There aren’t many places where you can step into the middle of a town and find donkeys, traditional folk music and hundreds of families celebrating Tenerife’s agricultural past.
But that’s exactly what happened this week in La Laguna, where the much-loved Noche de los Burros returned as one of the standout events of the annual San Benito Abad celebrations.
It’s one of those fiestas that reminds you there’s far more to Tenerife than beaches and tourist resorts.
A celebration of the island’s rural heritage
From early afternoon, the streets of La Laguna’s historic centre filled with locals and visitors eager to watch the colourful parade.
Donkeys took centre stage, accompanied by other animals closely linked to traditional Canarian farming and rural life.
The event honours the generations of farmers and livestock keepers who helped shape the island long before tourism became Tenerife’s main industry.
This year’s celebrations also shone a spotlight on the Presa Canario, the iconic breed of dog that has long been associated with rural life in the Canary Islands.
Music, tradition and community
The procession began in Plaza del Adelantado before making its way through the historic streets to Avenida Embajador Alberto de Armas.
Along the route, traditional folk groups and musicians added to the atmosphere, with plenty of Canarian music and dancing bringing the town to life.
It was very much a family occasion, with children enjoying the chance to see the animals up close while learning a little about the island’s history at the same time.
More than just a parade
Although it’s a fun afternoon out, Noche de los Burros also has an important purpose.
The event helps preserve Tenerife’s rural traditions while encouraging younger generations to appreciate the role agriculture and native animal breeds have played in the Canary Islands for centuries.
Judging by the crowds that turned out this year, it’s a tradition that’s as popular as ever.
One of Tenerife’s best traditional fiestas
The San Benito Abad celebrations are among the most important cultural events in La Laguna’s calendar, and Noche de los Burros has become one of the highlights.
For anyone wanting to experience a more authentic side of Tenerife, it’s exactly the sort of event worth seeking out. It offers a glimpse into the island’s rural roots and proves that some of the best experiences here have nothing to do with beaches or hotels.