Tenerife's Oldest Bar Once Served as Polling Station
Tenerife's oldest active bar, Chucho–Casa Emiliano in La Orotava, celebrates over 126 years of family tradition and historic charm, notably serving as a polling station in 1995.
Chucho–Casa Emiliano, a bar founded in 1899, proudly holds the title of Tenerife's oldest active establishment, still keeping its original charm. Located in La Orotava, this historic bar is more than just a place to meet; it's a living part of the island's everyday history.
Chucho, the current owner, has run the bar for 50 years, continuing a family tradition passed down through generations. "My father taught me values, how to persevere, and here we are," he says. He adds that "many stories have unfolded" within these walls, some so special they've become part of La Orotava's local history.
One memorable event happened in 1995 when the bar unusually served as a polling station. This was during the fifth regional and local elections held in Spain's democracy after the Franco dictatorship. The original voting location, a building at a nearby marble factory, was deemed unsafe just one day before the elections. Faced with this urgent problem, authorities asked Chucho, who quickly offered his bar.
So, on May 28, 1995, locals cast their votes in ballot boxes placed right inside the bar. "No alcohol was served that day, just so you know," the owner jokes.
The bar's history goes back to the late 1800s. Chucho's great-grandfather, Domingo González, who owned a farm, opened a small winery there, serving wines and lupini beans. This humble spot slowly became a popular gathering place for La Orotava residents, growing while still keeping its unique character.
The bar's more than a century of operation has earned it recognition. Inside, you can see framed awards, including the Island's Gold Medal and another from the La Orotava City Council. These honors confirm the bar's importance to the community's social life, culture, and heritage.
Today, Chucho–Casa Emiliano remains a beloved landmark for both locals and tourists. Over 126 years since it first opened, the bar is still going strong, true to its original spirit. It proves that tradition, built on values, perseverance, and shared memories, can truly last through the ages.