The July Fiestas and the Virgen del Carmen – Puerto de la Cruz

It’s party month in Puerto de la Cruz – when isn’t – as the town celebrates its July Fiestas which last for...the whole of July.

There’s something sporty, concerts and exhibitions happening most days, but my pick of the highlights are:

Sunday 5th July: The triathlon between 09.30 and 13.00 – lot’s of fun in the water at San Telmo (maybe not for the competitors though).

Thursday 9th July: Election of the Fiesta Queen at Plaza Europa at 21.30 – okay beauty queen contests went out of fashion in the UK a long time ago…but hey, we’re not in the UK, so bring on the pretty girls.

Friday 10th July: Summer Dance at the harbour at 22.00 – Don’t know what the music will be, but the idea of a summer dance sounds nice.

Saturday 11th July: Fiesta parade at 20.30 followed by fireworks, Canarian dinner and the traditional Baile de Magos in Plaza Europa – lot’s of oohs and aahh’s and locals in traditional costumes.

Sunday 12th July: Classic and antique car exhibition from 10.30 to 14.00 – Avenida Colón full of shiny old things…so what’s new (okay, I’ve done that one before, but it still amuses me).

Monday 13th July: Sardinada and Verbena at San Telmo at 21.30 – plates of fried sardines and plastic beakers of country wine for a couple of euros; now you’re talking. There’s bound to be a band as well.

Tuesday 14th July: The big day; embarkation Tuesday. The Fishermen’s procession and the nervy loading of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo onto their boats takes place at somewhere between 18.00 and 19.00, but the rest of the day is devoted to getting wet. Running water pistol battles in Plaza del Charco, music, people throwing themselves into the harbour and the classic and very funny ‘slippery pole’ competition at around 15.00 guarantees fun all day. Don’t wear anything you don’t want to get wet if you want to get close to the action.

Sunday 26th July: the air display traditionally marks the end of the July Fiestas – model display, usually a few aeronautic surprises and a humongous paella at the harbour.

Remind me again – why do most people choose to holiday in the south of Tenerife?