From the Inauguration Gala on Friday 24 January 2020
The party started on Friday night with the gala presentation of the 36 carnival queen candidates, with all the glamor and elegance of ‘The Flirty 50s’, attended by Mayor Patricia Hernández and Councilor for Fiestas, Andrés Martín. The traditional draw was held to decide the order of the candidates
The Inaugural Gala took place in the Plaza de Los Alisios, located behind the Adán Martín Tenerife Auditorium. In this incomparable setting, a magical night transpired, starring the 36 aspiring carnival queens. The gala was directed by renowned designers Marco and María, with masters of ceremony, RTVC presenters, Luis García Temprano and Mercedes Ortega, together with TVE Canarias journalist, Carolina González.
The evening began with Rondalla Unión Artística El Cabo and the most representative characters of the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife during the decade of the 50s. The 36 candidates, dressed in exclusive designs by Marco and María, paraded onto the stage of the Plaza de Los Alisios to the rhythm of the Tenerife Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.
The presenters invited the mayor, Patricia Hernández, dressed in an elegant dress inspired by the designs of the 50s, to take the stage. She did this accompanied by the Councilor for Fiestas, Andrés Martín, and the current Carnival Queen, Priscila Medina, and the Junior Queen 2019, Ylenia Rodríguez. The Senior Queen, Antonia Garrido, could not be present. The night ended with the traditional family photo with all the candidates and an explosion of fireworks that filled the dark sky with light and color for a few minutes.
The next appointment under the direction of designers Marco & María will be the Junior Carnival Queen Gala, to be held on Sunday 9 February.
Inside the Franciscan convent in Garachico - stone pavements and heartwood cloisters. Cultural Centre, Municipal Library, Municipal Archives, Natural Science Museum, Local History Museum and exhibition hall.
Restoration works at the former Franciscan convent building, annexed to the Town Hall and with 500 years of history, have brought to light a previously unknown crypt under the presbytery of the church with human burials
The restoration and renovation works that have been carried out, for the last three months, in the old convent of San Francisco, in Garachico, have brought to light an ancient crypt located on the border with the church of Our Lady of Los Angeles, which until the 16th century was part of the same building. The finding, as DIARIO DE AVISOS learned recently, is of historical interest, given the age of the building: the convent and the Franciscan church were founded by Genoese Cristóbal de Ponte in 1524.
The tomb was located under the presbytery (chancel or sanctuary) of the chapel of Vera Cruz and at the time of the discovery its entrance was blocked. The crypt was found when some slabs were removed from the courtyard of the former convent and the earth was removed. The crypt has well placed remains inside, some consider probably of friars, something very common in convent churches. After a report made by the Cabildo de Tenerife, the Bishopric will study whether there is structural damage or if it can be opened to the public and visited. Pending the results of load tests and the walls, the crypt was sealed as a precaution. Until they are finished, the presbytery cannot be used either.
The current restorations will see a lift installed for access to the second floor, where the Library and the Municipal Archive are located. In addition to adapting spaces that were in very precarious conditions, such as the area of the bathrooms - at risk of collapse - the rear part was left ready for the future installation of a cafeteria. Also, pavements are being removed from the hallways of the courtyards, which hindered mobility.
Another priority is the restoration of the old belfry, whose balcony was removed in 2015 due to the danger it posed, including the two bronze bells, sheltered in municipal warehouses.
The former convent survived the eruption of 1706, when lava skirted around it and its religious images were rescued. The altarpieces and the marble funeral monument that represented its founder, Cristóbal de Ponte and his wife were, however, lost.
After the damage caused by the lava, the building was rebuilt with relative speed. In 1822, as a result of confiscation, the building was assigned to the local council to use as the Town Hall, the public jail and a primary school. When it deteriorated considerably, it was last restored in 1980 to become the House of Culture.
The local mayor reports surprise at the finding, but it seems it may not have been unknown to everyone. José Velázquez Méndez, official chronicler of Garachico, comments that Julio Rosquet García, who died last year and had been pastor of the municipality for 55 years, had spoken to him about an opportunity to go down to the crypt. He says that it has two doors and that the exact place of its location is the chapel of Vera Cruz. "Behind the altar is a gap with an old wooden staircase to go down to the crypt, which was that of the Ponte family," he says. “I told him that there was nothing there but cement bags, since when they did the last restoration of the building, they threw them there with garbage and rubble.
All events are liable to change beyond our control.
Queen of the International Carnival of Los Cristianos 2019, Rebeca González, wore part of her spectacular costume during the presentation of Los Cristianos Carnival 2020, with more than 125,000 participants expected, the theme of which this year is to be Japan. The carnival poster, by artist Nareme Melián, combines tradition with the avant-garde.
The activities, which will begin with the presentation of candidates on March 12, will culminate with the Burial of the Sardine and the Comparsas Contest (March 23), the Opening Cavalcade and the Wig Party (March 14), the elections of the Carnival Queens (senior, infant and adult), on March 17, 18, 19; the Drag Queen Gala (March 20) and the Daytime Carnival (Saturday, March 21). The carnival is a tourist attraction that fills the hotels of the municipality and energizes the town's commercial activity.
The district of La Florida, in La Orotava, is getting ready to honour San Antonio Abad (St Anthony the Abbot) and Ntra. Sra. la Virgen de la Esperanza (Our Lady of Hope) in a traditional romería this weekend on Sunday, 26 January 2020, joined by large numbers of locals and pilgrims from all over the island. This year, the festival includes a wide range of recreational, cultural, religious, culinary and sporting activities, including the traditional Cattle Fair, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the Gran Puchero (stew) cookout, one of the biggest culinary events in the Canary Islands. La Florida Festival offers a great opportunity to get acquainted with some of the finest local traditions.
The Gran Puchero is being cooked, using hundreds of kilos of ingredients, on Saturday, 25 January, when events are expected to begin at around 2 pm in the afternoon. The cookout involves the entire neighborhood, gathering about 5,000 people.
The Town Hall in Los Realejos, in conjunction with the company Lhorsa Arte & Eventos, offer a different proposal to enjoy the town every month of the year
The dragos, courtyards, the historical area of Realejo Bajo, the mysteries and legends of the municipality, the festival of Cruces (Crosses) and Fuegos (Fireworks) in May, the natural environment of Rambla de Castro, the festive traditions of Puerto de la Cruz and Los Realejos with the Virgen del Carmen, the ethnographic heritage of Icod el Alto, the road of Las Vueltas between Tigaiga and El Lance, the path along the coast or the Hacienda de La Gorvorana and its surroundings are attractions that diversify this extensive tourist offer to enjoy Los Realejos with the five senses all year round.
The proposal for January will be the ‘Route of the dragos’, to be held on the 25th.
The itineraries for the following months are:
‘The freshness of the courtyards’ (February)
‘In another time…’ (March)
‘The mysteries of the mount’ (April)
‘Crosses and flowers for May’ (May)
‘Stories of La Rambla’ (June)
‘The way of the sailors of the Port’ (July)
‘The traditions of a people: Icod el Alto’ (August)
‘Everything did not end the fire’ (September)
‘The path of Las Vueltas’ (October)
‘Water path’ (November)
‘Stories of a neighborhood. Toscal Longuera ’(December)
Prices range between 3 and 10 euros, depending on transportation and other expenses. For more information go to the website www.lhorsa.com or call on 693 036 688.
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2020 begins on Friday 24 February with the Inauguration Gala, this year being held, at 9:30 p.m., in the Plaza de los Alisios, behind the Auditorio de Tenerife "Adán Martín". At the gala, the candidates for the three modalities of Carnival Queen (Junior, Senior and Adult) will be presented and will also draw numbers to determine what order they will parade in their contests. The gala also serves as an introduction to the theme of the carnival - in 2020 this is The Flirty Fifties.
Plaza de los Alisios, behind the Auditorio de Tenerife "Adán Martín"
Most Santa Cruz carnival events are televised via RTVE or RTVC, locally, nationally and internationally or may be found on the CarnavalTVC Youtube channel.
All events are liable to change beyond our control.
4th Maid of Honour: Raquel Iboleón Laynez, with a costume entitled “Al alba venceré” (At dawn I will conquer), designed by Daniel Pages, representing McDonald’s and La Opinión de Tenerife in the Carnival Main Parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Tuesday 5 March 2019.
As Carnival 2020 begins this week in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, here is one final look at the Carnival in 2019. Perhaps it's more special to me because I was there, but I do feel that this video so superbly portrays not just the look, but also the feel of this amazing festival.
Throughout this year, we've published photos and videos of all of the candidates and winners who took part in the three carnival queen categories, as well as all of the participating comparsa groups. Here is an index to all of those participants:
RITUAL "MATAR A LA CULEBRA" Mataculebra is an ancient ritual that came to the islands at the end of the 19th Century with Canarian emigrants who returned from Cuba, the origin of which dates back to the African slaves of the Caribbean island, with music, dance and theatrical representation.
EXCHANGE WITH THE CARNIVAL OF GERMANY
The interchange between Tenerife and Düsseldorf began in 1972 with the help of key figures in the recent history of the city's tourism development, such as Horst Morgenbrod, Eduardo Lobenstein or Gregorio Etner. The idea was to promote Puerto de la Cruz and Tenerife in the Rhine-Westphalia region, one of the most prosperous in Germany.
MASCARITA PONTE EL TACÓN
One of the icons of the Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz, where hundreds of daring participants compete, dressed as 'suggestive ladies', to reach the finish line in shoes with huge platforms, running through the cobbled streets of the municipality.
Saturday, 25 January 9am - Short general walk (4 hours, medium difficulty, minimum age 8).
Saturday, 25 January 9am - Long general walk (5 hours, high difficulty, minimum age 12).
Saturday, 1 February 9am - Family Route (3 hours, low difficulty, minimum age 6).
Saturday, 8 February 9am - "Without Barriers" route for the disabled, the elderly and their carers. Sign language translation (Spanish) available, as well as a species of sedan chair for those with mobility issues (5 places available). (3.5 hours, low-medium difficulty, minimum age 6)
Saturday, 15 February 9am - Lovers route for couples over 18 years, includes artistic actuations (whatever that means, but open mind might be a good idea) and a photocall (3 hours, low difficulty, minimum age 18)
Includes guide (in Spanish only), insurance and transport.
- Booking is essential as there are only limited numbers allowed on each walk. - The nominal price for each walk is 5 Euros per person.
- The meeting point for all general routes is the Plaza del Santiago del Teide.
- For all routes you need general sports clothes and shoes (preferably mountain boots), coat, raincoat, picnic and water. The use of hiking poles is recommended because of the irregular terrain.
- Bad weather will not be an impediment to carrying out the activity, although the organization reserves the right to suspend it or modify its route if it deems appropriate, especially if it considers that the physical safety of the participants may be impaired.
This year there are numerous complimentary activities to the Almond Blossom Routes, starting with the Gastronomic Route. Twelve bars and restaurants (Bar Restaurante El Patio; Bar Parada; Bar Soto; Bar Plaza; Bar el Café; Bar Arepera KM 101, Bar Restaurante Chinyero; Restaurante Santiago del Teide; Restaurante la Casona del Patio (Hotel Rural); Kiosko El Parque, Crepería Cositas and Bar Cafetería Tropic II) will be offering a variety of menus and breakfasts to visitors and walkers and six shops (Supermercado El Valle; Supermercado Forte, Congelados El Valle; Peluquería Feitiña, Farmacia Santiago del Teide and Gasolinera El Señor del Valle) will have numerous offers related to almonds.
La Ruta Gastronómica del Almendro en Flor, del 25 al 16 de febrero
On Saturday, 25 January the market's hours will be from 9 am to 5 pm and afterwards, there will be a musical performance by Fran Baraja and the Parranda Blues Band.
Meanwhile, from midday at the Hotel La Casona del Patio a Taller de Repostería con Almendras (Confectionery Workshop with Almonds) will be held, run by the prestigious chef of the Restaurante Aqua, Lucas Maes (requires previous registration).
On Sunday, 26 January, the market will be open from 9 am until 5:30 pm and from 4 pm there will be music from the Fanfarria de Santiago del Teide.
Similarly, on Saturday, February 1, when the Family Route takes place, once more there will be Farmers and Crafts Market from 09:00 hrs. until 5:30 p.m. From 12:00 hrs there will be a workshop “Bombón La Pasada. Almond, cheese and honey ”, run by the Quesería La Pasada (requires prior registration). Also at 4:00 p.m. a musical performance of Güicho and the Band takes place.
On Sunday, February 2, the market again takes place from 09:00 hrs. until 5:30 p.m. and after 4 p.m. will be music from the Orquesta Maraury.
Saturday, February 8, the market will be from 09:00 hrs. until 6:00 p.m. and a cocktail exhibition “a la Almendra”, will start from 12:00 hrs and, finally, a musical performance by Grupo A Contratiempo.
And on Sunday, February 9, from 09:00 hrs. until 5:30 p.m. the public square will again have a market, although it is true that it will not be until 4:00 p.m. when the musical performance by Tuna de Económicas.
Saturday, February 15, the Almendros en Flor “Lovers” Route will be held, while from 09:00 hrs. until 5:00 p.m. the agro-artisan market will once more be held in the Public Square of Santiago del Teide and, from 4:00 p.m., we will be able to enjoy the performance of the “Renassencia” group.
Finally, on Sunday, February 16, from 09:00 hrs. until 5:30 p.m., the public square of Santiago del Teide will have the agro-artisan market and from 4:00 p.m. we can enjoy music from Tío Franklin.
More information through the Department of Culture at the Town Council, on 922 86 31 27, ext. 234. Those who wish to participate in the workshops should contact the Local Development area, by phone 922 83 93 18 and / or 922 83 93 10 or via email develololocal@santiagodelteide.es or by sending a message by WhatsApp via telephone 608 67 10 28.
Transport Interurbanos de Tenerife (TITSA), the Tenerife bus company, is increasing, from Monday, January 20, the frequency of routes 447, 467 and 473 to offer more coverage to travelers in the south of the island in response to demand.
Route 467 (Costa del Silencio - Las Galletas - Los Cristianos - Costa Adeje - La Caleta) is to have the most improvements. This route will run a 24-hour service, reaching 141 services on work days and 108 on Saturdays and Sundays. Almost 2.5 million travelers had used this route in 2019, representing an increase of 6.51% over the previous year.
In addition, Route 447 (Los Cristianos - Las Américas - San Eugenio – Fañabe - Adeje -Los Olivos) improves its frequency on working days to every 30 minutes. This route starts at 05:30 hours from Las Torres, with the last departure from Los Cristianos at 9:55 p.m. Subsequent schedules are served by route 473.
Route 473 (Los Cristianos - Costa Adeje - Adeje El Cerco - Armeñime - Playa San Juan - Alcalá - Los Gigantes) increases with a service at 23:15 hours, which has been highly demanded by travelers, maintaining the last departure from Los Cristianos at 00:10 hours and from Los Gigantes, at 01:25 hours, totaling 67 trips every day of the week.
