Tejina is gearing up for the biggest day of its annual festivities this Sunday, 30 August, when the famous Corazones de Tejina make their entrance into the church square.
If you’ve never seen them before, they’re not exactly subtle.
These enormous heart-shaped structures, covered in fruit, flowers and branches, are carried through the streets by residents from the three traditional neighbourhoods before arriving in the square, each accompanied by its own parranda.
It’s one of those Tenerife traditions that has to be seen properly to understand just how much work, pride and friendly rivalry goes into it.
The big day is Sunday
The main event begins from 11.00am on Sunday, 30 August, when the Hearts from the three streets enter the Plaza de la Iglesia.
The festivities in honour of San Bartolomé have been running throughout August, but Sunday is the day many locals wait for.
The Hearts will remain in the square until Monday afternoon, when they are taken down in the traditional descuelgue.
The celebrations don’t stop there either.
The following day, the parrandas return to the square for the traditional pique before the Hearts make their way back to their respective neighbourhoods. The day then finishes with a parade and the burning of El Haragán.
There are also the Corazones Chicos, where the younger generation gets involved and helps keep the tradition alive.
A busy weekend in Tejina
There’s plenty happening before Sunday too.
On Friday night at 9.30pm, the traditional Cabalgata de Carrozas takes place, followed by a verbena in the church square with the orchestra Primera Marcha.
Saturday begins with the Bebetlon at midday.
Later that evening, at 11.00pm, the procession of San Bartolomé will make its way through the centre of Tejina. Afterwards, there will be fireworks from La Tejinetilla, followed by the traditional traca.
Then, because apparently nobody in Tejina needs an early night, the celebrations continue with another popular verbena featuring Banda Loca and Latin Sound.
A Tenerife tradition worth seeing
The Corazones de Tejina are one of those traditions that make Tenerife feel very different from the version most tourists see from their hotel balconies.
Months of preparation go into creating them, and the event brings together families, neighbours, associations and plenty of people who have probably been involved since they were kids.
If you’re in the area on Sunday, 30 August, it’s well worth heading over early.
Just don’t expect a quiet morning.