Tenerife offers more than just beautiful landscapes and beaches. It is deeply rich in culture, history, and traditions. Ancestral customs have been reshaped by a blend of Latin American, European, and North African influences. To truly experience the island, you need to immerse yourself in local life.
Festivals: Experience Tenerife’s Energy
Tenerife’s festivals are vibrant celebrations of life and tradition. The most famous is Carnaval, held every February, scheduled according to the Full Moon, 40 days before Easter. While the most famous celebration is in Santa Cruz, other towns host important parades too. Los Realejos, Puerto de La Cruz, Candelaria, and Adeje are notable examples. If you decide to join, don’t forget your fancy dress! It’s a must if you want to interact with locals. Santa Cruz Carnival is the second-largest carnival in the world. Expect a large crowd of people laughing. They will be role-playing and embracing the spirit of the festival.
Don’t miss Romerías (traditional pilgrimages) in smaller villages. Locals celebrate the island’s agricultural roots with food, music, and folklore. From April to September, Romerías occur in many towns. The most famous ones are in Tegueste, Los Realejos, and La Orotava.
Food: Taste Tenerife’s Tradition
Tenerife’s cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. “Papas arrugadas” with “mojo” sauce are a must-try, but be sure to ask if the potatoes are true Canary varieties. Often, you’ll be served potatoes from the UK or seeds imported from there. To be sure, ask: Are these Papas Bonitas? Canary Islands boasts 29 potato varieties. This includes Azucenas, Bonitas, Roja Palmera, or Pelucas. Sixteen of these varieties are exclusive to Tenerife. These potatoes are a true gem of the island, a cultural treasure completely unknown for tourists.
Besides potatoes, fresh seafood from coastal towns can be found in Cofradías de Pescadores. Avoid the fried calamari and go straight for a boiled Vieja or Cherne. Visit local markets like the Mercado de Nuestra Señora de África in Santa Cruz. You can also explore those in La Laguna, Tacoronte, La Guancha, and La Orotava. Buy and taste local cheese, wine, vegetables, and fruits. Eating in small guachinches (family-run restaurants) offers an authentic taste of Tenerife’s homemade dishes. You’ll need to do a deep search to find the real ones.
Traditions: Connect with the Island’s Soul
To truly connect with Tenerife’s cultural heritage, visit and walk around rural areas. You will be surprised you can find. Explore places like Garachico, Icod de los Vinos, Buenavista, and Los Silos. Smaller towns like Icod el Alto and San Juan de la Rambla offer rich experiences. Mesa del Mar, Valle Guerra, and Tejina also have much to offer. These towns preserve authentic Canarian traditions, from local crafts to agriculture.
Join a guided tour of vineyards or traditional farms with real local guides. Experience first-hand how local communities have thrived for centuries. Taste the local culture. Be brave and ask your guide where he/she is from. Remember, Canary Islands are a low-tax region, quite gentrified today, and much of the economic impact doesn’t reach locals. Stay local, go local, meet locals. Islanders are eager to interact with tourists. They appreciate those who help reduce the impact of gentrification on the island.