The Canary Islands offer a delightful taste of relaxation, perfect for summer months and vacations, with its beaches, delectable gastronomy, and vibrant fiestas. Tenerife, in particular, boasts a variety of music festivals, lively celebrations in every town and village, renowned events like the breathtaking Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, and ongoing pilgrimages throughout the year.
In August 2023, Tenerife is set to host numerous fiestas, and the lineup is anything but small. Let’s explore some of the exciting events on the schedule for this month.
PILGRIMAGE OF OUR LADY OF HOPE, EL ROSARIO
The Canary Islands’ pilgrimages and magician’s dances are lively celebrations that showcase the rich traditions of the region, featuring colorful carts, spirited parrandas (folk music bands), magician’s costumes, and delicious typical food of the Archipelago.
One such notable event is the Pilgrimage of Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, held annually in El Rosario on the first Sunday in August, this year falling on the 6th of August.
The festivities commence with a solemn Holy Mass at 11 am, followed by a grand procession of the revered image of Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza. Adorned with flowers, the procession winds its way through the streets, accompanied by enthusiastic folk groups and vibrant carts until it reaches the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). The joyful celebrations continue into the evening with a lively verbena, where all attendees can revel in the merriment.
DESCENT OF THE BEECH TREES, LA GUANCHA
Every 12th of August, La Guancha commemorates the descent of the beech trees as part of the festivities dedicated to its patron saint, Nuestra Señora de La Esperanza.
The roots of this celebration are intertwined with a pilgrimage tradition, where the locals, accompanied by their pack animals, would venture to the mountains of the municipality to gather beech branches. These branches were then used to adorn the streets and the square. Upon their return, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed with food and drinks, and upon reaching the church square, they would start the process of gathering the branches.
After the pilgrimage, at the entrance of the parish church, the beloved patron saint of the Guancheros is honored with offerings of songs and food. The festivities reach their climax with lively orchestras playing during the verbena, creating a joyous atmosphere for all to enjoy.
FESTIVITIES IN HONOUR OF THE VIRGIN OF CANDELARIA
The Virgen de Candelaria holds a special place as the patron saint of the Canary Islands, and her festivities are celebrated between the 14th and 15th of August.
This grand celebration has been recognized as a Festivity of National Tourist Interest and holds a strong religious significance. During this time, the renowned Pilgrimage to Candelaria takes center stage, with thousands of people traveling from different parts of the island to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, walking several kilometers for a night or even a whole day to pay tribute to their beloved patron saint.
Affectionately known as “La Morenita” in the Archipelago, the Virgin attracts a multitude of pilgrims who partake in various events. These include the Solemn Mass, the Procession around the Basilica square, the military parade, and the ceremonial reenactment of her apparition to the Guanches, based on aboriginal tradition. Notably, the athletic floral offering sees hundreds of athletes undertaking a journey from La Granja Park in the capital of Tenerife to the Basilica, carrying bouquets of flowers as an offering to the revered Virgin.
SAN ROQUE PILGRIMAGE, GARACHICO
On the 16th of August, the Romería de Garachico takes place, a festivity that holds the prestigious title of being declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, with its roots tracing back to the 17th century.
This pilgrimage’s origins can be traced to a critical period between 1601 and 1606 when Tenerife faced an epidemic after the arrival of two ships from Cadiz that carried the plague into the port of Garachico. The miraculous swift disappearance of the disease was attributed to the intercession of San Roque. Since then, every August, the roads of Garachico come alive with a vibrant procession of carts, pilgrims, and lively parrandas.
Throughout the day, the image of San Roque is taken from his hermitage to the parish church of Santa Ana, where the festivities commence. Later, the pilgrimage of San Roque begins on the return journey to the hermitage, passing through the bay. The fishermen of Garachico also join in the celebrations, embarking on a sea pilgrimage to accompany the saint along the picturesque coast.
PHE FESTIVAL PUERTO DE LA CRUZ
Tenerife, being a hub for music festivals of all genres, offers a diverse and vibrant musical scene. On the 18th and 19th of August, music enthusiasts can look forward to the eighth edition of the Phe Festival in Puerto de la Cruz. This medium-sized event boasts limited seating capacity, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience.
With more than twenty hours of live music, the festival promises an electrifying lineup. Attendees can catch performances by renowned artists such as the British band Orbital, who will be making their debut on the Canary Islands’ stages, and the talented Argentine rapper Trueno, also gracing the Archipelago’s music scene for the first time.
The first day of live performances, Friday, 18th, will feature captivating acts like Orbital, The Reytons, Second, Jimena Amarillo, Sexy Zebras, Bala, Rocío Saiz, Adora, and Antiplancton, captivating audiences on the festival’s two main stages. On Saturday, 19th, the spotlight will shine on Trueno, Arde Bogotá, Natalia Lacunza, Shinova, Rocío Márquez & Bronquio, Morreo, Ghouljaboy, Hoonine, and Zurych, promising a day filled with exceptional music and unforgettable moments.
ROMERÍA DEL POLEO EL AMPARO, ICOD DE LOS VINOS
Pilgrimages are renowned for their deep-rooted traditions, and the Poleo El Amparo pilgrimage is no exception.
This year’s festivity, occurring on the 20th of August, draws hundreds of pilgrims to ascend the mountain of Icod de los Vinos. Their mission is to gather pennyroyal leaves, all while dancing to the rhythm of the tajaraste, one of the oldest Canarian folkloric expressions in the Archipelago.
Accompanied by the lively Poleo orchestra, participants don traditional costumes as they joyfully dance and sing their way to collect the precious leaves. These leaves become the vibrant decorations adorning the streets of the Amparo neighborhood during the festivities.
Adding to the special atmosphere, the church of Nuestra Señora del Amparo becomes a colorful spectacle with the collected pennyroyal, adorned with sugar figurines, buns, bread dolls, fruit baskets, colored ribbons, and palms, all creating a breathtaking display of reverence and celebration.
HEARTS OF TEJINA
In August, the people of Tenerife gather in Tejina to celebrate the patron saint festivities dedicated to San Bartolomé.
A date that must be firmly marked in our diaries is the 25th of August, as it brings one of the most captivating traditions of the Canary Islands—the Hearts of Tejina festival. The people of Tejina spare no effort in preserving this cherished tradition. Three streets, namely Abajo, Arriba, and El Pico, compete in creating two enormous hearts adorned with fruits, flowers, and flour cakes, all arranged on a cross-shaped structure. Each street aims to be the most original, crafting hearts that reach astonishing heights of almost 1,000 kg and towering 12 meters high.
These stunning heart structures are then carefully placed in the church square, and amidst the festivities, each neighborhood good-heartedly critiques the hearts of their neighbors.
Adding to the jubilation, the celebrations feature the spectacular fireworks of Tejina and the lively Verbena de la Pamela. This fiesta is filled with orchestral music and merriment, driven by the creativity of those who continue to embellish their hats, known as “pamelas,” in the most imaginative and original ways.
PILGRIMAGE OF SAN AGUSTÍN, ARAFO
Marked on the last Saturday in August, the pilgrimage of San Agustín in Arafo is an event not to be missed, and this year it falls on the 26th of August.
Known as “the town of music,” Arafo concludes this month with one of Tenerife’s most renowned pilgrimages, a festival that has held the prestigious title of being declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest since 1983.
This joyous celebration commemorates a belief that San Agustín performed a miracle by restoring the flow of water in Añavingo.
The vibrant pilgrimage winds its way through the streets of Arafo, led by the revered image of San Agustín. Accompanied by carts, carriages, cheerful parrandas (folk music bands), and devoted pilgrims, the day exudes a traditional and festive atmosphere, making it an occasion filled with fervor and jubilation.
WOMEN WORLD FEST
From the 10th to the 26th of August, Women World Fest will take place in Costa Adeje, offering more than just musical performances. This year, the festival is going all out to provide a diverse range of leisure activities.
The Adeje Auditorium will be the central hub for various events, including talks, workshops, colloquiums, and captivating audiovisual proposals, all leading up to the grand concert on the 26th, held on the golf course.
Attendees can indulge in an array of exciting activities, such as a thrilling 70-meter zip-line, a professional make-up area, a state-of-the-art 360º video platform, and the enchanting presence of illuminated stilt walkers and other entertainers. Food lovers can savor the offerings at the gastronomic area, featuring international cuisine and enticing food trucks. The festival also extends its commitment to the environment with the expansion of the Ecomarket, which promotes eco-friendly products and practices. Additionally, there will be rest areas with educational games, providing moments of relaxation and learning.
The festival’s closing concert promises to be an unforgettable experience, boasting performances by acclaimed artists such as Luz Casal, Lila Downs, India Martínez, Pastora Soler, Vicco, Valeria Castro, Ainhoa Aguilar, and Renzzo el Selector, making it an extraordinary finale to a spectacular event.
THE CANARIES REMEMBER 90’S FEST
On the 26th of August, the Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias, located in Candelaria, will come alive with the Canarias Remember 90’s Fest, a concert designed to transport all attendees back to the vibrant era of the 1990s.
This nostalgic journey will be fueled not only by the mesmerizing music of guest artists like Amistades Peligrosas, La Guardia, Rafa Sánchez from La Unión, and OBK, but also by creating an atmosphere reminiscent of that glorious decade. The event will be adorned with alternative activities that capture the essence of the 90s, ensuring a memorable and immersive experience for everyone present.
