Tenerife folklore a top asset

Tenerife folklore is immensely rich, while much is lore besides some mythology like the Saga of the Atlantides. Mind that Tenerife was only really conquered from the Guanches in 1496. A few Guanche legends sound like oral short tale literature, some of which is mentioned below. However, most of those stories are more real and emotional in their simplicity than most colorful and intriguing fiction.

Tenerife folklore represented by an artistic Guanche pantomime of an open-air show on Plaza de la Patrona on one of its main days in Candelaria on August 14 in 2019

This show without words is most remarkable and important. It's also of great socio-political value when it portrays the Guanche history of the apparition of the Virgin of Candelaria the Madonna Morenita which surpasses legendary qualities.

Tenerife folklore Guanche Pantomime show where two aboriginal shepherds seem to pause before making decisions

The legendary threat by a Guanche herdsman where he tries to make disappear the apparition of a strange woman on Beach Chimesay by throwing a stone at her after his gesticulations remained fruitless

Top Tenerife legend Guanche history where part of an entire tribe is depicted on Plaza de la Patrona

In fact, this so called Morenita or morena (black) statue of Candelaria has become a patroness destination for pilgrims of all Canary Islands.

Her power to perform miracles has been confirmed by the Vatican, a long time ago, examples of which have been written down on a wall of the Madonna's Basilica.

The legendary history or most important Tenerife folklore the Black Madonna of Candelaria

By 8 p.m. on August 14 every year, a superb show without words is reenacted on Plaza de la Patrona of Candelaria.

Plaza de la Patrona Candelaria with its basilica behind on August 14 before the start of town square shows

The spectacle's Guanche actors were rewarded the town Gold Medal in 2008 for it together with other work done by them to strengthen that part of Tenerife traditions.

It's all about an extraordinary Marian apparition in 1393. Then, a timber figurine was washed onto a seashore of Güimar by Candelaria. That was more than a hundred years before Castilians set foot there. By the way, Candelaria Guanches have had the privilege to carry around their Morenita during festivities since the sixteenth century.

The main Day Dia of Candelaria Tenerife folklore

Tenerife folklore Black Madonna La Morenita patroness of all Canary Islands in her most festive gear

People flood into the Basilica to see the wonderful image of the so called Black Madonna before the main Pilgrimage events. Click this link to learn more about them and to discover details of the history of La Virgen Our Lady of Candelaria

On August 15 at night by 21.30, contrary to daytime before 2016, folklore with its colorful costumes takes its peak on Plaza de la Patrona of Candelaria Tenerife where the Black Madonna altar becomes a stage for all Canary Islands and pilgrims from abroad.

Then, more flowers and food parcels for the poor are presented. Chácaras, Timbles, traditional backpipes and drums(tambores) of folk music fill the air together with happy Tenderete songs. Traditional dancing excite the senses. Even a so called Mayan Pole dance a Danza de Cintas is performed.

Danza de Cintas a folk Pole dance from Yucatan

A most appropriate Finale is created by the young and old of the Guanche theater assembly. They jump for joy with their long shepherd poles and sound their shell horns. Then, they wave white handkerchiefs to the Madonna to say Goodbye until next year.

Tenerife folk dances

Some Tenerife custom dances certainly go back to Guanche days, as has been studied and established here by musicology

However, other dance traditions also come from other islands. The Dance with Chácaras that has even become famous in Venezuela dates back to the Isle El Hierro and its Bajada de la Virgen.

The Bajada de la Virgen Dance with two of its lead dancers is performed here in Los Realejos

Folk music an important part of Tenerife folklore

The most famous folk musicians are the Sabandeños from Tenerife whose dress code the Guanche Tamaco Cape and a wide woolen scarf that's worn like a belt have become custom. Other folk singers an abundance of which exist on the Canary Archipelago wear the costumes of a guild or of the town where they belong to.

Folk festivals in Tenerife

There are many national as well as international festivals that celebrate Tenerife dances of yore.
Santa Ursula, Los Realejos and San Cristobal de la Laguna are best known for it. Of course nowadays, Arona and Adeje have such shows for the sake of tourism. Candelaria Tenerife the town had its last international festival on August 17, 2019. Then, folk dancers from Beograd as well as from Polinesia Hawai took part. Click to marvel at an unusual folk dance from a festival at el Medano by the seaside.

Legendary clues related to Tenerife and Atlantida

Garden of Hesperides guarded by a dragon beyond the pillars of Hercules Atlantic Ocean, as in the coat arms of the city Hall of Puerto de la Cruz

The legend that goes way back to the days of Pliny the Elder and King Juva II ((52/50BC - AD 23) is that of the Garden of the Hesperides (Campos Eliseos) and the fortunate Islands now named Canarias

Tales of yore and romantic local folk song often associate Tenerife with the fabulous, vanished Island Atlántida which has not been found so far

Guacimara the beautiful Anaga Princess and fabled warrior woman who set many a Spanish soldier's heart on fire during the conquest
Dacil Princess of Guanches is a passionate story about the daughter of the Guanche King of Abona and the niece of King Mencey Bencomo. She eventually married a Captain of the "enemy" the Castilian army more of which

here

Other folkloric cults

Tinerfeños that returned from Venezuela brought back "Mata la Culata" the kill the snake ritual that is sometimes shown during the Puerto de la Cruz Carnaval.

Many songs that have been adapted to Tenderete folk music also are of South American origin which may be from Cuba, Venezuela and other parts. Cooking recipes and sweets play a similar role.

Not to forget are traditional Gofio dishes which are often of acquired taste, herbal medicines with peculiar names, or the famous Bien mi Sabe. Mind that Gofio mills, one of which is still to be restored soon, are a typical folk treasure must see.