In search of Tenerife’s best belénes - Garachico

The picturesque town of Garachico usually has a predilection for constructing a belén which differs from those in other towns in as much as its nativity scene, in the Hotel Quinta Roja, takes place interestingly enough in a Guanche village; a quirk regularly commented upon by Secret Tenerife. This year is no different and although it’s said to be set on Gran Canaria, it looks suspiciously like Teide’s peak lording it over the charming scene of aboriginal life.

Just to add to Garachico’s quest to have the most original belénes on the island, there’s another, of sorts, in a sea cave opposite the harbour. However, you’ll need good eyes, binoculars or a boat to get a decent look at it.

Christmas in Tenerife - La Orotava

The final few events in La Orotava’s festive agenda are the end of year concert at the Auditorio Teobaldo Power on 31st December starting at 20.30, followed by the ‘Magic of Christmas’ festival for the kids in Plaza de la Constitución on the 4th January at 18.00 and finally the favourite Christmas event for kids of all ages, the Three Kings parade on 5th January, leaving from the municipal stadium towards the Plaza del Ayuntamiento at 20.00

New Year on Tenerife - Candelaria

The Plaza de la Patrona de Canarias takes centre stage on the 31st December as it’s the enchanting venue for the town’s end of year celebrations with the obligatory DJs, bells ringing, chomping of the ‘lucky’ grapes and firework display.

Time: 23.00

For Art Lovers

A few exhibitions to look out for in Arona over the festive season.

José María Rubio and Juan Martín have some interesting works on show at the cultural centre in Cho – Parque de la Reina (until 2nd January) and the cultural centre in Valle San Lorenzo respectively (until 31st December). Miguel Ángel González has captured traditional portraits perfectly at the Ayuntamiento de Arona (until 8th January). Aixa has a style reminiscent of Picasso at the cultural centre in Las Galletas (until 9th January) and finally you can ponder over a whole collection of artists’ works at the cultural centre in El Fraile (until 2nd January).

Christmas Eve Bus Timetable on Tenerife

Unless you want the same to happen to you as has happened to me in the past, much of Christmas Eve being spent waiting at a bus stop for a bus that doesn’t exist, you’ll appreciate knowing that bus drivers on Tenerife are due to ‘knock-off’ between 20.00 and 21.00 on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena).
It’s the same with the trams as well which finish running at 21.00.

So if you're planning to get to whatever party you're planning to go to by public transport, you better set off early.

A Canarian Christmas

Catch a snatch of Canarian folklore at the Cultural Centre in Los Cristianos tonight, where there’s a free Festival celebrating Christmas traditions from all the Canary Islands performed by the Agrupación Folclórica Universitaria. And whilst you’re there check out the exhibition by Carlos Augusta Roa which is on until the 5th January.

Venue: Los Cristianos Cultural Centre
Time: 20.30

Christmas Concert in Puerto de la Cruz

The ayunatmiento in Puerto de la Cruz have reintroduced the 'Concierto Extraordinario de Navidad' after a break of four years.

The ‘Reyes Bartlet’ choir accompanied by the Orchestra 'Barroca de Canarias' will perform their interpretation of Handel's Messiah, a piece traditionally performed at this time of year seeing as it's a presentation of the life of Jesus.

Date: 21 December
Venue: Congress Centre, Parque Taoro
Time: 19.00
Entrance: €12