Folklore and customs

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The most famous event is the Carnaval Santa Cruz. It is considered to be one of the largest in the world. Cadiz shares the title of Fiesta of International Tourist Interest.  Its timing varies each year, although they are often in January or February.

The explosion of color takes place with the election of the Queen of Carnival, then with the Cavalcade Advertiser, the carnival which will begin on the street. The murgas rondallas are responsible for the hot and cultural tone of the party, being the culmination of the Carnival.  On Shrove Tuesday, the parade is large and colorful, and the next day the colors of the previous day is changed by the black of mourning for the burial of the sardine, which ends the festival formally, but the carnival continues until the end of the week (Friday and Saturday pinata).

In recent years there has been controversy regarding the conclusion of the burial of the sardine. As part of the population favored maintaining the tradition and celebrating the funeral on Ash Wednesday, the City Council, on grounds of assistance, prefered to move it to Friday pinata.

Fiestas de Mayo

It has gained great importance.  There are dancing magicians and is held the night of the eve of May 3rd, where attendees wear traditional costumes of the islands, called magicians clothing, have outdoor dining and food is brought be everyone. In 1999, this event broke the Guinness record as the outdoor dinner with the largest number of attendees, estimated at about 8000.  In 2005 it moved from the Plaza de la Candelaria and into the streets of the big wheel and the surrounding area.

The Sunday after the dance of sorcerers held a walk rosemary, in which decorated carts traverse some areas of the city between traditional music and cuisine.

Relocation of the Virgin of Candelaria

In this respect, it is also important to note the move every seven years of the Virgen de Candelaria (Patrona Principal Canary Islands) from the Villa Mariana de Candelaria in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, to the San Cristobal de La Laguna. The last transfer to the capital city was in October 2002 and the next will be in 2016.