La Laguna is in the middle of celebrating the 80th edition of the San Benito Abad Festivities, with more than 40 events honouring Tenerife’s folklore, rural traditions and cultural heritage.
This year’s celebrations pay tribute to the island of Tenerife, placing its music, customs and traditions at the heart of one of the Canary Islands’ most important cultural festivals.
The Biggest Events Are Still Ahead
Although the festivities are already underway, the main attractions are still to come.
The highlight will be the Regional Romería on Sunday, 12th July, the only pilgrimage in the Canary Islands to hold official regional status. This year, for the first time, the image of San Cristóbal, the patron saint of La Laguna, will join the procession as it passes the Cathedral.
Organisers expect almost 40 folk groups and around 80 decorated carts and traditional carriages, making it one of the largest editions of the pilgrimage to date.
Another major event will be the Baile de Magos on Friday, 10th July, when more than 650 tables will fill the streets of La Laguna’s historic centre as thousands gather dressed in traditional Canarian costume for one of the island’s best-known celebrations.
Music, Culture and Family Events
The programme continues on 9th July with a special performance celebrating the 50th anniversary of the folk group Achamán.
On 11th July, families can enjoy the second Children’s Baile de Magos, while older residents will take part in the traditional Romería de Mayores. The day will conclude with the 8 Islas Festival, bringing together artists and folk groups from across the Canary Islands.
Celebrating 80 Years of Tradition
Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez described the festivities as a celebration of La Laguna’s agricultural heritage and its unique identity as both a rural and urban municipality.
Councillor for Festivities Dailos González said the 80th anniversary reinforces the importance of preserving Canarian traditions while strengthening the cultural ties between La Laguna and the rest of Tenerife.
A Poster Inspired by Local History
This year’s official poster recreates the historic 1905 procession, when the image of San Benito was temporarily moved after its hermitage was used to house military troops.
Created by historian Julio Torres and artist Juan Cairós, the artwork highlights one of the most unusual moments in the history of the celebrations.
The official programme also references documents preserved in La Laguna’s Municipal Archive dating back to 1635, showing that traditional dancers accompanied by drums were already taking part in local festivities almost 400 years ago.
With its blend of music, folklore, religious tradition and community spirit, the San Benito Abad Festivities remain one of Tenerife’s most important cultural celebrations.