If you want to see the real Canary Islands, go to a fiesta. This is when you see local families in traditional clothes, music in the streets and a lot of food and wine shared with everyone. These are the festivals in Tenerife I recommend most.
Quick answer: the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (February or March) is the big one, and for me the best carnival in the world. For tradition, go to a romería: my favourites are the Romería of Tegueste and the Romería of La Orotava.
Festivals at a glance
| Festival | Where | When (usually) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | February or March |
| Romería de San Marcos | Tegueste | Late April or early May |
| Corpus Christi flower carpets | La Orotava | May or June |
| Romería de San Isidro | La Orotava | June |
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife
I do not even need to explain this one: for me, it is the best carnival in the world. For days, the whole city of Santa Cruz becomes a street party, with spectacular costumes, parades, music groups and thousands of people in fancy dress dancing until morning. It is one of the biggest carnivals on the planet.
- Wear a costume: everyone does. Without one you will feel out of place.
- Use public transport: take the guagua or the tram. Parking is almost impossible.
- Book early: accommodation in and around Santa Cruz fills up fast.
What is a romería?
A romería is a traditional country festival in honour of a patron saint. Decorated carts pulled by oxen parade through the town, people wear traditional Canarian clothes (called trajes de mago), folk groups play music and the carts share food and wine with the crowd. It is very traditional, very local and a lot of fun.
Romería de San Marcos, Tegueste
One of the most traditional romerías on the island, in the farming town of Tegueste, near La Laguna. It is famous for its beautifully decorated carts and is usually held in late April or early May.
La Orotava: flower carpets and the Romería de San Isidro
La Orotava’s festivals are among the most traditional in the Canaries. First come the Corpus Christi celebrations, when the streets of the old town are covered with carpets made of flower petals and the main square with an enormous picture made of coloured volcanic sand. A few weeks later, usually in June, the Romería de San Isidro fills the old town with decorated carts, oxen and people in traditional dress.
Local tip: arrive early and use public transport. The old town is steep, so wear comfortable shoes. Read more about La Orotava in my guide to the best things to do in Tenerife.
How to enjoy a fiesta like a local
- Dress the part: for a romería, locals wear traditional clothes. Visitors can simply dress comfortably.
- Bring a cup: the carts often share wine and food, and many locals carry their own cup.
- Respect the tradition: these are religious and family festivals, so enjoy them, but do not overdo the drinking.
- Check the dates: they change every year, so look at the local town hall’s programme before you go.
Planning when to come? See the best time to visit the Canary Islands and the mistakes tourists make.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
It is held in February or March, depending on the year. Check the official carnival programme for exact dates.
Can tourists join a romería?
Yes. Everyone is welcome to watch, follow the carts and enjoy the music. Just be respectful, because it is an important local tradition.
Festival dates and programmes change every year. Check official information before you go.
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