Tenerife is set to become the centre of traditional costume research this autumn as La Orotava hosts Spain’s first National Congress on Traditional Costume.
The two-day event will take place on 2 and 3 October 2026 at the town’s Centro de la Cultura, bringing together experts from across Spain to explore the history, craftsmanship and cultural importance of traditional dress.
Experts from Across Spain
The congress will feature 11 speakers from regions including Zamora, Valencia, Soria and the Canary Islands.
Researchers, ethnographers, conservators, designers and artisans will share their work through presentations, discussions and exhibitions, all with the aim of preserving and promoting Spain’s rich textile heritage.
Organisers hope the event will become a regular national forum where specialists can exchange ideas and showcase new research.
Why La Orotava?
La Orotava has long been recognised for its commitment to preserving Tenerife’s traditions, making it a natural choice to host the inaugural congress.
The town is well known for its historic celebrations, traditional costumes and ongoing efforts to protect Canarian cultural heritage.
Alongside the main conference, visitors can expect a programme of exhibitions, talks and round-table discussions in the weeks leading up to the event.
Protecting a Living Heritage
Tenerife’s Island Council says traditional clothing is far more than historic fashion.
Each garment reflects the island’s history, customs and craftsmanship, with every stitch telling part of the story of previous generations.
The congress aims to encourage greater research while helping ensure these traditions are passed on accurately to future generations.
Bringing Traditional Skills into the Spotlight
The event will also highlight the work of the many people involved in keeping traditional costume alive today, from researchers and historians to seamstresses, embroiderers and craftspeople.
By bringing together specialists from different parts of Spain, organisers hope to encourage collaboration and share best practice in preserving regional dress and textile traditions.
Strengthening Tenerife’s Cultural Profile
The congress forms part of the Cabildo de Tenerife’s wider commitment to protecting both the island’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
By hosting the country’s first national gathering dedicated entirely to traditional costume, Tenerife is reinforcing its reputation as one of Spain’s leading centres for the study, conservation and promotion of cultural traditions.