Día de Canarias takes place this Saturday, 30 May, and across Tenerife and the rest of the islands, towns are already swapping normal weekends for folk music, traditional dress and very large tables.
If you’re visiting Tenerife this weekend and wondering what all the activity is about… here’s the quick guide.
What Is Día de Canarias?
The holiday marks the anniversary of the first session of the Canary Islands Parliament in 1983.
Since then, 30 May has become the official day celebrating Canarian identity, culture and traditions across all eight islands.
This year it falls on a Saturday, so there’s no extra weekday holiday for many workers and schools.
That said… don’t expect a quiet weekend.
What Happens During Día de Canarias?
Pretty much every municipality seems to organise something.
Expect:
• Traditional music and folk groups
• Isa, tajaraste and local dances
• Artisan markets
• Food fairs and local produce events
• Baile de Magos celebrations
• Romerías and cultural activities
• Traditional sports demonstrations
You may also see:
• Lucha Canaria (Canarian wrestling)
• Juego del Palo (stick fighting)
• Pottery, embroidery and basket weaving displays
And somewhere nearby there will almost certainly be gofio.
Food Becomes Part of the Celebration
Día de Canarias is basically impossible without food.
Expect plenty of:
• Papas arrugadas with mojo
• Carne fiesta
• Gofio dishes
• Local cheeses
• Island wines
Not exactly a weekend for dieting.
Will Shops and Restaurants Be Open?
Mostly yes.
Tourist areas such as:
• Costa Adeje
• Playa de las Américas
• Puerto de la Cruz
• Los Cristianos
…are expected to operate normally.
Restaurants, bars and shops should mostly remain open, although smaller local businesses may reduce hours.
Worth checking ahead.
Transport and Travel
Public transport is likely to run on:
• Weekend schedules
• Reduced timetables
Also expect:
• Road closures around events
• Parking restrictions
• Busy town centres
Popular celebrations are expected across:
• Santa Cruz
• La Laguna
• Smaller villages across Tenerife
Give yourself extra travel time if moving around.
A Good Weekend to See Tenerife Differently
For visitors especially, Día de Canarias is one of the easiest ways to see island life outside the resort bubble.
Traditional dress.
Music.
Local food.
Families out celebrating.
And someone somewhere explaining the correct way to wear the traje de mago.
It happens every year.