Tenerife’s wonders are well known, but its lesser known cultural events are yet to be discovered…
In addition to blissful beaches, picturesque pools and impressive national parks there is a wealth of exciting things to do in Tenerife. From bustling carnivals and fiestas to traditional markets and wine tastings, there’s plenty to do for a truly unique luxury holiday in Tenerife.
Read below our guide to the best events in Tenerife…
Tenerife Carnival 2019: 27th February – 10th March
Known as one of the greatest carnivals in the world, second in fact to the famous Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Tenerife carnival is one of the most anticipated events in Tenerife. With the theme of Las Profundidades Marinas (The Deep Sea), expect streets of spectacular colour, delightful dancing and picturesque parades. Local samba schools display their talent and dance groups fill the air with a joyful atmosphere. For car enthusiasts, the week of celebration concludes with a vintage and classic car parade throughout the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Tenerife Carnival 2019
Canaries Folk Fest, Arona: Every Thursday until 11th April
Every Thursday afternoon from 4pm till 10pm in Los Cristianos, food, art and crafts markets fill the town. To accompany this, traditionally dressed local folk groups provide contemporary music and dancing. A superb way to experience Tenerife’s culture.
Semana Santa 2019, La Laguna: 14th April – 21st April
Known as Easter Holy Week, Semana Santa is a religious celebration. Several processions take place in the historical towns of Tenerife, the most noteworthy being in La Laguna (a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site). Good Friday provides the most anticipated events with the afternoon ‘Procesion Magna’ followed by the evening ‘Procesion del Silencio’. The town goes silent, streetlights are turned off and the whole town is lit by candles. An event not to be missed.

Semana Santa procession
Fiestas de la Cruz, Los Realejos: May 2019
This ‘Holy Cross’ festival is symbolised by hundreds of decorated crosses made of brightly coloured flowers which cover the town. Floral tapestries brighten the alters of chapels. The procession of La Cruz creates a friendly rivalry between ‘Calle del Medio’ and ‘Calle del Sol’ which provides a sensational firework display, considered to be the biggest in the Canary Islands.

Fireworks at Fiesta de la Cruz
Tenerife Walking Festival 2019: 21st – 25th May.
Set to return on the 21st May, the popular Tenerife walking festival is an exciting event for nature lovers and hiking addicts. Praised as Europe’s best walking festival, the event includes over 1500km of walking trails that take in coastal, volcanic and forest areas of the island. To find out more read our blog about Tenerife Walking Festival.

Mount Teide
Corpus Christi, La Orotava: 20th June 2019
Corpus Christi is a catholic holiday celebrated across the island. The city streets are closed to traffic and covered with bright carpets of flowers and coloured sand. In suit with Tenerife tradition, memorable music and prominent parades fill the streets.

Decorated streets of La Orotava
Tenerife Bluetrail: 8th June 2019
Tenerife Bluetrail is a popular extreme trekking race. The event takes place in various points in Teide national park, including the 3,718m high volcano. There are different trails and distances to suit many types of fitness levels. You do have to pre-register to take part, visit the official Bluetrail Website to sign up for 2019.
Depending on how fit you are feeling, there are a variety options to participate:
- 102km (Ultra)
- 66km (Trail)
- 43km (Marathon)
- 20km (Media)
- 8km, 3.7km & 1.2km (Reto) – for runners with a proven disability

Mount Teide National Park
Fiesta de San Juan: 23rd – 24th June 2019
On the 23rd June, known as ‘Midsummers day’, the locals celebrate with beach bonfires across the island. The following day, goatherders lead their flock to the harbour to bathe them in the Atlantic waters at Puerto de la Cruz. The waters are believed to ensure animals health and increase fertility of livestock. Observing this odd ritual is an event not to be missed.

Fiesta de San Juan bathing of goats.
Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria: 14th – 15th August 2019
This fiesta celebrates the lady of Candelaria, otherwise known as the Patron Saint of the Canary Islands. Pilgrims from all of the Canary Islands visit the city of Candelaria to participate in processions.

Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria, the Canary Island's patron saint
Festival of San Andres: 29th – 30th November 2019
For the wine connoisseurs, on the eve on San Andres, the first wines of the new season are ready. Producers from vineyards open wines for sampling at the harbour of Puerto de la Cruz. Expect kiosks of roasted chestnuts and barbecued pork kebabs.

Canary Islands wine
Baile del Nino: 24th December 2019
Christmas in Tenerife is all about family celebrations, so take your family and join in with this joyous occasion. Baile del Nino, known as ‘dance of the child’ occurs at midnight on Christmas eve inside the church. Families dress in traditional clothing and celebrate by dancing before the image of baby Jesus.

Christmas decorations in La Laguna, Tenerife
Where to stay in Tenerife
Rising from the ocean like a Mount Olympus, with restaurants named after Greek gods and blessed with an abundance of luxury facilities, the Iberostar Anthelia provides a heavenly holiday for all kinds of holiday makers. Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool with your loved one, enjoy a fresh, gastronomic delight every day or taking the time to explore the destination, this is an ideal, luxury base for your stay in Tenerife.
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[…] I only spent a week or so in Marketing however I gained a wealth of knowledge and this is where elements of my degree became useful. I learnt about the different marketing channels Classic Collection use and the importance of web links and recommendations to other companies. In this department, I uploaded images and content of new hotels to the website using our Content Management System. I also wrote a blog on Events in Tenerife 2018 which is now published on our website. […]