May 3rd marks a public holiday in various towns in Tenerife, primarily in observance of the Day of the Cross. This day holds particular significance in locales such as Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz, and Los Realejos.
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the day is dedicated to honouring the city’s establishment in 1494. During this festive period, numerous crosses in the city and households are embellished with flowers and other decorative items.
Conversely, in Puerto de la Cruz, the occasion commemorates the inauguration of the first town mayor in 1651, along with the festivities of the patron saint, as Santa Cruz holds this esteemed title within the tourist town.
Meanwhile, in Los Realejos, the May 3rd celebration features one of the grandest firework displays in the Canary Islands, known as the “Cruz de los Fuegos”, a competition between the districts of Calle El Medio Arriba and Calle El Sol with a rich history and regional acclaim. This event was even decreed as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
Thus, in the towns observing this festival, visitors can relish a prolonged weekend break as the festivity coincides on Friday, nearing the weekend days of Saturday and Sunday.
