The Fiestas de Julio are among the most important celebrations in Puerto de la Cruz. The Tuesday before they come to an end is one of the most significant days of the festival. It is dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen, who is regarded as the patron saint of fishermen and seafarers. This is an important public holiday for Puerto de la Cruz and its maritime history.
In July, the people of Puerto de la Cruz pray to their patron saint not only for safety, but also for a bountiful catch. The main day of the festivities is, every year, the Tuesday before 16 July, when the celebrations traditionally come to an end.
With more than 100,000 visitors from across the Canary Islands, the celebrations go on all day long. The whole city becomes one big stage. Here’s a guide to the festival and where you should be at what time:
History and background of the Fiestas del Carmen on Tenerife
The statue of the Virgen del Carmen stands in the Iglesia de la Peña de Francia. During the festival, it is carried through the streets of Puerto de la Cruz. The statue was created by the sculptor Ángel Acosta Martín and was donated to the generous people of Puerto de la Cruz.
The tradition dates back to 1923. The route of the procession has always varied. Initially, it began in the neighbouring town of Los Realejos. Since 1954, however, the procession has started at the Iglesia de la Peña de Francia and winds its way through the streets of the historic centre to the old fishing harbour, just behind the Plaza del Charco, the main square in Puerto de la Cruz.
July Festivals in Puerto de la Cruz: the programme
And so Tuesday begins at 7 am with the traditional „Diana Floreada“ in the main streets of the historic centre. From 9 am, the big tombola in aid of the Red Cross begins in the Plaza del Charco, before the traditional Chocolatada, the „chocolate festival“, gets underway at 10 am.
One of the highlights for many residents of Puerto de la Cruz is the „Cucaña“. This involves greasing a wooden pole. Daring participants – mostly young men – try to balance on it and reach the flag attached to the top. However, these attempts usually end with a fall into the harbour basin.
From 5.15 pm, a mass is held in honour of the patron saints, culminating in a grand procession through the town. This, in turn, leads to the water’s edge, so that the procession continues by boat. To mark the return of the boat procession, there is then a grand fireworks display. The day ends with music and dancing in the town’s streets.
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