Santa Cruz de Tenerife Faces Backlash Over €400,000 'Welcome to Summer' Festival Cost

The second "Welcome to Summer" festival, held on June 19 at the Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, has sparked a debate over the cost of city-sponsored events. Official documents reveal the festival cost taxpayers 398,977.91 euros, raising questions about whether such high spending truly benefits the local economy.

The budget was primarily split between three areas: advertising, event management, and entertainment. The largest contract went to ASCOMUNICACION Y PUBLICIDAD S.L., which received 99,510 euros for the event’s marketing campaign. Technical coordination, handled by Eladiopink Inversiones SLU, cost 80,000 euros, while musical acts—including DJ Brito, Estrellas Buena Vista y Más, and Maquinaria Band—cost 69,015 euros through EFECTO SOUND S.L.

The festival hosted 5,000 people, divided into a 500-seat dining area and a 4,500-capacity concert zone. While the music was free, the dinner was a charity event with a 3-euro entry fee, with all proceeds going to social causes.

Additional costs were required to make the venue operational. These included 52,019.33 euros for audiovisual services, 43,856.09 euros for tents and furniture, and 21,234.15 euros for power. Security, cleaning, medical services, and portable toilets accounted for the remaining expenses.

City officials and the Development Society argue that the investment is worthwhile, noting that the event’s reach extends beyond the port. They highlighted that 84 local businesses participated through special promotions and that residents were offered free tourist bus access during the week. The City Council maintains that the festival is a vital tool for promoting the city and boosting the service sector.

However, with the total cost nearing 400,000 euros, the high price per attendee is likely to reignite political debate over how public money is spent on urban revitalization projects.