If you thought the summer fiestas were beginning to slow down, think again.
Several neighbourhoods in Icod de los Vinos are still celebrating the Fiestas in honour of the Virgen del Carmen, with a packed programme of religious events, music, children’s activities and traditional festivities running over the coming days.
Whether you live locally or happen to be visiting the north of Tenerife, there’s plenty going on.
Llanito Perera
The celebrations begin on 16th July with a Mass and procession at 7.30pm.
On 19th July, the traditional offering procession takes place at 11am, followed by another Mass and procession at midday.
The festivities conclude on 21st July with a special Mass at 6pm, marking the 41st anniversary of the local church.
Las Abiertas
Las Abiertas has a full programme spread over several days.
The festivities start on 16th July with the traditional ringing of the church bells and fireworks at 7am, followed by a Mass in memory of departed residents later that evening.
On 17th July, there’s a cabalgata, or festive parade, at 7pm, followed by dancing once it reaches the village.
Saturday 18th July is one of the busiest days, with children’s entertainment in the morning, card and domino competitions, a children’s festival, a Mass and procession in the evening, and a dance starting at 11pm.
The celebrations continue on 19th July with a mechanical bull, a variety show and more dancing, before finishing on 20th July with the traditional presentation of the festival flag and another evening dance.
Playa de San Marcos
The seaside celebrations at Playa de San Marcos are also centred around the Virgen del Carmen.
After a ludo tournament on 14th and 15th July, the festivities continue on 16th July with the ringing of the bells and a folklore festival in the evening.
On 17th July, the tournament reaches its final before the Noche Joven celebrations begin later that night.
Saturday 18th July includes a firefighters’ display, children’s activities and an evening verbena, while 19th July features some light-hearted football matches between singles and married players before the traditional Mass, procession and maritime procession, one of the highlights of the celebrations.
The programme finishes on 20th July with the presentation of trophies, followed by music and dancing, before a final Mass for departed residents takes place on 25th July.
A busy few days in Icod
Summer is fiesta season across Tenerife, and Icod de los Vinos is certainly making the most of it.
These local celebrations are always a good excuse to experience a bit of traditional Canarian culture, with plenty of music, food, community spirit and, if you’re lucky, decent weather as well.
If you’re nearby over the next few days, it’s well worth dropping in and seeing what it’s all about.