La Laguna’s Isla Calavera Zombie Walk Returns to Boost Local Culture and Tourism

The Isla Calavera Zombie Walk has become a staple of San Cristóbal de La Laguna’s cultural calendar. Now in its sixth year, the event—scheduled for October 31—is more than just a fun Halloween tradition; it is part of a broader strategy to boost local business and highlight the city’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Supported by the La Laguna City Council, the walk serves as a lead-up to the tenth annual Canary Islands Fantastic Film Festival, which runs from November 6 to 15. Mayor Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, festival directors Daniel Fumero and Vanesa Bocanegra, and local business representative Iván Pérez recently introduced the event, emphasizing its goal of connecting the local community with the festival’s cultural offerings.

The festivities begin at 5:00 p.m. in the Plaza del Adelantado, where attendees can access professional makeup services and dining options. The procession itself kicks off at 8:00 p.m., winding through the streets of Obispo Rey Redondo and Herradores.

The event will feature music from the Tejina Band, hosting by comedian Aarón Gómez, and a costume contest. The night will conclude with a performance by NAGOBA, who will incorporate classic horror movie sounds into their set. This event acts as a preview for the festival’s main program in November, which will host international stars including Christopher Lambert, Tom Berenger, Sean Young, Lone Fleming, Alejandro Amenábar, and Lloyd Kaufman.

By turning the city’s historic colonial streets into a cinematic stage, the organizers—the Charlas de Cine Cultural Association, Multicines Tenerife, and Tumbaabierta.com—have created a successful model that blends the film industry with public engagement. The initiative is backed by a wide range of supporters, including the Government of the Canary Islands and the Tenerife Island Council.