Carnival, flower carpets, bonfires on the beach. What’s on during your stay?
01
January
This month
evening of 5 January 2027; 6 January is a public holiday (presents for children)
Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos – the Three Kings parade
all the larger towns, including Adeje, Los Cristianos, Santa Cruz and La Laguna · South
For Spanish children this is the most important day of Christmas: the Three Kings ride through town on floats, throwing sweets into the crowd. On the morning of 6 January children find their presents, and the whole family eats roscón de Reyes, a ring cake with a hidden figurine.
Our tip: If you have kids with you, bring a bag for collecting sweets and an upside-down umbrella as a “catcher” – the locals do it too. Shops are closed on 6 January.
20 January 2027 (Wednesday) – feast day; the romería may be held the following Sunday (check the Adeje programme)
Fiesta de San Sebastián – horses bathing in the sea
La Caleta / Playa de La Enramada, Adeje · South
At the San Sebastián chapel above the sea in La Caleta, owners lead horses, goats and even dogs into the water to be blessed. It's one of the oldest and most photogenic fiestas in the south, just a few minutes from Ponderosa.
Our tip: Come in the morning – the ramps into the sea are packed from early on. Parking in La Caleta is limited that day; walking along the coastal promenade from Playa del Duque takes about 30–40 minutes.
22 January – 28 February 2027; street carnival 19–28 February (Coso parade 23 February, Carnaval de Día 21 and 27 February, election of the Carnival Queen 17 February)
Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2027 – “Roma Eterna”
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (city centre, Recinto Ferial) · North-east
One of the biggest carnivals in the world takes “Roma Eterna: El Imperio del Carnaval” as its 2027 theme and, unusually, starts two weeks later than normal. First come the murga and comparsa competitions and the election of the Carnival Queen in gigantic costumes; then the whole city dances in the streets.
Our tip: The best atmosphere is during the day at the Carnaval de Día (Saturday 27 February). Take bus 110/111 or the tram – parking is hopeless. Costumes are very welcome; without one, you'll stand out as an outsider.
March 2027 – exact dates not yet announced (in 2026: 5–16 March)
Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos
Los Cristianos, Arona (Av. Juan Carlos I, seafront promenade) · South
The island's second-biggest carnival takes place in neighbouring Los Cristianos, usually a few weeks after Santa Cruz. The main event is the huge Coso parade with thousands of masked revellers, and the night-time dancing goes on until dawn.
Our tip: From Ponderosa, take bus 447 or a taxi for a few euros – better not to drive. Arona council usually publishes the programme in February.
February – March 2027 – exact dates not yet announced (check puertodelacruz.es)
Puerto de la Cruz Carnival and the Mascarita Ponte Tacón
Puerto de la Cruz (Plaza del Charco, old town) · North
The carnival in the north is smaller and more family-friendly than in Santa Cruz. Its most famous event is the “Mascarita Ponte Tacón” race, in which men in costume run through the streets in high heels.
Our tip: Combine it with a daytime trip to Loro Parque or Lago Martiánez, then stay on for the parade in the evening.
21–28 March 2027; Maundy Thursday 25 March, Good Friday 26 March (public holidays)
Semana Santa – Holy Week in La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna (UNESCO old town), plus other towns · North
La Laguna's UNESCO-listed historic centre hosts the island's most famous processions, with hooded brotherhoods and centuries-old statues. The atmosphere is at its most intense on Thursday and Friday evenings, when the processions pass silently through the streets by candlelight.
Our tip: Get to La Laguna by tram from Santa Cruz, or drive to the car park by the Intercambiador. Bring a jumper – March evenings in the north are around 12–14 °C.
Good Friday, 26 March 2027, from 12:00 (about 2 hours)
La Pasión de Adeje – the living Passion play
Adeje – Calle Grande, Plaza de la Cruz del Llano, Plaza de España · South
More than 300 amateur actors perform 13 scenes of the Passion in the streets of old Adeje, from the entry into Jerusalem to the Crucifixion. It's one of the best-known living Passion plays in Spain; entry is free, and Televisión Canaria broadcasts it live.
Our tip: For a good spot on Calle Grande, arrive at least an hour early. Bring a hat and water – the midday sun there is fierce.
across the island, via Teide (starts of the 110K, 82K, 68K and shorter routes) · Teide & mountains
Billed as the highest race in Spain, this ultramarathon runs from the coast through Teide National Park up to around 3,500 m. A new 68 km route has been added for 2027, and after the 2026 edition was cancelled because of Storm Therese, it marks a big comeback.
Our tip: Even if you're not running, expect road closures in the mountains and full car parks on Teide on those days. Routes, start and finish points are on the official website.
Puerto de la Cruz (streets and squares of the old town) · North
Four days of street theatre, circus, dance and music by artists from all over the world in the lanes of Puerto de la Cruz. Most performances are free and suitable for children too.
Our tip: Download the programme the day before and pick 3–4 shows close to each other; the best spots fill up 20 minutes before the start.
30 May 2027 (Sunday) – regional holiday (check the official holiday calendar in case it moves to Monday)
Día de Canarias – Canary Islands Day
the whole island, especially Santa Cruz, La Laguna and village squares · Teide & mountains
Canarians celebrate the anniversary of the first session of the regional parliament. People put on traditional dress (traje de mago), folk music plays, and at the markets you can taste gofio, cheeses and wine.
Our tip: Look out for a “Baile de Magos” or a “Feria de artesanía” nearby. It's the best chance to experience Canarian culture away from the tourist crowds.
June 2027 – “Jueves de las Alfombras” expected on Thursday 3 June 2027 (octave of Corpus Christi, calculated – check the programme)
Alfombras del Corpus Christi – flower and sand carpets
La Orotava (historic centre, Plaza del Ayuntamiento) · North
The streets of historic La Orotava are covered with dozens of carpets made of flowers, petals and seeds. In the square in front of the town hall, a huge picture is created from coloured volcanic sand from Teide. The tradition is officially protected as cultural heritage, and the carpets are destroyed once the procession has passed.
Our tip: It's at its most beautiful in the morning, before the procession. The evening before, you can watch the carpets being made. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep streets.
June 2027 – expected on Sunday 6 June 2027 (the Sunday after Jueves de las Alfombras; in 2026 it was 14 June) – check the programme
Romería de San Isidro Labrador – La Orotava
La Orotava (historic centre) · North
The most famous romería in the Canaries: dozens of ox-drawn carts, thousands of people in traditional dress, folk groups, and food and wine handed out from the carts. It celebrates the patron saint of farmers and the Canarian countryside.
Our tip: If you want to join in, wear at least something “mago” (a headscarf, a waistcoat) – the locals will appreciate it. Bring your own cup, as the wine is poured into whatever you're holding.
evening of 23 June 2027 (Wednesday); on the morning of 24 June, goats are bathed in the harbour at Puerto de la Cruz
Noche de San Juan – St John's Eve
beaches all over the island; Puerto de la Cruz (Muelle Pesquero) · North
On the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit on the beaches, fireworks go off and at midnight people plunge into the sea for luck. In Puerto de la Cruz, on the morning of 24 June, shepherds lead their goats into the sea in an ancient purification ritual.
Our tip: On the southern beaches, the bonfires and music often carry on until morning. The goat bathing in Puerto de la Cruz starts early – arrive around 8:00.
July 2027 – traditionally the Tuesday before 16 July (in 2026 it was 14 July); in 2027 expected on 13 July – to be confirmed
Embarcación de la Virgen del Carmen – a procession at sea
Puerto de la Cruz (fishing harbour, Muelle Pesquero) · North
Fishermen carry the statues of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Telmo on their shoulders into the sea and load them onto a boat, escorted by a flotilla of decorated vessels. It's the emotional high point of the July festivities, with fireworks over the bay.
Our tip: The best view is from the sea walls by Plaza del Charco – find a spot at least an hour early. The procession starts in the early evening, around 18:00.
14–15 August 2027 (night pilgrimage on 14 August, main day 15 August – public holiday); a smaller celebration also on 2 February 2027
Fiesta de la Virgen de Candelaria – pilgrimage to the patron saint of the Canaries
Candelaria (basilica and Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias) · North-east
On the night of 14–15 August, thousands of pilgrims walk from all over the island to the basilica of the patron saint of the Canary Islands. Statues of the nine Guanche kings line the seafront, and the festivities include a solemn Mass, a procession and a theatrical re-enactment of the Virgin's appearance to the Guanches.
Our tip: From the south it's a 40-minute drive to Candelaria on the TF-1. On these days, though, go by bus or very early – the town is closed off for the pilgrims.
September 2027 – traditionally the first Sunday in September (5 September 2027) – check the Arona programme
Fiestas del Carmen in Los Cristianos – a procession at sea
Los Cristianos (old harbour, Muelle Viejo) · South
Los Cristianos honours its patron saint not in July but at the start of September: after Mass on the beach, the statue of the Virgin is loaded onto a fishing boat and a flotilla carries her along the coast. The festivities end with fireworks over the bay and competitions on the beach.
Our tip: The closest fiesta with a sea procession to Ponderosa – just a few minutes away on bus 447. The fireworks are best seen from Las Vistas beach.
September 2027 – main day 14 September (Tuesday) with evening fireworks; the festivities run for roughly the first two weeks of September
Fiestas del Cristo de La Laguna
San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Plaza del Cristo, old town) · North
The university town's biggest festivities are dedicated to the revered Christ of La Laguna. Alongside the procession, fairs and concerts, they're famous for their huge firework display (Fuegos del Cristo).
Our tip: Take the tram to the fireworks – parking in La Laguna is impossible that evening. Evenings are cooler in the north, so bring a jumper.
October 2026 – festivities 9–18 October, romería on Sunday 18 October 2026 (Mass at 11:00, procession from 13:00)
Fiestas Patronales and Romería de Adeje
Adeje (old town, Calle Grande, Plaza del Cerco) · South
Adeje honours its patron saint, the Virgen de la Encarnación, and its co-patron, Santa Úrsula, with concerts, verbenas and traditional Masses on Calle Grande. The highlight is the romería: pilgrims in Canarian traditional dress, decorated carts and folk groups handing out local food and wine.
Our tip: It's a 10-minute drive from Ponderosa, but on the day of the romería the centre is closed to traffic. Park further down near the TF-47 or take a taxi, and arrive before 13:00.
31 October – 1 November (2026 and 2027); 1 November is a public holiday
Noche de Finaos and Halloween
the whole island; Halloween parties in Costa Adeje and Las Américas · South
The Canarian tradition of “Noche de Finaos”, on the eve of All Saints' Day, combines remembering the dead with roast chestnuts, nuts, dried fruit and young wine. Meanwhile, the resorts celebrate Halloween with fancy-dress parties for children and adults alike.
Our tip: The best places to try chestnuts and young wine are the guachinches and village fiestas in the north. On 1 November, shops outside the tourist areas are closed.
October 2027 – exact dates not yet announced (in 2026: 9–18 October, romería on 18 October)
Fiestas Patronales and Romería de Adeje 2027
Adeje (old town) · South
Adeje's annual October festivities for its patron saint end with a romería: a procession of pilgrims in traditional dress and decorated carts from Plaza del Cerco. For guests in Costa Adeje, it's the closest authentic village fiesta.
Our tip: The Ayuntamiento de Adeje usually publishes the programme at the end of September.
29 November 2026 (Sunday) and 29 November 2027 (Monday) – the eve of St Andrew's Day
San Andrés – Tablas in Icod and Arrastre de cacharros in Puerto de la Cruz
Icod de los Vinos (Calle del Plano) and Puerto de la Cruz (town centre) · North
In Icod, young people hurtle down extremely steep, wet streets on wooden boards (tablas), while across the north the wine cellars open up with new wine and chestnuts. In Puerto de la Cruz, children and adults drag strings of tin cans and pots through the streets, making a deafening racket.
Our tip: The tablas in Icod are best from early evening. Go by bus or with a sober driver – the wine flows freely and parking is almost impossible.
December 2026 (decorations from late November; 24 December Nochebuena, 25 December public holiday)
Christmas on Tenerife
Costa Adeje, La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Puerto de la Cruz · South
The seafront promenades and towns light up, and nativity scenes (belenes) appear in the squares. Christmas on the beach at 22 °C has a charm of its own, but Canarians celebrate mainly with a family dinner on 24 December.
Our tip: Many restaurants close early on Christmas Eve, so book your festive dinner in advance. On 25 December most shops and supermarkets are closed.
31 December 2026 (and 31 December 2027) at midnight
New Year's Eve and the 12 lucky grapes (Nochevieja)
the Costa Adeje and Las Américas seafront, Plaza de España in Santa Cruz · South
Spanish tradition says you eat one grape on each of the twelve chimes of midnight, to bring luck for every month of the new year. Then fireworks light up the sky over the beaches and promenades of the south and over the capital.
Our tip: Have 12 small seedless grapes ready – supermarkets also sell ready-made packs of “uvas de la suerte”. Gala dinners in restaurants sell out weeks in advance, and taxis are almost impossible to find after midnight.
