Santa Cruz Prepares for Sold-Out Traditional May Festivities This Saturday
Santa Cruz will host its highly anticipated annual May Festivities this Saturday, featuring a sold-out traditional gathering for 7,000 attendees dressed in mandatory Canarian attire.
Santa Cruz is gearing up for one of its busiest events of the year this Saturday. According to the City Council’s Department of Festivities, the celebration—the highlight of the May Festivities—will transform the historic center once again. Due to high demand, organizers have expanded the event area to accommodate 7,000 people across 720 tables, all of which are already fully booked.
The festivities begin at 9:00 p.m. and will span a large area, including La Noria, Nifú-Nifá, Campo Castro, Bravo Murillo, Plaza de Europa, and the area around the Church of La Concepción. Building on last year’s success, the event will also continue to include Candelaria and Santo Domingo streets. Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez and councilor Javier Caraballero noted that this expansion is part of a strategy to manage large crowds safely while encouraging community spirit and the preservation of local traditions.
To attend, guests must follow a strict dress code: traditional Canarian attire is mandatory. The City Council maintains this rule to help protect and honor the island's cultural heritage.
The entertainment lineup offers something for everyone. The Campo Castro stage will host various parrandas, including Las Siembras, A.F. Jariguo, Los Campitos, Achi Anaga, Peña del Lunes, and Nijota. Meanwhile, the Plaza de Europa will host the baile de taifas with music from Alcorán, Aceviños, Farutes del Atlántico, and A.F. Idaira. Later in the night, the Puente del Cabo will feature a more upbeat atmosphere with performances by orchestras Tropin and Sonora Olympia, along with soloist Pepe Benavente.
Before the main festivities begin, folk groups will take part in the traditional Offering to the Virgin of Candelaria. This weekend is particularly significant as it marks the 532nd anniversary of the city’s founding. The celebrations will conclude on Sunday, marking the end of a series of events that showcase the enduring strength of local traditions in modern-day Santa Cruz.