Los Cristianos is getting ready for one of the biggest celebrations in the south of Tenerife.
The Fiestas del Carmen 2026 mark the 102nd edition of the festivities, a tradition that dates back to 1924 and remains closely tied to the fishing heritage of Los Cristianos.
There will be plenty going on between 22 August and 7 September, with religious celebrations, fishing traditions, live music, family activities, dancing, fireworks and, of course, enough events to keep most people occupied for a while.
The celebrations are organised by the Comisión de Fiestas La Playa en Peso, with much of the action centred around the Muelle Viejo, Plaza de la Pescadora and the area around the municipal swimming pools.
The celebrations get underway
The first event takes place on Saturday 22 August, with a dinner introducing the candidates for the festivities at Calle Portazgo.
Things properly get moving on Saturday 29 August, with the 12th Feria del Pescado running from 17:00 to 23:00 around the Muelle Viejo and Plaza de la Pescadora.
Then on Sunday 30 August, the traditional Romería Barquera takes to the streets from 13:00, followed by an afternoon of music from Pasión Gomera.
A busy first week of September
From Wednesday 2 September, the Avenida de Chayofita will host the popular fairground, running through until Monday 7 September.
There will also be the various religious events and the three-day Triduum in honour of the Virgen del Carmen.
The evenings bring the more glamorous side of the celebrations, with the Queen of the Seniors on Wednesday, the Children’s Queen on Thursday and the main Queen’s Gala on Friday.
Friday night then carries on with a major dance featuring Guaracha, running from midnight until 04:00.
Saturday is all about Los Cristianos
Saturday 5 September is packed.
The morning begins with a floral offering to the Virgen del Carmen on the seabed around Los Cristianos and Palm-Mar, followed by the Pirate Moreque parade.
There’s then a full Children’s Day with inflatable attractions, foam, workshops and entertainment around Plaza de los Caídos, Plaza de la Pescadora and Los Cristianos beach.
The 13th Fiesta del Sombrero also takes place at Plaza de la Alpispa. Bring your own food, bring a drink and, rather importantly, don’t forget the hat.
There are prizes for the most original one, so there’s your excuse to wear something ridiculous.
The evening continues with the Festival Musical Amigos de Los Cristianos before two orchestras, Pasión Gomera and Sensación Gomera, take over for the late-night dance.
Sunday brings the big religious celebrations
The main day arrives on Sunday 6 September.
From midday, the bay will host traditional games including cucaña, rowing boat races, tug of war, the apple game and other traditional competitions.
The main religious procession begins at 19:00, leaving the parish church and making its way towards the Muelle Viejo.
A Mass follows at the Muelle Viejo before the highlight of the evening.
At around 21:30, the maritime and land procession gets underway, accompanied by the Banda de Música de Arona and members of the historic Los Cristianos ribbon dance.
There will also be a major fireworks display before the image returns to the parish church.
And because apparently one big event isn’t enough for one evening, the Edén Festival will also take place on Avenida de Chayofita from 21:00 until 02:00, featuring DJs David Pérez, Javi Plasencia, El Musicario and STC.
The final day
The celebrations finish on Monday 7 September.
The afternoon brings the traditional Sortija de Barco in the bay, followed by the equally traditional salpicón.
The final night then gets underway at 21:00 with music from DJ Javi Plasencia and Fernandito “El Ferna”, along with the presentation of trophies.
It’s a fairly serious amount of celebrating for a small coastal town.
But after 102 years, Los Cristianos clearly isn’t about to start doing things by halves now.
The programme has been provided by the Comisión de Fiestas de Los Cristianos 2026 and may be subject to change.