From Friday to Sunday, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is set to offer a wide array of cultural and entertainment activities for all ages. The vibrant city centre and its surrounding neighbourhoods will come alive with exhibitions, theatre performances, and events from the Distrito Joven program, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s cultural scene is as lively as ever, providing an exciting weekend filled with artistic activities to suit all tastes. The capital becomes a hub for artistic expression, offering a rich program of events during both day and night. A perfect weekend plan could begin with a visit to the stunning Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA).
Visitors can explore the exhibition “The Smoke of Progress. El correíllo La Palma, its Era and Recovery,” where they can delve into the history of this iconic vessel. The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 19:00, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 17:00.
At the Tenerife Espacio de las Artes (TEA), art enthusiasts can visit Óscar Domínguez’s exhibition “Los dos que se cruzan” (The Two That Cross), available from 10:00 to 20:00 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This exhibition, curated by Isidro Hernández, is dedicated to the surrealist painter and will remain open to the public until 24 November. Additionally, TEA will host Adrián Alemán’s exhibition “Doble ciego” (Double Blind), which can be visited free of charge during the same hours.
For families, the TEA will also feature a mini-exhibition titled “Naturally,” aimed at children, young people, and families. The exhibit invites reflection on the relationship between humans and the natural environment and the impact of human activity.
One of the highlighted works at TEA is “Y” by Nela Ochoa, an artist who draws inspiration from design, painting, and dance. Her work explores the intersection of art, the human body, social events, and technology, and can be viewed throughout the weekend.
Continuing with its robust cultural offerings, TEA presents “Orocobix. Recuerdo de la primera montaña” (Orocobix. Memory of the First Mountain), by artist Jorge González. This exhibition, which reflects on various cultural and natural themes, will be open from 10:00 to 20:00. Moreover, TEA will screen the film “Rehana,” a psychological drama by director Abdullah Mohammad Saad, at 19:00 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The Central Municipal Library offers the exhibition “Balneario de Santa Cruz. 500 Metres from the Beach,” open until 18 October from 12:30 to 19:00. This exhibit showcases documents related to the historic Santa Cruz Spa, highlighting its social and sporting significance from 1928 until its closure in 1992.
The library also emphasizes films based on real events, with a selection of 28 films on display until 2 October. Additionally, a job search workshop will be held on Friday from 09:00 to 10:00 as part of the Comprehensive Employment Guidance Plans.
The Museum of Nature and Archaeology will host “Ethology in Stillness” throughout the weekend, reflecting on the impact of human presence on the planet during the 2020 pandemic lockdown. The exhibition is open from 09:00 to 20:00.
Carnival is a year-round celebration in Santa Cruz. The Casa del Carnaval presents three exhibitions dedicated to the city’s beloved carnival festivities. “The Magic Behind the Costume” showcases the evolution of individual and group costume contests, while “Lyrical and Tradition” delves into the history of rondallas and lyrical groups. These exhibits are open from 10:00 to 18:30.
The Casa del Carnaval also hosts the permanent exhibition “Carnival 2024 Winners,” featuring costumes from the Carnival Queens, murgas, comparsas, and other winning ensembles. A special highlight is the “Vitrina de Pioneros,” displaying documents from the late Nicolás Mingorance, a prominent lyricist. The exhibition is open on Friday from 10:00 to 20:00, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 15:00.
For a more interactive experience, the Casa del Carnaval offers a guided tour for children on Friday from 12:00 to 13:00, concluding with carnival-themed games like Taboo or Pinturillo.
Art lovers can visit the García Sanabria Art Gallery to see “Paisajes Apócrifos” (Apocryphal Landscapes) by Pedro Garmar, an exhibition featuring over thirty works that explore imaginary landscapes. The exhibition runs until 25 August.
The Contemporary Art Gallery presents “Invaders” by Pilar Boullosa, inspired by the “cat’s tail” plant and the consequences of humanity’s relentless demand for resources. This exhibition, featuring various installation pieces, is open Monday to Friday until 30 September from 11:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
At the Espacio Cultural El Tanque, visitors can explore Tahiche Díaz’s exhibition “El enfado de las criaturas” (The Anger of the Creatures). This thought-provoking exhibit is open daily from 12:00 to 20:00 and uses the metaphor of a circus to reflect on sustainability and our treatment of living beings.
For younger audiences, the Nuestra Señora de África Market will transform into a playground on Saturday, starting at 10:00, with bouncy castles, video games, and more.
The San Andrés Cultural Centre will host the play “El evangelio según Juan Ga Ga” (The Gospel According to John Ga Ga) on Saturday at 20:00, a performance that challenges homophobia and machismo. On Sunday, the same venue will present “Insomnio de una noche de verano,” a play about a couple grappling with loneliness and insomnia, from 19:30 to 20:30.
Music enthusiasts can head to the Asociación Cultural i-Lusos on the El Sobradillo road for a night of progressive rock, pop, and singer-songwriter performances on Saturday at 19:00.
On Friday, the José Saramago Library in Añazaza will hold a breastfeeding workshop from 12:30 to 13:30, led by health professionals from the Añaza Health Centre.
The “Quick-Sketch” activity will take place in Santa Cruz on Friday at 17:30. Artists will sketch scenes from the streets, capturing the city’s charming corners, architecture, and daily life. The group will start at the Central Municipal Library and return to share their work afterward.
Distrito Joven’s activities continue to offer fun and entertainment. On Friday, the Casa de la Juventud Mascareño will host a board game event from 17:00 to 20:00, providing a welcoming space for laughter and fellowship.
In addition to these cultural events, the Summer 2024 Sports Campaign will be in full swing throughout July, August, and September, with swimming courses, the Multisport Campus, and an inclusive campus for children with disabilities at the Las Delicias sports complex.
