Top 5 Tenerife Festivals in 2017
While vacation-goers may flock to Tenerife for the sunny beaches and variety of active adventures to choose from, there’s much more to discover. Rhythm, color, luxury and fun- Spain is widely known for hosting some of the worlds most colorful fiestas and carnivals, and Tenerife holds true to its heritage.
It’s time to head outdoors and join the locals in celebration. Whether you enjoy traditional, religious, dance or classical musical festivals, here’s a look at our pick for the top 5 Tenerife festivals in 2017 you simply can’t afford to miss:
Carnival
February 22- March 5, 2017
Every year, crowds of people come to experience Carnival: the biggest fiesta bash of the year in Tenerife. The Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the most “Brazilian” of all the Spanish Carnivals, and it is known around the world for its popular ambience.
Carnival takes place in towns all over Tenerife during February and March, but the biggest celebrations take place in Tenerife’s capital, Santa Cruz. For fifteen days, thousands in fancy dresses, wigs and face paint fill the city with sequins, feathers, music, and non-stop fun. Here’s the key to experiencing an unforgettable Carnival: put on your costume, dive in and party all night.
San Benito Abad Pilgrimage
July 8-July 9, 2017
Carts overflowing with food and wine, locals filling the street dressed in colors of the rainbow and musicians playing Spanish melodies on guitars all roll into one of the island’s greatest celebrations- a romería. Just about every traditional town on Tenerife has a romería at least once during the year, but the San Benito Adab Pilgrimage is one of the most important religious ones in Tenerife. Declared an event of national tourist interest, this deep-rooted fiesta of the Canary Islands is dedicated to Benito Abad, a patron and protector of framers and land workers.
Over the days prior to the event, there are a range of traditional activities such as the election of the Pilgrimage Queen in Junior and Senior categories, the "Copla" (traditional ballad) Festival, and the Wizards' Dance and the 7 Islands Festival. However, the day of the pilgrimage is the main event of the fiesta. The fiesta even awards prizes for the best balconies, windows and floats and has a competition of Canary Island popular songs.
Semana Santa
April 9-17, 2017
Take a break from the wild partying and relax during Semana Santa, also known as “Holy Week” in Spain. While all cultures celebrate Easter differently, this week is celebrated in every city, town and village in Spain. The city of Santa Cruz is extremely vibrant and bustling during the week; streets are filled with the beat of the drums, masses of colorful flowers, and incredible art and sculpture—an atmosphere unlike anything you’ve even known!
The week commemorates so many significant events in Christ’s life, from his arrival in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to his resurrection on Easter Sunday. In Tenerife, as all across Spain, Holy Week features masses, blessings and processions, the largest which takes place in the former capital of La Laguna, one of the island’s 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites. You’ll also find events taking place right across the island in , Los Realejos, La Orotava, Puerto de la Cruz, Garachico, Arona and Adeje.
I Love Music Festival
Spring 2017
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend. Two days with the best international artists, dance music, an incredible atmosphere and to-die-for sunsets…have you bought your ticket yet? Hosted by Siam Park and featuring Farra World, the 8th edition of I love Music Festival 2017 will sure be a two-night festival to remember.
Canary Islands Music Festival 2017
January 7- February 6, 2017
Featuring the top conductors, soloists and orchestras from all over the world, this classic music festival has been celebrated on all the islands since 1985. The event enriches the islands’ cultural life, gives the Canaries international musical prestige, and promotes high-level cultural tourism. It is also the only European festival to be held in between the months of January and February, due to the islands’ warm climate.
