The Plaza de la Iglesia de la Concepción hosts the Habaneras Festival of the Fiestas del Carmen from this Thursday until Saturday, featuring 22 participating groups, one more than last year.
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Habaneras Festival opened its curtains this Thursday at the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Concepción, where 22 musical groups will gather over three consecutive days. The event, which will run until Saturday, July 11, is part of the pre-celebration activities for the feast of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of sailors.
A Competition with Over Three Decades of Tradition
The mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, highlighted that this event “has accompanied us for over 30 years here in Tenerife.” Bermúdez emphasized the city's connection to the sea and how the Fiestas del Carmen are celebrated “with great fervour” every summer.
The councillor for festivities, Javier Caraballero, thanked all the participating groups for their involvement and noted that “this festival is one of the most emblematic moments of the year and undoubtedly one of the most anticipated events of the summer in Santa Cruz.”
Three Days with Defined Timings and Categories
The first session, taking place this Thursday, started at 19:30 with the competitive category of Senior Groups. Performing in this order are: Agrupación de Mayores Las Nieves, Rondalla Tercera Edad de Tegueste, Con Nuestra Gente Chincanayro, Monte Nevado, Agrupación Folclórica Santo Ángel, Mayores del 2000, Asociación Sociocultural Nijota, Agrupación Folclórica Jariguo, and Bienmesabe Habaneras.
On Friday, July 10, at the same time, it will be the turn of the rondallas and lyrical-musical groups. Participants will include Rondalla Las Valkirias, Peña del Lunes, Rondalla Gran Tinerfe, Los Fregolinos, La Rondalla Sociedad Mamel’s, Unión Artística El Cabo, Rondalla Lírico Coral Los Aceviños, Masa Coral Tinerfeña, and Agrupación Lírica La Zarzuela del Círculo de Amistad XII de Enero.
On Saturday, July 11, also at 19:30, it will be the turn of the Free Groups: Valbanera, Dulce Caña de la Habana, Habana Vieja, and Chincho Son 23. At the end, the Dinacord orchestra will perform and the winners will be announced.
Awards and Recognitions
The groups are competing for a first and second prize, as well as the Best Soloist Award. There will also be an award for the best original habanera song, which includes a plaque. Journalist Mery Gorostiza will be responsible for presenting the three phases of the competition.
For the residents of Santa Cruz, the festival is an unmissable summer event. The performances are free and take place outdoors in the historic centre, allowing attendees to enjoy the music while strolling through the area.
The events in honour of the Virgen del Carmen will continue on Tuesday, July 16 with the traditional procession and the subsequent embarkation of the image at the Santa Cruz dock, thus closing a week of maritime fervour.
You may also like
