El Médano Celebrates Its Festivities in Honour of Our Lady of Mercedes

Tenerife’s Festive Calendar Shifts South

The festive calendar of Tenerife once again turns its gaze to the south of the island. In El Médano, a coastal hub of Granadilla de Abona, the celebrations in honour of Our Lady of Mercedes de Roja are underway. This event programme combines tradition, music, humour, and activities designed for all audiences. The festivities began on 12 September with the Nightly Route to the Ere of Brother Pedro and will continue until 24 September, featuring everything from children’s shows to large-scale concerts, alongside religious events and the much-anticipated Romería Barquera.

Pre-Romería Activities

The days leading up to the main event offer a varied agenda. Today, Thursday 18, is dedicated to humour, with participation from Omayra Cazorla. Friday 19 will focus on an 80s youth party, featuring a line-up that includes DJ Renzzo El Selector, DJ Daviz Pérez, Agua del Chorro, Ni un Pelo de Tonto, Escuela de Calor, and DJ Fabrizio. On Saturday 20 September, a mass and procession will take place with the image of the Virgin, accompanied by the José Reyes Martín Cultural Society, followed by a fireworks display. The day will end with a lively celebration featuring the orchestras Tropin and Revelación.

On 24 September, the feast day of the patroness, a solemn mass will be held at 20:30, followed by a procession with the traditional Chimiche stick dance, capping off the festivities.

The Romería Barquera

The most awaited event arrives on Sunday 21 September: the XVIII Romería Barquera of El Médano, commencing at around 13:00 after the mass. As is tradition, there will be a charitable offering, with donated products subsequently distributed by Cáritas. The parade will feature dancers from El Hierro, the fanfare from Puerto de la Cruz, and numerous folkloric groups. The route will culminate with the boat carrying the Virgin gliding through the bay, marking one of the most emotional moments of the celebrations. The Sunday will conclude with a grand dance led by the orchestras Saoco, Wamampy, Maquinaria, Sabrosa, and Tropin.

Transport Enhancements

In light of this celebration, Transportes Interurbanos de Tenerife (Titsa) has announced a reinforcement of line 408, which connects Granadilla, San Isidro, and El Médano. On Sunday 21, departures from Granadilla will be extended between 11:30 and 00:10, while additional services from El Médano will operate from 12:10 to 00:50.

An Event with Identity

The Romería Barquera of El Médano is one of the most unique events in the island’s festive calendar, where the religious blends with the cultural in a privileged setting by the Atlantic. The boat carrying the Virgin, along with folklore and music, transforms this event into a cultural and tourist landmark, attracting both locals and visitors alike. With its mix of maritime tradition, devotion, and festive atmosphere, El Médano reaffirms its role as one of the most vibrant coastal hubs in Tenerife.