Top Festivals in Tenerife: A Year-Round Guide to Canarian Culture
Tenerife is more than just stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes—it's a destination rich in tradition, celebration, and community spirit. Nearly every month, towns across the island come alive with vibrant festivals, religious processions, and cultural events. Whether you’re traveling for Carnival season, summer solstice celebrations, or off-the-beaten-path fiestas, Tenerife’s calendar is packed with experiences worth planning your trip around.
From iconic events like the Carnival of Santa Cruz to niche festivals like Fiesta de San Andrés, here’s your guide to the best Tenerife festivals—plus travel tips from our Tenerife experts.
Major Festivals in Tenerife
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
When: February/March
Where: Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Often ranked as one of the world's largest and most colorful carnivals, this iconic event takes over Tenerife’s capital each year with parades, costume contests, and live music. The election of the Carnival Queen and performances by murgas (satirical singing groups) are highlights. Locals and visitors alike take to the streets in extravagant outfits, dancing late into the night.
Planning tip: Carnival themes change annually, and accommodations book fast—explore Tenerife itineraries early for the best deals.
Semana Santa (Holy Week)
When: March/April
Where: Most notable in La Laguna
Tenerife’s Holy Week features solemn processions, religious imagery, and beautifully adorned floats. The most revered celebrations take place in La Laguna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s religious hub. Expect candlelit ceremonies, robed penitents, and an atmosphere of reverence and tradition.
Corpus Christi Festival
When: June
Where: La Orotava, La Laguna, Tacoronte
This religious celebration is famous for its intricate alfombras—elaborate carpets made from colored sand and flower petals, laid out across the streets. La Orotava offers the most impressive displays, with grand processions and community gatherings celebrating Canarian craftsmanship and spirituality.
Music and Summer Festivals
Music Festivals in Tenerife
Tenerife’s warm climate and scenic coastlines make it an ideal host for international music festivals. Notable annual events include:
Cook Music Fest
Held in Santa Cruz, this family-friendly festival combines live performances with local cuisine, perfect for a summer evening by the water.
Sunblast Festival
An electronic dance music (EDM) event in South Tenerife, known for its massive stages and international DJs.
Phe Festival
An indie and alternative music fest held in Puerto de la Cruz, with urban art, workshops, and creative pop-ups throughout the city.
San Juan Festival
When: June 23
Where: Island-wide, especially Puerto de la Cruz
A summer solstice celebration marked by beach bonfires, midnight swims, and festive music. Locals write wishes or regrets on paper and toss them into the flames, symbolizing a fresh start. Puerto de la Cruz is especially lively, making it a favorite destination for visitors looking to take part.
Cultural and Religious Celebrations
Festivities of La Candelaria
When: February 2 and August 15
Where: Candelaria
These celebrations honor Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Pilgrims make their way to the Basilica of Candelaria, and festivities include folk music, religious services, and traditional dance performances that reflect both Catholic and Guanche (indigenous) heritage.
Fiesta de San Andrés
When: November 29–30
Where: Icod de los Vinos and other northern towns
This uniquely Canarian festival marks the opening of the new wine season. Locals taste the year's first vintage while enjoying roasted chestnuts and lively street parties. In Icod de los Vinos, children take part in "arrastre los cacharros", dragging strings of pots and pans through the streets in joyful chaos.
Want to pair wine tasting with adventure? Check out our Top Things to Do in Tenerife.
Niche and Local Favorites
Puerto de la Cruz Carnival
When: February/March
Where: Puerto de la Cruz
A charming and slightly more relaxed counterpart to Santa Cruz’s main event. Unique highlights include the men’s high heel marathon and the Burial of the Sardine, a theatrical funeral procession marking the carnival's end.
Romería de San Benito Abad
When: July
Where: La Laguna
This traditional pilgrimage features Canarian residents in colorful folk costumes traveling in decorated ox-drawn carts. Music, dancing, and offerings of produce are made to honor San Benito, the island’s patron saint of farmers.
Festival Mueca
When: May
Where: Puerto de la Cruz
A celebration of street performance and visual art, Mueca transforms the city into a stage. Theater groups, circus acts, musicians, and puppeteers perform in plazas and along the coast—ideal for families or anyone who loves immersive art.
Fiesta de las Cruces (Festival of the Crosses)
When: May 3
Where: Los Realejos and Santa Cruz
Beautifully decorated crosses made from flowers and greenery are displayed across towns and neighborhoods. Los Realejos hosts one of the island’s largest celebrations, complete with fireworks and religious processions.
Los Silos International Storytelling Festival
When: November/December
Where: Los Silos
Perfect for families, this literary festival brings together storytellers, poets, and authors from around the world. Events are held in traditional Canarian homes, outdoor patios, and even caves—an enchanting way to engage with Tenerife's cultural roots.
Experience Tenerife's Festivals with Quest Travel Adventures
At Quest Travel Adventures, we help you plan your trip around the most meaningful cultural experiences on the island. From Carnival to harvest festivals, you can witness the real Tenerife—full of life, tradition, and unforgettable moments.
Ready to start planning? Explore our custom Tenerife vacation packages or get inspired with more travel tips on our blog.
