Experience the dynamic Cultural Scene of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The city shows no signs of slowing down and is once again offering a weekend brimming with artistic activities catering to all preferences and age groups. Art in its various forms reaffirms the capital as an ideal destination to indulge in a diverse array of offerings throughout the day and night. A perfect weekend plan in the city can kick off with a visit to the spectacular Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA).
Noteworthy is the current exhibition at this venue titled “The smoke of progress. The La Palma ship, its era, and recovery”, providing insights into this vessel through thematic content units. The museum is open from 09:00 to 19:00 from Monday to Saturday, and from 10:00 to 17:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
From Friday 16th to Sunday 18th August, between 10:00 and 20:00, one can explore the Tenerife Space of the Arts (TEA) showcasing an exhibition by Oscar Dominguez titled “The two who cross each other”. Curated by Isidro Hernandez, this exhibition dedicated to the surrealist painter will run until November 24. Concurrently, the same venue will house the exhibition “Double Blind” by artist Adrian Aleman, open for free visits on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 to 20:00.
Throughout the weekend, from 10:00 to 20:00, TEA will also present the mini-exhibition titled “Naturalmente”, designed for children, young adults, and families, encouraging contemplation on the human-nature relationship and the impact humans have had on the environment.
TEA will showcase the artwork “Y” by Nela Ochoa, an artist with a diverse background in design, painting, and dance. Exploring the connections between art, the human body, social dynamics, and technology, the exhibition is open for viewing from 10:00 to 20:00 throughout the weekend. A highlight at TEA is the exhibition “Orocobix. Recuerdo de la primera montaña” by artist Jorge González, a convergence of forms, intentions, wills, harvests, crops, and fabrics amidst beings, available for viewing from 10:00 to 20:00.
At this venue, the film “Rehana” will be screened on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:00 p.m., a psychological drama unfolding in a morally complex context, delving into ethics, toxic masculinity, and family reconciliation, directed by Abdullah Mohammad Saad.
The Central Municipal Library is currently hosting the exhibition “Santa Cruz Spa. 500 metres from the beach” until 18th October, open from 12:30 to 19:00. This showcase features a selection of documents linked to the historic Spa located in the port area, highlighting its social and sporting significance from 1928 when its construction was proposed, until its closure in 1992.
Until October 2, the Central Municipal Library focuses on the cinematic genre, presenting 28 films “based on real events” alongside their respective directors who have rendered a personal and subjective interpretation aligned with their artistic vision. Additionally, a job search workshop is scheduled for this Friday from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. as part of the Comprehensive Employment Guidance Plans for unemployed individuals in Santa Cruz.
The Museum of Nature and Archaeology will feature the installation “Ethology in Stillness” throughout the weekend, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., reflecting on the impact of human presence on the planet during the confinement period of 2020 due to the pandemic.
Carnival spirit pervades Santa Cruz, with the House of Carnival hosting three exhibitions dedicated to the local carnivals. The first exhibition, “The magic behind the costume”, sheds light on the Costume Competition, showcasing the evolution of costumes through examples like Miguel Ángel Delgado Salas, renowned for numerous awards, and the group Los Ilusionistas del Carnaval. This exhibition can be visited in the Multipurpose Room from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
“Lyric and Tradition” delves into the history and evolution of rondallas and lyrical groups, allowing visitors to witness some of the current competing fantasies. This exhibition is on display in the Suspi Room concurrently with the former one.
Lastly, the permanent exhibition “2024 Carnival Winners” displays costumes worn by groups, ensembles, collectives, and queens of the 2024 Carnival, including the three Carnival Queens’ costumes, as well as those of murgas, comparsas, and other award-winning groups. Additionally, the ‘Pioneers’ Showcase’ now features documentary elements from Nicolás Mingorance, a revered lyricist of the Afilarmónica Ni Fú Ni Fá who recently passed away. This exhibition is accessible on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This Friday, from 12:00 to 13:00, the Casa del Carnaval is hosting a guided tour revealing the inner workings of the carnival, culminating in the Tabú Carnavalero or the Pinturillo Carnavalero where participants can showcase their knowledge of the local carnival culture.
Until August 25, don’t miss the exhibition “Apocryphal Landscapes” by artist Pedro Garmar at the Garcia Sanabria Art Room, featuring over thirty works showcasing imaginary landscapes across different techniques on canvas and wood.
Inspired by the relentless exploitation of resources by humans with the plant known as “cat’s tail” as a central motif, the exhibition “Invasores” by artist Pilar Boullosa is on view at the Contemporary Art Room. Comprising various installation pieces, the exhibition is open Monday to Friday until September 30, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The The Tank Cultural Space presents the exhibition by Tahiche Díaz titled “The anger of creatures”. Operating hours are from 12:00 to 20:00 daily, wherein the former warehouse is transformed into a circus metaphorically reflecting on sustainability and advocating for the protection of mistreated living beings.
This Saturday, a fun-filled time awaits the young ones as the Our Lady of Africa Market transforms into a playground featuring bouncy castles, video games, and various entertainment options starting at 10:00 a.m.
The San Andres Cultural Center will stage the play “The Gospel according to Juan Ga Gá” this Saturday at 8:00 p.m. This rendition of the passion according to the renowned Mexican singer Juan Ga incorporates poignant parables celebrating diversity, challenging homophobia and machismo. On Sunday, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., the same centre will present “Insomnia of a summer night”, a play delving into the struggles of a couple plagued by sleeplessness and loneliness.
The i-Lusos Cultural Association on El Sobradillo road is set to feature Psikópolis’ progressive rock, singer-songwriters Raquel Tejerina and Sito Morales, and i-Lusos’ pop-rock this Saturday at 7:00 p.m., promising an engaging musical event.
On Friday, from 12:30 to 13:30, the Jose Saramago Library in Añaza will host a Breastfeeding workshop conducted by healthcare professionals specializing in maternal-child health at the Añaza Health Center.
Arriving in Santa Cruz is “Quick-Sketch”, an initiative capturing street life through direct observation by a group of illustrators. On Friday at 5:30 p.m., they will set out from the Central Municipal Library armed with only a pad and pencil to illustrate charming corners, squares, architecture, pedestrians, and landscapes. Upon return to the library, they will share their artistic creations.
The activities at the Youth District promise enjoyment and entertainment at the Mascareño Youth House this Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., featuring a variety of board games fostering fun, laughter, and camaraderie in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Additionally, the Summer 2024 Sports Campaign is ongoing from July to September, featuring swimming courses, a Multi-Sport Campus, and for the first time, an inclusive camp for children with disabilities at the Las Delicias sports complex.