If you’re looking for a traditional Tenerife fiesta with a strong connection to the sea, La Caleta should be on your list this summer.
From 28 July to 3 August, the coastal village in Adeje will celebrate its annual festivities in honour of Our Lady of Carmen, under the theme “La Caleta, a Sea of Traditions.”
As you’d expect, the programme combines religious celebrations with live music, family activities and plenty of opportunities for the community to come together.
The Festivities Get Underway
The celebrations begin with two evenings of Hora de la Suerte, followed on 30 July by the popular Sortija Marina, a traditional competition that takes place at sea, subject to the tides.
That evening also features the official opening parade through the village with the K’NADUM batucada, before the formal presentation of the festivities.
The night will also see the premiere of the documentary “Nature and Culture of La Caleta”, followed by live music from Mesturao and a DJ set from Ricky.
Family Activities and Live Entertainment
The programme continues with plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Traditional children’s games and inflatable water attractions
- Painting workshops open to everyone
- Domino and Parchís tournaments
- Environmental activities around the harbour
- Community workshops
- Open-air summer cinema
Evenings are reserved for live entertainment, with orchestras including Guaracha, La Maquinaria Band, Maracaibo and Toke Latino, alongside DJ performances.
The Weekend’s Main Events
One of Friday’s highlights is the colourful Romería Barquera, bringing together the community in a celebration of La Caleta’s maritime heritage.
On Saturday 1 August, the village will celebrate a solemn Mass in honour of Our Lady of Carmen, followed by a procession through the streets accompanied by the Adeje Municipal Band. The evening concludes with a fireworks display before another night of dancing.
The biggest event arrives on Sunday 2 August, when the statue of the Virgin is carried from the chapel down to the harbour before joining the traditional maritime procession.
Decorated boats accompany the Virgin along the coastline before returning to shore, where the celebrations continue with the customary paella, available for a symbolic €2 donation in support of the festival committee.
The evening finishes with a performance by comedian Petite Lorena and the presentation of the new festival committee.
A Fitting End to the Celebrations
The festivities draw to a close on Monday 3 August with neighbourhood games, a community chocolate gathering and an open-air cinema screening.
It’s a relaxed ending to a programme that perfectly reflects what makes Tenerife’s local fiestas so enjoyable…good food, music, traditions and a community that knows how to celebrate together.