Summer Festivals in Puerto de La Cruz
One of the charming and colourful characteristics of Spanish culture is that the calendar is dotted with feast days, processions and of course, Carnival, that marks the beginning of Lent. A fiesta is not a fiesta without singing, dancing and fireworks; there is much merry making and no doubt a few hangovers the next morning… One thing is for sure - the Spaniards know how to enjoy themselves and they love to share their devotions, fun and frivolities with visitors.
Sunday 22nd June – 
Enrame de Chorros Públicos is a visual delight - the public drinking fountains around the town are decorated with flowers, palm leaves and local produce. This is a celebration and a thanksgiving for the water that sustains us all. Up to the middle of the last century these fountains were a gathering point for the population who used the water for washing as well as drinking and cooking. Don’t forget your camera for some lasting memories…
Monday 23rd June - 
La Noche de San Juan gets the summer party season off to a good start with a beach celebration on the Playa Jardin. This was originally a celebration of the summer solstice but is now dedicated to Saint John. Fire and water are an essential part of the ritual, symbolising the fundamental connection between man and these primordial elements of life. People dance round the bonfires to cast out evil and cleanse the spirit. Picnickers bring their own candles and create circular shrines in the sand decorated with flowers, fortunes are told and wishes made… what will the next year bring? There are bands, children’s activities, dancing and spectacular theatrical shows. As it is a time of cleansing and renewal, at midnight the revelers take to the sea for a ritual cleansing of the body and soul. A breathtaking firework display rounds off the entertainment, but for those with lasting power the party goes on until sunrise. This really is a night to remember but get their early to get your space on the beach. You will certainly learn one Spanish phrase at this event -¡Viva, viva, viva San Juan! – Long live St John!
Tuesday 24th June - El Baño de las Cabras -
This annual bathing of the goats takes place early in the morning on the small beach by the port. The origins of this ritual is not known but is believed to go back as far as the indigenous people of the island who brought their animals down to the sea to wash them, get rid of parasites and help the healing of any skin wounds. It is certainly amusing to watch as the goatherds attempt to dip their entire herd in the water, some are more willing than others…
June 30th – Concert by David Sanborn – Start of the Jazz Festival in the Plaza Europa.
Friday 4th- 13th July –
The International Jazz Festival & Más Heineken has been running for 17 years and is one of the most popular events in the Canary Islands. Spread across the 5 main islands there will be 22 concerts and master classes by some of the genre’s best musicians. The festival features, among many others, the Crusaders who shot to stardom in the 70s with their album “Street Life”. They are popular for their amalgamated jazz, pop and soul sound. In 1971, they adopted a jazz-funk style, which really began the genre which came to be known as "jazz fusion". As every year, all types of Jazz will be represented; among them you can see saxophonist, Pee Wee Ellis, guitarist Nguyên Lê with his quartet, the bass players Kyle Eastwood Esperanza Spalding, and Brazilian Ivan Lins, to name but a few.
The festival is sponsored by the local government as well as the regional councils so some of the events are free. There is a great atmosphere (and plenty of beer, of course).
Tuesday - July 15th. Virgen del Carmen. The Virgin of Carmen is the patron saint of fishermen. The feast day is celebrated in many districts in Tenerife but the most famous celebration is held in Puerto de la Cruz. Every year the statues of the Virgin and Saint Telmo are carried from their ancient chapel of Pena de Francia in Calle Quintana to the small beach in the fishing harbour. This procession is one of the town’s major events and is accompanied by a brass band, and the local population follows the entourage through the small streets around the port. Once on the beach, the fishermen release a flight of doves, carefully lift the statue on board one of their decorated boats and, to the sound of the band and the horns of other boats, the statue is launched into the sea. This can be a rather precarious affair if the sea is a bit choppy. This fiesta ends with a great firework display in the fishing harbour, then the Virgin of Carmen and Saint Telmo are taken back to their sanctuary for some peace and quiet till the same time next year.
• Adoquinarte: Cultura a pie de calle - Street performers - this group of musicians were formed with the idea of popularizing Canarian music and also to bring the streets of Puerto de la Cruz alive. Their various acts are supported by the local Chamber of Commerce who want to promote the town as a more lively and enjoyable shopping and leisure area.
• Kogokuku – Events, entertainment and workshops for children.
These are events that take place for the children of the town and visitors too. From street theatre to puppet shows and organised activities, Puerto de La Cruz has entertainment to suit all ages.
More Information: For the schedule of events ask in the Tourist Information Centre.