Santa Cruz de Tenerife Hosts Annual Habaneras Festival Ahead of Virgin of Carmen Celebrations
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is hosting its 30th annual Habaneras Festival from July 9 to 11, featuring 22 musical groups in a traditional celebration of the city's maritime heritage ahead of the Virgin of Carmen festivities.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife is celebrating its deep-rooted connection to the sea with the return of its annual Habaneras Festival. From Thursday, July 9, to Saturday, July 11, the square at the Church of the Conception will host the event, which serves as a traditional prelude to the festivities honoring the Virgin of Carmen.
This year’s festival is larger than ever, featuring 22 musical groups. Hosted by journalist Mery Gorostiza, the event will hold three evening sessions, each beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The festival kicks off on Thursday with performances by senior groups, including Las Nieves, Rondalla de Tegueste, Chincanayro, Monte Nevado, Santo Ángel, Mayores del 2000, Nijota, Jariguo, and Bienmesabe Habaneras.
On Friday, the stage will feature rondallas and lyrical-musical groups: Las Valkirias, Peña del Lunes, Gran Tinerfe, Los Fregolinos, Sociedad Mamel’s, Unión Artística El Cabo, Los Aceviños, Masa Coral Tinerfeña, and La Zarzuela del Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero.
The festival concludes on Saturday with performances by independent groups—Valbanera, Dulce Caña de la Habana, Habana Vieja, and Chincho Son 23—followed by the Dinacord orchestra and an awards ceremony. Prizes will be presented to the two best ensembles, the best soloist, and the best original habanera composition.
Beyond the competition, the festival remains a key part of the city’s heritage. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez noted that the event has been a staple of the city’s maritime identity for three decades, while Councilor for Festivals Javier Caraballero praised the local groups that make the celebration possible. The festival leads into the city’s upcoming religious and public celebrations, which culminate on July 16 with the traditional procession and embarkation of the Virgin of Carmen at the Santa Cruz pier.