Christmas is a period of joy and festivity, yet it can also evoke memories and a sense of nostalgia for many families who have lost beloved ones. During this season, it is not uncommon for individuals to visit cemeteries to pay homage to the memory of their departed relatives. Here we provide information regarding the opening times of the cemeteries in Santa Cruz de Tenerife throughout the Christmas holidays.
Mourning at Christmas
For numerous families, Christmas represents a time when the enjoyment of reunions and the enthusiasm of children intertwine with emotions of nostalgia and sorrow for those who are no longer with us. It is perfectly normal for reflections of a happier past to surface during these occasions, making Christmas a challenging period for many.
In such moments, it is vital to permit oneself to experience the grief, while also seeking new methods to commemorate the memory of cherished ones. Establishing new symbolic rituals, such as sharing stories, revisiting photographs, listening to favourite tunes, or visiting their resting place, can serve as a comfort to the soul and aid in approaching grief with tranquillity.
Opening Times of the Cemeteries in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
Below, we outline the opening times for the cemeteries in Santa Cruz de Tenerife:
- Igueste Cemetery – San Andrés. Situated in the fishing district of Igueste de San Andrés within the Anaga Massif, this cemetery features 150 burial units and is distinguished by its scenic views between the sea and the mountains.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
- Punta de Anaga Cemetery. Nestled within the challenging landscape of the Anaga Massif, this cemetery was established in 1937 through the collaboration of local residents and was previously known as Santa Modesta Cemetery.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
- San Andrés Cemetery – Beach. This historical cemetery, placed on Teresitas beach, originates from 1829 and operated until the late 19th century. At present, it is not utilized for burials but is accessible on All Saints’ Day.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
Saint Andrew Cemetery. /ED
- Cemetery of San Rafael and San Roque. Established following a yellow fever outbreak in 1811, this cemetery is currently closed but permits visits. Numerous notable figures from Santa Cruz de Tenerife are interred here.
- Santa Lastenia Cemetery. Opened in 1916, this is the largest cemetery in Santa Cruz, encompassing approximately thirty thousand burial units. It also houses an incineration facility.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
Santa Lastenia Cemetery. /ED
- Taganana Cemetery: Located in the hamlet of Taganana within the Anaga Massif, it was created between 1930 and 1940 due to the challenges in transporting the deceased to the San Andrés Cemetery.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
- Saint Catherine Cemetery. Situated in El Sobradillo, construction commenced in 1922, and it ranks as the second cemetery in the capital in terms of burial population.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 08:30 to 16:30.
