Teno Alto Carnival: Ancient Devil Rituals Endure

This past weekend, the small village of Teno Alto, nestled in the mountains of Buenavista del Norte in Tenerife, celebrated its rural carnival. This event highlighted how ancient traditions continue to thrive, standing apart from the more modern, globalized festivals across the Canary Islands. The main figure of the celebration was the Devil, a character deeply rooted in the islands' traditional winter festivities, far removed from today's contemporary styles.

The Devil, embodying the wild spirit of old rituals, appeared in the streets of El Vallado. For many visitors, seeing this was like stepping back into the Canary Islands' past. These cultural events are often tied to farming seasons and ancient, pre-Christian beliefs. They stand out for their genuine feel and strong connection to the community's history, unlike city carnivals that focus more on grand displays and modern styles.

Later, the town square hosted the historic Piñata Dance, a traditional ritual that has mostly vanished from the rest of the islands. Eva García, the mayor of Buenavista del Norte, praised the "resilience" of the local residents and the Teno Alto Association for keeping this heritage alive. She stressed that "Teno Alto represents the identity of our municipality; it is our heritage, our landscape, and our community," highlighting the cultural and political importance of preserving this tradition in a globalized world.

This event in the Teno mountains acts as a preview for Buenavista del Norte's main carnival program. Next week, the celebrations will shift to the town center with a completely different pirate theme. However, for those looking for the true spirit of these festivities, the Devil's appearance in rural Teno Alto remains the most authentic highlight.