Tenerife (Spain)

Characterised by patron saints' days of Spanish origin and the South American experiences of the returned explorers, many celebrations take place on Tenerife.

Characterised by patron saints' days of Spanish origin and the South American experiences of the returned explorers, many celebrations take place on Tenerife.
One of the pleasantest, most lively cultural assets of the island are the many customs and festivities: during the summer, every town and village celebrates the patron saint's day with lively celebrations, lots of music and good food. Such a patron saint's day is celebrated in a different village almost every week, something that is concluded with fireworks, which are well worth seeing. The highlight of the events calendar is, however, definitely the carnival when Latin American rhythms, elaborate costumes and fantastical contributions set the mood throughout the week.
Those interested in culture will find aspects of the traditional architecture and objects of sacral art throughout the island. The so-called Canary Island style is a local variant of the Arab architecture that was retained following the reconversion of Spain to Christianity. Andalusian immigrants brought the Mudéjar style to the Canary Islands. Characteristic of Tenerife are also the cube-shaped white chalkstone houses with ornately embellished wooden balconies. The more wood used in the construction of the house, the richer the owner was seen to be as wood became an increasingly expensive raw material on the Canary Islands. Beautiful examples of such workmanship may be seen in Orotava.