The Lagoon is set to light up its streets and commence one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year with the Christmas illumination event scheduled for Friday, November 22, at 8:00 p.m., featuring the traditional arch of lights on Obispo Rey Redondo Street, one of the city’s most iconic decorative features.
This occasion, which officially heralds the arrival of Christmas in the community, promises to be a celebration brimming with enchantment, creativity, and heritage, concluding with a spectacular performance by the renowned singer Edurne in the parking area adjacent to the old Market. She will entertain thousands of local and international visitors, who flock annually to enjoy this event. The announcement regarding the lighting was made earlier today by La Laguna’s mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, alongside the councillor for Municipal Services and Citizen Participation, Fran Hernández.
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez commenced his remarks by noting that “it is increasingly challenging to create environments that embody joy, excitement, and wonder, and in this regard, La Laguna outdoes itself every year.” He emphasised that the Lagunero lighting signalises the onset of Christmas for the entire island of Tenerife, “as we have been trailblazers and maintained an exceptionally high standard.” He mentioned that last year it was the artist Ana Guerra who took to the stage to activate the festive lights, while this year, she will be joined by the beloved singer, songwriter, model, and actress, Edurne, who will later perform in the parking lot behind Plaza del Adelantado.
The mayor also recognised the municipality’s various districts and communities, “which we continue to treat with the significance they deserve,” by organising lighting ceremonies in the main squares and surrounding areas of places such as Valle de Guerra, Tejina, Taco, La Cuesta, Bajamar, and Punta del Hidalgo. “We consistently respond to community requests, one of which is to illuminate the streets in these locations.” He underlined that “our intention from the City Council is to equalise efforts, ensuring that all areas and dispersed commercial zones of the municipality radiate a distinct charm.” The mayor concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to all the involved departments, particularly Municipal Services, alongside the councillor leading the initiative and the partner company Effico, who have once again executed an outstanding and commendable job.
During the presentation, Fran Hernández, the councillor for Municipal Services, highlighted that “this year, La Laguna will transform into a genuine living postcard, reaffirming its status as a benchmark for Christmas decoration both regionally and nationally.” The decorative plan, he explained, merges innovation with respect for festive traditions, incorporating over 3,200 luminous LED elements, supplemented by 300 new additions designed to enhance both the historic centre and the various districts, with particular focus on open commercial areas.
He stressed, “Our commitment to sustainability has been fundamental to the lighting design,” stating that under the slogan “nothing is wasted, everything is transformed,” decorative items from previous years have been reused and revamped to reduce environmental impact, while the lighting system is designed for high energy efficiency. “We’ve demonstrated that it is feasible to blend extensive decorative infrastructure with energy-saving and efficient practices,” he remarked.
Hernández also mentioned that, in line with this sustainability pledge, the Christmas lights will be switched off at 1:00 a.m. in certain regions of the historic centre and in areas such as Tejina, Valle de Guerra, and La Cuesta-Taco, thus optimising energy consumption without compromising the enchanting atmosphere of the celebration.
Among the notable features, Hernández elaborated on a breathtaking 20-metre RGB illuminated tunnel in the renowned Cathedral Square, which he predicted “will be a major attraction for both residents and tourists.” Additionally, the traditional arch of lights on Obispo Rey Redondo Street, chosen as the venue for the official lighting ceremony, has been revamped with four new decorative portals and will be adorned with 12 kilometres of garlands featuring over 60,000 LED lights.
This arch of lights will once again emerge as one of the most photographed and shared locations on social media this festive season, with images extending beyond the Canary Islands, showcased on the social platforms of both national and international visitors. Snapshots of the impressive 20-metre Christmas tree in Plaza del Cristo, the dome in Plaza de la Milagrosa, as well as figures of angels, Santa Claus’s sleigh, three enchanting houses for children, and various Christmas trees measuring 12 and 15 metres high will also embellish the historic centre, among other attractions.
Photocalls
Other significant spots, such as Plaza Hermano Ramón and Plaza de la Concepción, will feature Christmas Photocalls inviting families to capture memorable moments. The streets Herradores, Dean Palahi, San Juan, along with the customary sites on La Trinidad Avenue, Manuel de Osuna, and Juan de Vera, among others, are included in this lighting network, especially enhancing the commercial hubs within the municipalities and communities.
Moreover, special lighting ceremonies will take place in various districts. The scheduled dates and times for these celebrations are: Valle de Guerra, November 26 at 7:00 p.m.; Tejina, November 26 at 8:00 p.m.; La Cuesta, November 27 at 7:00 p.m.; Taco, November 27 at 8:00 p.m.; Punta del Hidalgo, November 29 at 7:00 p.m.; and Bajamar, November 29 at 8:00 p.m.
Commercial revitalisation and Christmas tourism
The Christmas illumination coincides with the approach of the White Night, to be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, marking another highly anticipated event in the community’s cultural and commercial calendar. “Thus, attendees will be able to stroll through the now illuminated and festively adorned streets and squares, while taking part in the extensive array of cultural, sports, commercial, and leisure activities arranged for the festivities,” stated the head of Municipal Services and Citizen Participation. He invited attendees “to savour this visual journey through the city, to share in and be captivated by this welcoming ambience, to relish the opportunity to indulge in our rich selection of restaurants, bars, taverns, and cafes, and also to take advantage of this chance to carry out their initial Christmas shopping with our local businesses, which are vital to our economy and essential to the municipality’s development.”
