Island culture

Local markets

There are markets all over Tenerife, some very local in flavour and others geared very much to tourists.

Torviscas Market (Thu and Sat) and Los Cristianos (Sun)
The two biggest markets in the south of Tenerife are always busy and full of bargains, with masses of stalls for clothing, books, electrical goods, fabrics, souvenirs, jewellery and even property! A must for those in need of some retail therapy.

Golf del Sur Market (Fri)
Popular due to its location near the marina.  A nice variety of stalls and well worth a visit if you are staying in Golf del Sur.

Los Abrigos Night Market
This little market is held in the square in front of the church every Tuesday evening.  Though there are not so many stalls, you can pick up some interesting silver jewellery, casual holiday clothes or a gift or two. Afterwards, wander down to the seafront to enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many little restaurants.

Guaza Sunday Market
A relatively new addition to Tenerife's market selection, where you can rummage through second-hand books and clothes, or pick up some old CDs, DVDs or videos.

Happy Days Car Boot Market, Costa del Silencio
Held only on the first Sunday of every month, proceeds from this market go to support a local dogs’ home.  Expect to find all sorts of second-hand bits and pieces: books, clothes, cassettes and so on.  There is usually a nice cake stall and a stall selling old paintings and furniture.  The venue is a tennis and bowling club so you can relax at the club bar after your shopping spree.

African Market (Santa Cruz)
The famous Mercado Nuestra Senora de Africa is a dazzling bazaar of over 300 stalls selling fresh local produce.  A short walk from the bus station, look out for a pink clock tower, and get there as early as possible for the best of the fruit and veg.  On Sundays, surrounding the African Market you will find El Rastro Flea Market.  Look out for some high quality leather, hardware and crafts at bargain prices.

Semana Santa

Easter in Tenerife is unforgettable - even if you are not religious, you can´t help getting caught up in the tradition and solemnity of the celebration.  During the week, the streets are filled with people as processions of elaborate ‘tronos’ – some weighing up to six tons – are carried slowly around the towns, accompanied by sacred songs and a slow drum beat.  The processions, organised by religious brotherhoods or ‘cofradias’, are followed by ‘nazarenos’, dressed in coloured tunics, cone-shaped hoods and masks reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan in the USA.  However, the strange headgear has no sinister significance as the cones symbolise a rising upward, bringing the penitents closer to the heavens.  If you want to see a little slice of ‘real’ Spain on your Easter holiday, the processions are a ‘must do’ event.  Followed by some tapas and a glass (or two) of local wine, the experience will leave you feeling privileged and satisfied that sun, sea and sangria is not all that this beautiful island has to offer.

Carnaval

Celebrated all over the island in February, Carnaval is Europe’s biggest festival of anarchy.  Extravagant (if often rather skimpy!) costumes, masks and erotic themes comprise a huge part of the spectacle, and satirical songs and skits mocking popular public figures are all part of the light-hearted fun.  Islanders spend months designing and making costumes and preparing acts before Carnaval finally gets into full swing with the election of the Carnaval Queen, while the off-beat ‘Burial of the Sardine’ ritual in Santa Cruz marks the return to day-to-day normality.  You can’t help getting caught up in the noise and colour of Carnaval - with or without a fancy costume – and either Santa Cruz or Puerto de la Cruz are the best places to join in.

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