Tenerife curiosities

Romería in Tenerife – A Living Journey of Tradition

May 9, 2025

Romería in Tenerife – A Living Journey of Tradition

Romería is one of the Canary Islands’ most colourful and eagerly awaited fiestas.
The word comes from romero – the pilgrim who once walked to Rome – but in the archipelago it has taken on a distinctly local flavour. A romería blends a religious procession in honour of a parish patron with a joyous celebration of harvest, community and island flavours.

Where Does the Tradition Come From?

The oldest Canary romerías took shape in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, when farmers from remote hamlets walked to their patron churches to thank heaven for the year’s crops. Soon the column of pilgrims became a travelling fair: ox-drawn carts (carretas) festooned with palm fronds, barrels of local wine, baskets of gofio, papas arrugadas and slow-cooked goat meat.
Today a romería is above all a declaration of identity, with every township showing off its food, crafts and music.

Where and When?

La Laguna – Romería de San Benito Abad (second Sunday in July) – the island’s largest, broadcast live on local TV.
Los Realejos – Romería de San Isidro (third Sunday in May) – famed for its teamsters’ shows and cattle contests.
Tegueste – Romería de San Marcos (last Sunday in April) – opens the romería season, distinguished by its camel parade.
Garachico, Güímar, Icod de los Vinos, Arona – each has its own date; from April to September scarcely a weekend is romería-free.

Baile de Magos – A Night in the Rhythm of Folklore

On Tenerife mago/maga doesn’t mean magician; it’s the traditional farmer in festive dress. Baile de Magos (“peasants’ dance”) is the big open-air ball that precedes or wraps up many romerías. The only dress code? Full regional costume:

Element	Men	Women
Head	Wide-brimmed felt hat	Head-scarf or mantilla
Torso	White shirt, striped wool waistcoat	Bodice laced with silk ribbons
Bottom	Three-quarter trousers, red sash	Striped skirt, embroidered apron
Footwear	Leather shoes or espadrilles	Pumps or espadrilles

To the sound of timplés, chácaras and guitars the square turns into a dance floor: locals sway through isa, folías and malagueñas, while baskets of trucha, almogrote and mojo circulate between sets.

How to Experience a Romería Like a Local?

Rent the outfit – shops in La Laguna or Santa Cruz hire costumes; wearing one earns you instant “¡Buen día, mago!” greetings.
Arrive hungry – the carts feed you free; a coin in the charity basket is appreciated.
Respect the procession – the first circuit round the church is solemn; remove hats, keep voices low.
Dance with abandon – nobody judges your steps; joy and tradition are what count.
Park outside the old town – historic lanes clog fast; use the (fiesta-day free) TITSA buses.

A Word for the Road

A romería is more than a fair: it’s a lesson in Canarian hospitality where every guest becomes part of the kaleidoscopic parade. If you’re on Tenerife between April and September, check the fiesta calendar – the aroma of grilled sausage and the twang of the timple will guide you there.