Santa Cruz de Tenerife Marks 532nd Anniversary With Month-Long Celebration

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is celebrating its 532nd anniversary throughout May with a packed schedule of events. The city council has organized over 100 cultural and recreational activities to mark the 1494 landing of Alonso Fernández de Lugo’s troops at Añaza beach. The festivities will run until May 30, coinciding with Canary Islands Day.

The celebrations begin this afternoon at the Floral Clock in García Sanabria Park, where writer and actress Marta González de Vega will deliver the opening speech. She has promised an emotional address, enriched with musical performances.

Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez emphasized that these events are vital for bringing the community together and celebrating local identity. Highlights include the election of the Festival Queen this Friday at Plaza de la Candelaria, featuring performances by Pasión Vega and Chago Melián. The plaza will also host the Senior Queen pageant and the children’s traditional costume contest.

The popular "Baile de Magos" (traditional dance) will take place on May 2 near Calle La Noria and the Church of the Conception. Organizers have prepared 750 tables for the event, with tickets available online starting this Thursday. Guests can look forward to live music from regional folk groups and orchestras.

Festival Councilor Javier Caraballero noted that this year’s program focuses on variety and reaching different neighborhoods, with 26 groups participating in the traditional cross-decorating contests. Additionally, García Sanabria Park will host the Flower, Plant, Handicraft, and Book Fair from April 30 to May 4.

The month-long celebration will also feature a wide range of performances, including the Tajaraste Festival, a concert by Los Cantadores, and appearances by artists such as Besay Pérez, Iván Quintana, and the group Son21, cementing the city’s status as the heart of island tradition this spring.