There are plenty of ways to celebrate a Tenerife fiesta, but El Pris has come up with one that is difficult to beat.
On Saturday, 29 August, the seafront in El Pris, Tacoronte, was transformed into a colourful marine-themed obstacle course for the popular ‘Sirenita ponte la aleta’ contest.
The idea is fairly simple. Participants dress up as characters inspired by the sea and then take on a course packed with obstacles, with speed, originality and a healthy dose of silliness all part of the fun.
And judging by the crowds, it went down rather well.
A very Canarian kind of fiesta
The event formed part of the patronal celebrations in honour of the Virgen del Carmen and was organised by the Comisión de Fiestas 2026, together with Tacoronte’s Department of Celebrations and Citizen Participation.
Music and lively drumming provided the soundtrack as the competitors made their way around the course, watched by locals and visitors gathered along the maritime avenue.
It’s the sort of event that works particularly well in a place like El Pris. The sea is right there, everyone knows everyone, and nobody seems to take themselves too seriously.
Awards for the best mermaids
Tacoronte mayor Sandra Izquierdo was among those supporting the event, alongside local representatives José Caro, Tarsis Morales and Yaiza Díaz.
Once the competition was over, the municipal representatives handed out prizes to the participants who impressed the judges with their speed, charm and, perhaps most importantly, originality.
It might not be your usual sporting event, but that’s rather the point.
Events like this are what give local fiestas their character, bringing people together and keeping some of those wonderfully eccentric traditions alive along Tenerife’s coast.