San Andrés Cemetery Reopens After Major Renovation
San Andrés' historic Traslarena cemetery, a cherished local landmark, will officially reopen on December 9th following the completion of its first renovation phase, which included restoring the chapel and creating an interpretation center.
San Andrés, a town in Santa Cruz, is holding a celebration. On December 9th at 12:30 PM, the Traslarena cemetery will officially reopen after its renovations. This historic cemetery, which is over 130 years old and located near Las Teresitas beach, has just completed the first stage of its refurbishment. The Canary Islands Government's Department of Culture and Heritage oversaw this work.
For years, the local community fought to preserve this burial ground. In 2023, the regional government and the Santa Cruz City Council agreed to work together on its restoration. The aim is to bring it back as a place of remembrance. The renovation project started last June and included fixing up the chapel, creating an interpretation center, restoring the old stone path and its cypress trees, and removing an advertising fence at the back.
The El Pescador Neighborhood Association, which has been a key advocate for the cemetery's renovation, announced yesterday that "the government plans to finish a few remaining details in 2026, such as work on the crosses, niches, tombstones, the entrance gate, and the lighting. However, the main part of the project is now complete." Attendees at the reopening ceremony will also receive a commemorative book.