Tenerife's Candelaria Nativity Scene Unveils Historical Figures

For many families, visiting nativity scenes is a cherished Christmas tradition. Some do it for the children, while others simply can't imagine Christmas without this special outing.

Tenerife offers many places to see nativity scenes. You can find organized routes in towns like La Laguna or La Orotava, and official displays at places like the Cabildo (island council) or the Parliament. However, one particular nativity scene has become very popular, known for its strong ties to the island's history.

The Instagram account @tenerife_paraiso_canario even called it "A Christmas classic in Tenerife that surprises again every year."

For 2025, the Candelaria nativity scene has been updated with 182 new figures and scenes that tell stories from local history. It's also been modernized with QR codes, allowing visitors to get information in several languages.

This town's nativity scene truly captures the spirit of Candelaria's people. The City Council recently announced that sculptor Erika Ravelo Mendoza's new pieces are inspired by the town's past. For example, one scene recreates a 1952 photograph showing 25 fishermen casting a net for purse-seine fishing, a common method back then.

It also features figures of real historical residents, like Juan 'El Cape' and his son in a boat, the fisherman Juan Ravina 'Juan Cachucho', one of the town's first street sweepers, Agustín the carpenter from La Arena street, and two women selling grapes, inspired by Gloria and her sister Rosaura Marrero, who are well-known through local stories.