Tejina’s ‘Verbena de la Pamela’ Celebrates Local Creativity and Tradition

The "Verbena de la Pamela" in Tejina, Tenerife, proved once again on August 15th that it remains a true reflection of local culture and creativity. According to local reports, the festival has returned to its roots, highlighted this year by a satirical display featuring a mock victory for the Spanish national team over Argentina, centered on figures of Lamine Yamal and a dejected Lionel Messi.

Dating back to the 1980s, the event has matured significantly since overcoming public order issues in the late 2000s. The decision to ban the throwing of liquids—introduced to curb the disorder that disrupted the 2008 celebration—was the turning point that allowed the festival to reclaim its original focus: the elaborate headwear. Today, the pamela (wide-brimmed hat) or any creative, handmade headpiece is the essential accessory for participants, holding a social significance similar to costumes at the Santa Cruz Carnival.

Hundreds gathered in the town square and the El Ramal area on Saturday, showcasing a wide variety of themes, from nature-inspired designs to Christmas motifs and nods to local daily life. This energy is part of a broader schedule for the San Bartolomé festivities. As Dailos González, the La Laguna Councilor for Festivities, noted, the events continue to draw steady crowds.

The cultural program runs throughout August, featuring craft fairs, local product displays, interpretive routes, performances by the Parranda de Tejina, and screenings on the festival’s history. These events lead up to the district’s main celebration, the "Entrada de los Corazones," on August 30th—a tradition that, after nearly 40 years, remains a vital and unique part of the community.