lights, music pumping out of doorways and people dancing in the street are all to be expected here every night of the week!

All hotels in Puerto de la Cruz

Blue Sea Interpalace Hotel

Hotel Blue Sea Costa Jardin and Spa

El Tope Hotel

Apartamentos Ambassador

Apartamentos Bahia Playa

Be Live Adults Only Tenerife

RF Apartamentos Bambi

Puerto de la Cruz Deals from £111

Puerto de la Cruz Holiday Deals

From £111 per person

Puerto de la Cruz holidays transport you to a luxuriant landscape, filled with tropical palms and plantations, in the fertile Valley of Orotava on the northern coast of Tenerife. It is a historic town, with buildings dating from the seventeenth century, that was popular with tourists long before the advent of cheap flights and package holidays. The port is very busy with cruise ships docking almost daily along with local fishing boats. Playa de Jardin is the town beach which is comprised of coarse black sand. Remember that it slopes into the mighty Atlantic Ocean, and while waves may not always be heavy, there are strong currents. The attractive backdrop to this beach, and also Martianez beach, was designed by the architect Cesar Manrique and is composed of gardens and waterfalls, terraces and bridges. It’s a very pleasant place to while away the hours. Tenerife has much to tempt you from the beach with its range of attractions and excursions. The Siam waterpark is very popular with families, as is the Loro bird Park. Those who take a delight in more natural pursuits will enjoy the botanical gardens at La Paz and the volcanic landscape of Mount Teide. On a clear day, you can take the cable car to the top and experience stunning views. Whether you have come for relaxation or adventure, your low-cost Puerto de la Cruz holiday is sure to satisfy.

Puerto de la Cruz has a range of hotels, apartments and studios with prices to suit most budgets. Make sure you compare the discounted prices of the all inclusive holidays, as they can be cheaper than you’d imagine, and may even provide good value. When it comes to eateries, Puerto de la Cruz is a cut above the rest. Although you will find the occasional English style pub and the odd fast food outlet, restaurants are, for the most part, family owned and serve high-quality meals. Wines are generally inexpensive. If you are looking for a lively nightlife, head for the Avenida de Colon where you’ll find a selection of music bars and discos. There are of course many relaxed venues where you can spend the evening with family and friends. Puerto de la Cruz has many speciality stores and boutiques as well as a Saturday market. If you are looking for gifts and souvenirs, the market is the place to go.

Low cost Puerto de la Cruz holidays can be taken at any time of year as the winters are pleasantly mild and summers are hot. Several budget airlines fly direct from regional airports to Tenerife. You can check on the Cheekytrip website to see if there are holidays from your local airport. Transfers to the resort take approximately one hour.

Puerto de la Cruz is one of Tenerife’s more upmarket and sophisticated resorts where the atmosphere is traditional, very different from that which is found in most coastal resorts. This said it remains possible to find holiday bargains. If you wish to avoid the lengthy, and at times, tiresome task of trawling through web page after web page where advertisers try to outdo each other, leave it to us. Cheekytrip is a price comparison site with access to the best offers from more than three dozen travel companies, all of whom are competing for your booking. This inevitably leads to greatly discounted prices. Since it only involves one quick search, it takes just a few moments of your time. Simply enter your dates, your destination and point of departure and, within a matter of minutes, we’ll show you the Puerto de la Cruz holiday that costs the least. All you need do is make the call to secure your booking. Since offers change daily, to avoid disappointment, call without delay.

Related Pages

• Tenerife
  
  • Arona
  • Buenavista
  • Callao Salvaje
  • Chayofa
  • Costa Adeje
  • Costa del Silencio
  • El Medano
  • Golf del Sur
  • Guia de Isora
  • Icod de los Vinos
  • La Caleta
  • La Esperanza
  • La Laguna
  • La Orotava
  • Las Caletillas
  • Los Cristianos
  • Los Gigantes
  • Los Realejos
  • Playa de la Arena
  • Playa de las Americas
  • Playa de Santiago
  • Playa Paraiso
  • Puerto de la Cruz
  • Puerto Santiago
  • Santa Cruz
  • Santa Ursula

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PUERTO DE LA CRUZ – TRADITIONS AND FESTIVALS

Hotel search in Puerto de la Cruz

Residents of Puerto de la Cruz observe a lot of interesting traditions. One of the main embodiments of regional culture is interesting holidays that are held in the resort throughout the year. Locals love to have fun, so all the holidays here are held on a grand scale. One of the brightest and most anticipated holidays for local residents is the carnival, which starts at the end of February and usually lasts a week.

Travelers looking for the most stylish hotels will love the Hotel Vallemar. This hotel is located close to the coast and its rooms are decorated in an aristocratic style… Open

The main part of the festive programs takes place right on the city streets, where you can see local residents dressed in colorful costumes, musicians and dancers. Every day during the celebration of the carnival, interesting entertainments take place on the city streets. On the squares, you can watch the performances of musicians and dancers, try dishes prepared according to traditional recipes right on the street, and watch all kinds of competitions. The annual carnival is held in all cities of the island of Tenerife. The festivities in Puerto de la Cruz are considered to be one of the most interesting.

Another original tradition among the locals is the romerias celebrations. So it is customary to call the holidays on which the townspeople honor their patron saints. The traditions of holding such holidays are more than one hundred years old, they began to be held in the Middle Ages. Local fishermen and farmers, merchants and artisans have their patrons, and every year they arrange magnificent celebrations in their honor. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Fans of luxury holidays in the popular resort of Tenerife can visit the luxurious Hotel Best Semiramis. It is located on top of a cliff and has a vast surrounding area with a swimming pool, … Open

Now everyone takes part in thematic holidays, regardless of occupation. The solemn day is usually divided into two parts – official and festive. In the first half of the day, celebrations take place in local churches, statues of saints are carried through the streets of the city, and some of them can even be sent to sail by sea. After the end of the official part, a series of cheerful street festivities, open-air concerts, traditional treats and evening fireworks begins.

In the variety of such holidays for Puerto de la Cruz, Fiesta del Carmen is considered one of the most significant. This holiday is held in honor of Our Lady of Carmen, which local sailors consider their main patroness. The solemn procession begins at the church of Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Pena de Francia, they take out the statue of the patron saint from it and walk with it along the main city streets to the very fishing harbor. Here, the statue is loaded onto a longboat and sent on a short voyage along the coast, and when it returns to land, a series of noisy entertainment begins. Until late at night, music does not stop on the city streets, the aromas of freshly prepared food come from everywhere, carousels and attractions are installed right on the city streets and squares for children. The holiday in honor of the patron saint ends with a grandiose fireworks display, which is most convenient to watch from the coast. This grandiose festival has become so popular that residents from neighboring cities also visit it every year.

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In recent years, in addition to traditional holidays, Puerto de la Cruz has also begun to host very interesting modern festivals. A great example is the Mueca Contemporary Art Festival, usually held in May. It is attended by artists and designers from various countries, the main task of the festival is to enable creative people to show their talents. Young artists and sculptors, designers and photographers compete within the framework of the festival, and performances by young musicians are also an obligatory part of the festival.

From a tourist point of view, this festival is one of the most spectacular. Exciting performances of acrobats, dance performances and theatrical performances are held right on the city streets. The main part of the festival program is available for free visiting, only some performances are paid. It is also worth noting that local restaurants and bars take an active part in the colorful festival; in the evenings, they also hold performances by musicians.

The resort has shops of various specializations; it will be interesting to shop here for both budget travelers and wealthy tourists. Twice a year in local shopping malls … Open

The locals love and know how to have fun, so at any time of the year, guests of Puerto de la Cruz can witness interesting celebrations. Festivals and folk holidays here are necessarily accompanied by street festivities, and traditional treats are also an obligatory attribute of such holidays. They are usually cooked right on the streets, wonderful sardines and other sea delicacies are grilled, and traditional salads and desserts are also offered to guests of the holiday. The attitude of local residents to foreign tourists is very friendly and interested. Many local holidays have long been known outside the island, so they are always visited by many curious tourists.

This guide to traditions and festivals in Puerto de la Cruz is protected by the copyright law. Full reprinting is permitted only if the source is indicated with a direct link to www.orangesmile.com.

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Travel Notes on OrangeSmile.com – Aboriginal Features of Puerto de la Cruz, Spain. Local traditions, mentality, way of life, habits, as well as attitude to the world and to tourists in Puerto de la Cruz. Festivals, festivities and festivities, when is the best time to come to taste the whole flavor of Puerto de la Cruz.

Holidays in the Canary Islands | Russian center on the island of Gran Canaria

Like the Spaniards, the Canarians just love holidays and fun , so if you try to collect all the holidays of all the islands, it turns out that the inhabitants of the Canary archipelago celebrate something almost every day.

Many Canarian holidays have a close connection with nature. Here you can trace the traces of the ancient Aboriginal society. Some modern Canarian festivities keep the traditions of the Guanches alive, such as the lowering of a branch in Agaete. In addition, the local sport – Canarian wrestling comes from the favorite sport of the natives.

However, the basis of most holidays is religious motivation. Pilgrimages and processions are typical features of folk religion. Latin American influence laid the foundation for one of the most anticipated and colorful holidays, taking place in the rhythms of samba and Latino music. Carnival in the Canary Islands is considered the largest in Europe and the second in the world after the Brazilian.

Nearly all residents have fun day and night to the fiery rhythms for more than a week. The dates of the Carnival are connected with Catholic Easter – after the Carnival, Lent begins. Usually the time of the Carnival falls on February-March. The first venue for the carnival is Santa Cruz de Tenerife, and from 19In 76, the Carnival is also held in Gran Canaria, and not only in the capital, but also in Agüimes, Telde, Maspalomas and other cities, while the celebration moves from one place to another. So the celebration of the Carnival as a whole takes more than a month.

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January 6, Canarians celebrate the Day of the Three Wise Men, which ends the New Year’s festivities. It is dedicated to the three wise men – Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, who came to Bethlehem to worship the baby Jesus. In some cities (for example, the city of Aguimes in Gran Canaria), a festive procession is arranged on this day.

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During February , , the Almond Blossom Festival (Fiesta de almendro en flor) takes place in various cities in Gran Canaria, marking the beginning of spring. At this time, the almonds are covered with a delicate white-pink color. The holiday is celebrated especially brightly in the cities of Tejeda (Tejeda) and Valsequillo (Valsequillo). On this day, everyone can taste almond wine and local almond sweets.

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On February , , some islands celebrate Water Day (Fiesta del Agua), which goes back to the ancient rituals of the Guanches, to ask the gods to send rain to the Canary lands. In Gran Canaria, this holiday is most interesting in the cities of Caideros and Artenara.

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In March-April on the eve of Easter, the Canarians celebrate Holy Week (Semana Santa). These days, colorful religious processions pass through the streets of cities, as well as performances on biblical subjects.

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April 29, in Gran Canaria celebrate the Aboriginal Festival (Fiesta de los Aborigenes) – the last uprising of the Guanches against Spain and the annexation of the island to the Crown of Castile. Various dance and music events are held on this day. The brightest celebrations take place in the city of Fortaleza Grande.

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From April 30 to May 7, , the Fiesta del Queso del Flor takes place in Guia, Gran Canaria. This city is famous for the production of one of the most popular products of Canarian cuisine – cheese. On this day, cheese tastings are held, accompanied by traditional music and dances.

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On May 30, , events dedicated to the Day of the Canary Islands take place throughout the archipelago. On this day in 1821, the Canary Islands were proclaimed a separate province within Spain. The festival program always includes folk dance competitions, traditional stick fights and Canarian wrestling tournaments.

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In , the Feast of the Body of the Lord (Corpus Christi) is held in the archipelago at the end of May – beginning of June . By this day, the streets of the cities of the archipelago are covered with unique carpets of fresh flowers and volcanic materials. Stunning biblical creations by local craftsmen turn the streets into continuous flower carpets.

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On June 23-24, , on the day of the summer solstice, the inhabitants of the Canary Islands celebrate San Juan’s Day (Fiesta de San Juan). The traditions of the celebration have been preserved since ancient times – the Canarians dance around huge bonfires, participate in various contests and competitions. And at midnight everyone goes to swim in the ocean, and also bring gifts to the sea as fruits.

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From July 4 to July 8, , the Clay Festival takes place in Santa Brígida. Since ancient times, this material has been indispensable in folk crafts, as you can see by getting acquainted with the skill of local craftsmen at the festival.

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On July 16, , Saint Carmen’s Day (Fiesta del Carmen) is celebrated on the islands. Virgin Mary del Carmen is considered the patroness of fishermen here, so the holiday is especially bright in the ports of the islands. Also on this evening, very colorful fireworks are arranged.

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On August 4, , the inhabitants of the Canary Islands celebrate the ancient festival of the Guanches tribe Descent of the Branch (Bajada de la Rama). It is also associated with rituals for calling rain. In towns and villages (Agaete and Puerto de las Nieves are especially interesting), the inhabitants decorate pine branches and take them out to the sea, and then throw them into the waves.

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On August 15, , the whole of Spain celebrates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to Heaven.

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September 6-8, in Gran Canaria celebrate the day of the Virgin Mary del Pino (Nuestra Señora del Pino). Pilgrims from all over the archipelago flock to the city of Teror in order to bow to this saint, the patroness of the Canary Islands. On these days, festive masses and solemn processions take place.

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September 7-11, in the city of Puerto de la Aldea (Puerto de la Aldea) on Gran Canaria takes place the Festival of the Lagoon (Fiesta del Charco), also associated with the water rituals of the ancient tribes. Residents bathe in the ocean in clothes, try to catch fish with their hands, and compete in various sports.

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October 5 in the city of Agüimes in Gran Canaria celebrate the Day of the Virgin of the Rosario (Virgen del Rosario). This holiday also vividly reflects the local flavor: competitions are held in folk dances, songs, wrestling, as well as many other traditional competitions. As part of this holiday, the inhabitants of Aguimes also honor not only water, but also flour, an indispensable element of Canarian cuisine.

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October 12 – Spain Day.

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On November 1, All Saints’ Day is celebrated throughout Spain.

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December 6, — Constitution Day.

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December 8, — Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. During the celebration of this feast, Spanish priests have the privilege of wearing a blue casula, an element of the liturgical vestment.

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December 25, The Canary Islands, together with the entire Catholic world, celebrate Christmas. Many cities host colorful performances, concerts and fairs.

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La Fiesta del Charco en La Aldea de San Nicolas, Gran Canaria, 11/09/2014

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Holidays in Tenerife | Weekend in Tenerife

January 1 – New Year (Ano Nuevo) in Tenerife

This is certainly the most beloved and celebrated holiday on the planet. For the Spaniards, he is loved no less, but still, by virtue of Catholicism, Christmas is the main New Year’s holiday. For Catholics, the New Year is still the middle of the Christmas period, which begins just on Christmas Eve.

January 6 – Catholic Theophany (Epifania)

Epiphany is the Greek name for the feast of the Epiphany or known as Theophany. The holiday commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. Recall that the baptism itself took place on the Jordan River.

February 2 – The Day of Our Lady of Candelaria

The history of the day of Our Lady begins on the island of Tenerife. According to legend, the ancient inhabitants of the island, called the Guanches, found a figurine of a woman on the ocean, which became their shrine. The ancients called her Tara and considered her to be their progenitor. The Spanish conquistadors, having broken the resistance of the Guanches, involved the conquered in Catholicism and, for greater favor, called the Mother of God.

March 19 – St. Joseph’s Day (San Jose)

Father’s Day has been celebrated in Spain since 1972. This holiday is officially fixed. The date was not chosen by chance, in the biblical legend, it is on March 19 that Joseph becomes the father of Jesus Christ.

April 2 – Catholic Good Friday (Good Friday)

Good Friday is celebrated on the Thursday before Easter. This is one of the most important Christian holidays, which is dedicated to the remembrance of Jesus Christ, his removal from the cross and the burial of the body.

April 23 – Valentine’s Day (Dia de Sant Jordi)

Probably, like all over the world in Spain, a holiday dedicated to all loving hearts is eagerly celebrated. It’s about celebrating Valentine’s Day. True, the holiday itself has its own name and is referred to as the day of St. George, but the celebration itself is essentially no different.

May 1 – Labor Day (Dia de los Trabajadores)

International Workers’ Day or International Labor Day. Who, if not the Spaniards, is close to the holiday dedicated to Labor Day and this day the inhabitants of the cities do not spend at all at work. A lot can be said about the attitude of the Spaniards to work, these are subsidies and trade unions, social guarantees and guaranteed minimum pensions, and much more, but this is a topic for a completely different conversation.

May 30 – Canary Islands Day

In 1983, it was decided to give the Canary Islands the status of an autonomous region within Spain with Santa Cruz de Tenerife as its capital. On the same day, the first meeting of the Parliament of the Canary Islands took place. Due to the confrontation between the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, it was decided to create two provinces: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the islands – Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro and the province of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the islands – Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote.

June 3 – Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

The biggest celebration takes place in the city of La Orotava, located on the northern part of the island. This holiday stands on the border of Easter and is celebrated in June, on the fortieth day after Easter.

June 23 – San Juan

The celebration begins on June 23 and continues all night. An analogue of the Russian holiday of Ivan Kupala or the solar equinox, on this day it is customary to make fires on the island. There are countless bonfires, they are practically in the yard of every house. The climax of the holiday takes place on the ocean, the Spaniards and just the inhabitants of the island go to the beaches and make huge bonfires with joint efforts.

August 14 – 15 – Assumption of Our Lady of Candelar

Feast in honor of the patron saint of the Canary Islands – Our Lady of Candelar. According to the Catholic Church, the body and soul of the Virgin Mary was taken to heaven after She finished her days on earth. Pilgrims from all over the archipelago flock to the city of Candelaria to participate in the festive processions. The holiday is similar to the one on February 2.

October 12 – Spain’s Day (Diadela Hispanidad)

Spain’s national holiday or America’s Discovery Day, also known as Columbus Day.

November 1 – All Saints’ Day (DiadeTodosLosSantos)

Christian holiday celebrated in Tenerife in honor of all saints.

December 6 – Constitution Day (Dia de la Constitucion Espanola)

Compared to other European countries, in Spain the new Constitution was adopted relatively recently. The victory of democratic values ​​after almost forty years of dictatorship (1939-1975) made it possible to open a new page in Spanish history.

December 24 – Catholic Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) – the night before Christmas.

This is the night before the celebration of Christmas, which actually marks the beginning of the New Year holidays. This day, or rather night, is usually spent at home with the family, arranging a festive dinner and making gifts to the family.

December 25 – Christmas (FelizNavidad).

Christmas in Spain is the most important winter holiday, starting the day before. In fact, Spain has been in a New Year’s fever since the 20th of December, and many companies let their employees go on vacation.

Preparations begin much earlier, since November the city begins its transformation, a lot of New Year’s paraphernalia appears on the streets, houses and shops, numerous illuminations light up, New Year’s toys appear. That Canary is bad on the balcony of which the figure of Santa Claus did not appear, climbing up the stairs to his house. Despite the sun and palm trees, the real atmosphere of the New Year holidays comes to the island.

December 28 – Day of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem

This holiday is very reminiscent of a similar French holiday (celebrated in Russia too) – April 1st. On this day, everyone tries to play a trick on their friend or colleague.

TENERIFE HOLIDAYS with moving dates:

January 5-7 – Cabalgata de los Reyes (Procession of the Three Kings in Santa Cruz)

Dedicated to the three pagan kings Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar, who, according to church legend, came with gifts to Bethlehem bow to the Christ child. In each of the cities of the island, their own processions are held dedicated to this holiday. The Spaniards consider this holiday to be analogous to the Christian Christmas.

February

Carnival, traditionally held in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in February, is the most important celebration in all areas of Tenerife, especially in its capital, Santa Cruz. On the days of the carnival, grandiose parades are held, and the celebration lasts for many days. Many do not even realize that this Spanish street festival is the largest held in Europe and the second in the world after the carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

March-April – Holy Week (Santa Semana) and Easter

In March or April, depending on the lunar calendar, there are many festive events dedicated to Easter, which are especially celebrated in Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava, Garachico and La Laguna.

April-May

Festival of the Cross (Fiestas de la Cruz) celebrated in the capital of the island, the city of Santa Cruz, as well as in those cities in the name of which there is the word Cruz, that is, the cross.

June

Celebrations at the Romeria de San Isidro in La Orotava and at the Fiestas de San Juan in Icod de los Vinos

July – Romeria de San Benito to La Laguna;

Fiestas del Mar Sea Festival in Santa Cruz and Puerta de la Cruz.

December 8

Usually another Orthodox holiday is celebrated on this day, the Immaculate Conception or Immaculada Concepcion.

# Holidays in Tenerife | Weekends in Tenerife

Festivals and holidays in the Canary Islands

There are so many holidays (and they are called “fiesta” here) that you can watch them almost every day, moving from one city to another city.

First of all, we are talking about religious holidays, which testifies to the loyalty of the Canarians to Catholicism.

All religious holidays are at the same time folk holidays, during which, through the religion of the Spaniards, the secular traditions of the Canarians find their expression. Thanks to the fiesta, the Canarians have managed to preserve their traditions. These traditions have not been influenced by mass tourism, very few tourists take part in them, although there is no better opportunity to get to know the true life of the Canarians than to listen to music and watch folk dances, as well as participate in concerts and dance performances and processions.

Carnival – a holiday without religious significance allows locals to enjoy parades, folk dances, salutes, fireworks, fireworks explosions.

The most popular secular holiday is the carnival in Tenerife.

Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is characterized by Venetian elegance and Brazilian passion. He is known for his parade (Coso) on Mardi Gras (the Tuesday of Shrove Tuesday). Hundreds of thousands of Canarians and tourists take part in the parade on Anaga Avenue.

On the first day of Lent, a very solemn “sardine burial” takes place in the Plaza de España, during which large sardines are burned.

The spirit of the holiday is well felt during the fiesta. Fiestas are usually associated with the celebration of holy days and religious dates.

And, in addition, both religious and secular holidays are the occasion for the traditional sports competitions of Canary wrestling (Lucha Canaria), inherited from the Guanches. These competitions can be viewed in Agüimes in Gran Canaria during the Nuestra Señora del Rosario, which takes place on September 5th.

The most characteristic Canarian holidays are the countless “romerias” (romerias), i. e. religious processions in honor of the Virgin, some saint, patron or patroness of some village.

National flags of Spain and the Canary Islands fly on balconies and buildings. Each family hangs on the facade of their house a composition of folk costumes and household items: palm leaves, fruits and vegetables, bread, earthenware, agricultural tools, etc. Large figures of the saint and the Mother of God with the Infant Jesus in their arms are carried through the streets on carts decorated with purple fabric and flowers. The saint is usually wearing a miter, holding a staff and a silver cup. Mother of God with a silver crown on her head.

Most religious processions start around noon, after the church service. The statues return to their place in the church only in the evening. The processions go on for a very long time, and their participants are numerous and cheerful.

Romeria in Tacoronte

Los Realejos

The procession is opened by men and women on horseback, and children on ponies. They are followed by orchestras consisting of strings, percussion and wind instruments. Behind or in front of the orchestras are the dancers. After passing the church statues, the procession again acquires a secular character. Dozens of wooden carts pulled by oxen are lined with straw and decorated with palm leaves.

The wagons depict the caravels of Christopher Columbus with white sails and flags fluttering in the wind. Most attention is drawn to “Romera Mayor”, the queen of the feast, who is elected a few days before the feast for her beauty and the beauty of her costume. The queen is surrounded by ladies of the court, who only yesterday were her rivals. In another cart rides a queen chosen from among the girls. She, too, is surrounded by court ladies. Romerias elections are very popular throughout the islands.

Garachico

La Orotava

Food is thrown from wagons to people standing on both sides of the street, pieces of bread are thrown, small sweet potato “arrugadas” (arrugadas), covered with a thin layer of salt, and even pieces of meat and sausages, which are barbecued right on the carts. The point of the game is to skillfully throw and catch successfully. The only thing they don’t throw away is glasses of wine. They are filled from barrels at the back of the cart and emptied immediately. Everyone brings what is produced on his farm, his own bread and wine. you can come with a flock of sheep, which in full force also participate in the procession. In addition to the procession, there are wine and cheese tastings and Canarian cooking competitions.

For the largest romerias, participants come from all over the archipelago. Numerous spectators gather for the holiday, some of them put on the costumes of their islands and join the procession. Men from Tenerife wear red embroidered jackets and elegant black felt hats, their girlfriends show off in striped dresses with a red bodice. The women of Lanzarote flaunt brightly colored dresses and straw hats.

The tradition lives on! Even young people from big cities participate in these processions and dance in costumes patiently embroidered by their mothers.

Puerto de la Cruz

Holy Virgin of Carmen (Virgen del Carmen)

“Romeria” in honor of the patroness of fishermen, the Virgin of Carmen (Virgen del Carmen), is not an ordinary procession. The most famous procession can be seen in Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife, although this saint is venerated in all ports of the archipelago.

This port was the first resort on the islands, but its inhabitants remained true to tradition. Throughout the year, and every evening in the summer, numerous religious festivals with fireworks are held in the city. On July 16, in the late afternoon, crowds of people gather on the streets in the city center and in the fishing port. Spectators crowd on the balconies and high port walls, and at this time the real participants in the festival – men, women, children, old people – are waiting for a great moment next to their dressed up boats.

Loud screams, laughter and explosions of firecrackers into the water push those who are still standing in dry clothes. Meanwhile, a few streets away, a statue of the Mother of God is being taken out of the church in order to slowly carry it through the crowded streets. The tension culminates when the Mother of God is brought to the port. Saint Telmo, the patron saint of the locals, rides in front of her. The Mother of God and the saint circle around the square and go down to the shore.

What is this holiday – Christian or pagan? The fishermen make jokes when the Mother of God is carried past them. It’s such a game. “She’s not that easy!” – say the men who carry the Virgin to the boat to the cries of the crowd, entering waist-deep into the water.

San Telmo is the patron saint of sailors.

All boats, kayaks, scooters and even pedal boats are launched. Saint Telmo takes a seat on another boat, and the whole flotilla escorts their Mother of God and patron saint to the open sea. Well, the boats are lit with lanterns, because it is already night. The holiday will end very late on the beach, where a lot of wine and beer will be drunk.

Some Catholic holidays have absorbed the traditions of the Guanches. For example, on August 4 in Agaete, the Feast of the Removal of the Branches (la rama) attracts many residents of Gran Canaria, especially young people. For a branch, you need to climb the slopes of the ridges surrounding the village, go down to the shore and hit the water with a branch. So the villagers ask their gods to send them rain.

The next day will be the “romeria” of Nuestra Senora de las Nieves (Nuestra Senora de las Nieves), the sculpture of which will return to the chapel only on the 17th with many offerings.

In addition to religious holidays, purely folk holidays are constantly held.

So, on the night of November 29, the fiesta of St. Andreas (Tablas de San Andrés) takes place on the northern coast of Tenerife, when the doors of the cellars open for tasting the wine of the new harvest.

The cobbled, steeply sloping streets of Icod de los Vinos turn into an amazing “ski” where young people make a dizzying descent on greasy planks.

And the residents of San Nicolás de Tolentino in Gran Canaria have a feast dedicated to the puddle (Fiesta del Charco).

It is celebrated on September 11th.

Competitors must stand around the puddle without touching the water. To do this, the outer perimeter of the lagoon is first marked with a line of lime, which must not be crossed until after the missile has been fired.

At 5:00 p.m. on September 11, a rocket fired by the mayor of the municipality gives a warning signal to start fishing. From this point on, the race of competitors begins, who must immediately go into the water to catch the fish with their bare hands (although baskets are also allowed).

Usually, given the fun and festive nature of the action, those who enter the water try to involve those who remain at the water’s edge.

In 1766, Bishop Delgado Benegas (Francisco Javier Delgado y Venegas) was shocked when he noticed that people were lightly dressed. So he decided to force the townspeople to be fully dressed when entering the pond.

“Puddle”

Ready…

Fiesta del Charco

Everyone is happy!

One of the main religious processions in the archipelago is the procession of San Benito Abada, which takes place in La Laguna in mid-July (second Sunday). Prior to the procession, other religious events are held during the week, including a procession with an icon of the saint rather than his statue. In mid-March – early April in Laguna and Orotava in Tenerife, the largest celebrations are held on the occasion of Holy Week. During numerous processions, especially during the Procesion Magna on Good Friday, wagons called “pasos” (pasos) take part in the procession, carrying statues dedicated to the passion of Christ. On Holy Thursday, the sacristy doors are opened so that you can admire the most important church values.

La Laguna

San Benito Abada in La Laguna

Another testament to the piety of the inhabitants of Tenerife is the “romeria” in honor of the famous black Virgin of Candelaria, which on August 15 attracts pilgrims from all over the archipelago, among them many young people. The procession starts on 14 August. Many go to Candelaria on foot. They go there along the ancient paths that connect every corner of Tenerife with the coast of Candelaria, covered with black volcanic sand. Many spend the night here under the starry sky. However, much more emotional is the “romeria” in honor of St. Roque, which takes place in August in Garachico, in the north of Tenerife.

In Gran Canaria, the “romeria” in honor of the Virgin del Pino (Virgen del Pino) ​​takes place on 8 September in Teror. On the night before the festival, thousands of participants from all over the island gather at the basilica in Terore. Among them there are simply lovers of night walks, but there are also such pious people that, according to tradition, they crawl here on their knees. Thus, they thank the Mother of God for the favors she has shown. Everyone brings the fruits of their labor. The sculpture of the Virgin is exhibited on the porch in front of the basilica. Villagers bring her fruits and vegetables as a gift, fishermen – fish, artisans – their products.

Los Realejos: Feast of San Isidro. May.

This holiday has been given the status of National Tourism Interest. The first Saint Isidro’s Day was celebrated in the city of Los Realejos in 1676.

This holiday expresses the gratitude of the peasants to their patron. At present, the carts participating in the procession are no longer pulled by bulls, as before, but are hoisted onto platforms, which makes it easier for them to move along the steep streets of the city. After a festive prayer service giving thanks to the saint, a procession begins, during which carts pass through the city, on the occasion of the holiday, decorated with plants, flowers, tools of peasant labor and the head of a pig slaughtered the day before.

Each wagon is an agricultural-themed fantasy representing different streets and districts of the city. People in carts, dressed in peasant clothes, scatter baked potatoes, corn, sweets among those present, pour wine for everyone . .. Windows and balconies are decorated with special splendor. An exhibition of cattle is also organized, where each farm presents its best animals.

Local winemakers pour free wine for everyone present, which, like animals, participates in the competition. On this day, traditional stalls are set up throughout the city, where you can taste smoked fish and baked potatoes. One of the most attractive aspects of this holiday, recognized as being of tourist interest of national importance, is that you can not only watch it from the outside, but also take part in it directly.

Carpets of La Orotava: Feast of Corpus Christi. June.

Another fiesta worth seeing is the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi), which is celebrated on the second Sunday of June in La Orotava and La Laguna in Tenerife and in Villa de Maso in La Palma.

On the occasion of the festival, a multicolored carpet is laid out from flowers, and in Tenerife the carpet is made from multi-colored volcanic sand or from salt and sawdust, to which dyes are added. Orotava is famous for its town hall square, where sand brought from the hills and the Las Cañadas caldera is used to create magnificent paintings. Squares and streets are decorated with decorative motifs and sculptures that reproduce traditional Catholic symbols.

Flower carpets

Very impressive is the craftsmanship with which these ephemeral creations are created, which (to our great regret) will be very quickly trampled on by a passing procession.

Islanders spend endless hours building dream carpets made of sand and flowers. Some of the most amazing decorations can be seen in the flower carpets at La Orotava and La Laguna.

Throughout the municipality of La Orotava, “living” carpets of flowers and natural materials are dedicated to the Savior, created right on the streets along which the procession flows on the day of Corpus Christi. Without a doubt, these celebrations are celebrated with the greatest scope in the capital of the municipality, the city of La Orotava. Here, with special solemnity, a festive service is held, which gathers most of the inhabitants of the city.

Sand carpets

Carpet sketches are created in advance, when families and commercial organizations involved in the preparation for the holiday draw figures on paper, which will later be made from sand and flowers. The most impressive carpet is located on City Hall Square. It is created from volcanic sand of various colors, brought from the high mountain slopes of the Teide peak, and is a triptych reproducing biblical episodes. None of the figures, paintings and flower carpets are repeated in subsequent years.

This multi-colored carpet of sand brought from the peak of Teide covers 912 m ² , while the entire area measures 950 m ² . The volume of land required to create this work of art reaches 2.7 m ³ , which corresponds to a weight of 3000 kg.

The municipality, the organizing committee, initiative groups, social organizations and families of the city of La Orotava contribute to splendor of the feast of Corpus Christi.

Candelaria: Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary. August 15.

On this day, a large number of pilgrims from all over the island gather in the city of Candelaria to honor the Holy Virgin, who is the patroness of the island. Many of them spend the whole night on the road in order to reach the city by morning. During this holiday, closely associated with the culture of the original population of Tenerife, on August 14, the scene of the appearance of the Virgin Mary is reproduced in the Cathedral Square, in accordance with ancient legends. The procession that takes place on the same day is distinguished by the great piety and passion of the pilgrims. Their destination is a place known as the Well of the Blessed Virgin, where, at the end of the procession, you can see fireworks organized by the city hall of Candelaria and the brotherhood of fishermen.

On August 15, on the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin, a festive mass is held, at which representatives of church, military and civil authorities are present. At noon, another procession takes place, and in the evening festivities begin with the performance of numerous folklore groups.

La Laguna: Easter week. March.

The city of San Cristobal de la Laguna, located in the northeast of the island of Tenerife, has a rich historical, religious and cultural heritage. The city is known for its stately homes, potteries, churches, traditions and festivals. Among the local celebrations, the Easter week processions stand out, in which numerous brotherhoods of penitent sinners participate, joined by lay Christian communities.

Monuments dedicated to the celebration of Holy Week Thursday, the world’s only chased silver altarpieces, floral carpets, traditional dances, varied and original cuisine – all this makes a visit to La Laguna unforgettable. Holy Week in La Laguna is one of the most important church holidays in the Canary archipelago. Easter services are held in all churches, and processions for a whole week fill the streets and squares of the city, starting from Palm Sunday and ending with the procession of the Holy Burial on Good Friday. A huge number of people take to the streets of the city these days, recreating the scenes of the Passion of Christ.

Holidays in Tenerife

In Tenerife, as
and throughout Spain, they love holidays very much
– fiestas, most of which have
based on the Catholic tradition. In spite of
the fact that the holidays are entirely church – the entertainment on them is quite secular – with dancing and
fun. Many fiestas last for several days. In addition to national
holidays in Tenerife have their own, no less popular, moreover,
each village celebrates fiestas throughout the year in honor of numerous saints and patrons (romeria). The victory of the national team in the championship –
also a holiday. After the popular Christmas holidays and Canary Day
islands, the most famous in Tenerife are: the feast of Corpus Christi, San
Juan and, of course, the carnival.

Everyone’s favorite and
The most long-awaited holiday for adults and children is, of course, Christmas (Navidad). Holiday preparations begin
than in a month – the streets are decorated with colorful illuminations, in squares and in houses
Canarians have artificial Christmas trees and installations on the theme of the birth of Christ, in
stores begin an active pre-Christmas campaign. The night from December 24 to December 25, (Nochebuena) is usually met with family for
holiday table. On December 25, divine services are held in all churches and temples of Tenerife.

December 31, . New Year (Nochebieja) – a holiday not so popular,
like in Russia, but also loved by the Spaniards. New Year’s Eve to the beat of the clock
It is customary to eat 12 grapes after making 12 wishes. street festivities
continue until morning.

January 6, – the day dedicated to the three magician kings (Dia
de Los Reyes-Magos). The holiday is associated with the church tradition of the three magi (Caspar, Melchior and Belshazzar),
who gave gifts to baby Jesus in Bethlehem. It was on this day that
give gifts, children are waiting for this holiday
no less than Christmas.

February 2 and 14,
August 15, – Day of Our Lady of Candelaria (Dia de nuestra Señora de Candelaria). One day after the conquest of the island, the Spaniards found in a cave one
from Mensei Tenerife a wooden statue of the Virgin
Mary with the baby in her arms. Moreover, the local residents – the Guanches revered her as
shrine. 300 years later, wooden
the statue disappeared as unexpectedly as it appeared, but by this moment it had already
becoming the main shrine of the Canary Islands. During the holidays the city
turns into a pilgrimage center for
million believers.

May 30, – Day
Canary Islands (Dia de Canarias). The holiday originated when in 1821
year the Canarian archipelago was proclaimed
autonomous province within Spain. Over time, the Canaries were divided into
two autonomous provinces: the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (which includes 4 islands –
Tenerife, La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro) and the province of Las Palmas de Gran
Canaria (Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote).

June 9 0004 there is a solemn procession in honor of the Catholic
Feast of Corpus Christi. Major celebrations
take place in the cities of La Laguna and La Orotava, In anticipation of this event, residents
cities lay out carpets of natural flowers and colored sand directly on the cobblestone pavements.
The largest carpet that reproduces
biblical scenes, according to tradition, are laid out on the main square of the city of La Orotava.
It consists of volcanic sand of different shades, brought from the slopes
Teide. Work on such a masterpiece begins almost a month and a half before the start of the holiday. Surprisingly, the pattern of floral and sandy
carpets is not repeated in subsequent years.