The southern part of Tenerife, a locality where individuals from over a hundred nationalities coexist, will observe the Day of the Dead with a variety of activities that will blend traditional island customs with external influences such as Halloween.
The presence of witches, zombies, and pumpkins, along with the shouts of trick or treating, have overshadowed cherished family gatherings on the night of the dead. In these gatherings, treats like frangollo, gofio balls, and almond cheese were savoured, while children wandered from house to house, bags slung over their shoulders, gathering walnuts, chestnuts, dried figs, and almonds.
As is customary around this period each year, local councils have not only arranged activities for all age groups but have also prepared cemeteries for a significant influx of visitors this week, extending opening hours for the occasion.
In Arona, the celebrations for Halloween and Finados will set the scene in the open commercial zones of Valle San Lorenzo, Las Galletas, and Los Cristianos, where trade associations have organised various activities in partnership with the council. There will also be exciting “scary leisure” options in the Open Commercial Zone of Playa de Las Américas. This afternoon, a folkloric parade will take place throughout the commercial area in Valle San Lorenzo, which during this week fills the air with the aroma of roasted chestnuts. On Friday, a themed workshop will be conducted next to the chestnut stall.
On that day, at 3:00 p.m., Los Cristianos will provide the chance to experience virtual reality, and Güicho will perform in the Plaza de la Alpispa. Concurrently, in Las Galletas, roving characters will entertain on the streets.
Playa de Las Américas will host a children’s Halloween celebration tomorrow at the Comercial Oasis from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., featuring a horror show suitable for all ages.
In Adeje, the council has planned several events in the commercial area of La Postura for tomorrow at 6:00 p.m., in collaboration with local residents. There will be “tunnels of terror” to navigate using virtual reality glasses in Plaza La Concordia and on the roof of the Tierra Lavada car park, alongside makeup workshops and activities for children.
Additionally, the Adeje Municipal Folklore School will perform in the third edition of the theatrical route Steps of Life and Death, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaza del Emigrante.
Granadilla de Abona will also unveil a theatrical route tomorrow, commencing at 7:00 p.m., highlighting the most notable sites in the municipality, showcasing the customs associated with the night of the dead. Later that evening, at 8:30 p.m., the El Secadero cultural venue will host the play Grabbing Death with the Hands, by Juan Carlos Tacoronte and Piroska Duque.
Candelaria advocates, through a programme of 18 events, for the preservation of Canarian traditions linked to death. Tomorrow, Plaza de Santa Ana will serve as the backdrop for the Night of the Dead, a gathering organised by local residents featuring festivities, tastings of chestnuts and gofio, and displays of traditional scenes. On Friday and Saturday, the Punta Larga Youth Zone will host Apocalipsis Kandel, an interactive game filled with “frightening challenges” and “gloomy scenes.”
Tomorrow, Santiago del Teide will celebrate the Ruta de las Pelujas, commencing from the central square, while activities will later transition to the central courtyard of the town hall, with numerous workshops for all audiences. The following day, a musical recital will be held in the municipal cemeteries.
