One of Tenerife’s most cherished summer festivals gets underway this weekend as Tejina launches its 2026 San Bartolomé celebrations, with a programme that will run until 6 September.
Blending religious traditions, community events and popular celebrations, the festival is one of the highlights of the calendar in the municipality of La Laguna.
Opening Night Gets the Celebrations Started
The official opening takes place on Friday evening with the traditional pregón, this year’s delivered by Juan Antonio Jorge Peraza.
The opening ceremony will also feature a performance by the group ENCUERDA2, the appearance of San Bartolomé at the church entrance, the firing of 24 ceremonial fireworks, and the lighting of the Corazón de Luces (Heart of Lights), one of the festival’s most symbolic traditions.
A Festival Rooted in Community
For generations, the San Bartolomé festivities have brought together residents of all ages.
The area around the parish church becomes the centre of the celebrations, while homes throughout the village are decorated with colourful displays that reflect the pride local people take in their traditions.
The festival is widely recognised as one of the most important cultural events in the area, with strong community involvement helping to keep its customs alive.
The Famous Hearts of Tejina
No celebration in Tejina would be complete without its famous Corazones.
These enormous heart-shaped structures, decorated with fruit, flowers and other natural materials, are unique to the village and have become one of Tenerife’s most recognisable festival traditions.
Created by the different neighbourhoods, the Corazones represent months of preparation and remain at the heart of the celebrations each year.
Highlights Still to Come
The programme continues throughout August and into early September, with several of the festival’s best-loved events, including:
- Verbena de la Pamela on 15 August
- Cabalgata de Carrozas on 28 August
- The traditional fireworks night on 29 August
- The arrival of the Corazones in the main square and the Battle of Flowers on 30 August
- The Descuelgue de los Corazones on 31 August
- The popular Tuesday of Parrandas on 1 September
Religious celebrations and community events will continue until the festival concludes on 6 September.
A Welcome Return for the Patron Saint
One of this year’s notable additions is the return of San Bartolomé’s procession through the neighbourhoods of Calle de Arriba, Calle de Abajo and El Pico.
The revived route strengthens the connection between the patron saint and the community, reflecting the village spirit that has made Tejina’s San Bartolomé Festival one of Tenerife’s most distinctive and enduring celebrations.