Earlier this week, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council unveiled the lineup of activities and events for the May Festivities in the city, aimed at all family members. The city has prepared a month-long schedule of celebrations that will introduce new features such as the inaugural School Pilgrimage and the concert Youth May.
One of the most anticipated announcements was the commencement of ticket sales for the Magician’s Ball tables. Starting next Monday, April 22, at 9:30 a.m., reservations can be made via the website fiestasdesantacruz.com. Additionally, 70 tickets have been set aside for direct purchase at the OAFAR offices, available for collection in person at the Festival area office.
This year, there has been an increase in the number of tables and ticket prices by the City Council. Attendees looking to partake in the grand Santa Cruz festival will need to pay 15 euros per table, a five-euro increase from last year, with the number of tables rising from 500 to 700.
Events Schedule
The festivities will kickoff on Thursday the 18th with the customary proclamation read by filmmaker Juan Carlos Fresnadillo outside the San Carlos Barracks at 8:30 p.m.
A key event in the program is the Gala for the Selection of the May Festival Queen, scheduled for Friday the 26th at 9:30 p.m. in Plaza de la Candelaria. The talented singer St. Pedro from La Laguna, who contested at the Benidorm Festival for a chance to represent the nation at Eurovision, will perform, alongside various Canarian artists.
The same venue will host, a day later at 7:00 p.m., the Children’s Magician and Magician Election Gala, incorporating elements to raise awareness about traditional Canarian attire through games and music.
Noteworthy is the XLVII Regional Exhibition of Flowers, Plants, and Traditional Canarian Crafts at García Sanabria Park from May 1 to 5, running from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The exhibit will include puppet shows and activities for children, the environment, and music.
On Monday, May 2, at 8:00 p.m., coupled with the performance of the Tajaraste folk ensemble, the homage to the Patroness of the Canary Islands will occur at the monument honouring her in Plaza de la Candelaria. Subsequently, at 9:00 p.m., the vicinity of the Church of La Concepción will welcome thousands for a communal dinner and the Magician’s Dance.
On Tuesday, May 3, commencing at 9:00 a.m., the traditional Crosses Contest will take place, featuring exhibitions and tours of Las Tinajas promenade, school crosses, and the Children’s Painting and Drawing Contest. In the evening, there will be a Eucharistic celebration at the Main Church of Our Lady of La Concepción to commemorate the 530th founding anniversary of the city, followed by a grand procession with the Holy Cross.
Music, Sports, and Gastronomy
The event lineup includes various musical offerings with a Canarian flair such as the Tajaraste Festival, the Voices of Tradition presentation, the concert by El Kanka, as well as opera and chamber music concerts, among others.
Moreover, the city will feature a diverse array of sporting events such as Canarian wrestling, professional boxing matches for national titles, the Bicycle Festival, artistic swimming, and Tai Chi workshops and classes.
Gastronomy will also have its space with events like the Wine Fair and the Traditional Food Competition, among others. Community engagement and neighbourhood revitalisation will be highlighted through activities like the 6th La Molienda Neighbourhood Gathering or the Magician Dance for the Elderly in partnership with the IMAS.
The complete programme of the May Festival can be accessed on the official festival website.
