Public Holidays.

ARCHANGEL St. MICHAEL’S HOLIDAY

September 29th

This holiday continues to have a traditional religious nature with the solemn sermon and procession; however, celebrations for Archangel St. Michael are not limited to the day before and the main day, as a new custom has been introduced to hold a procession for St. Michael during a few days prior to the main celebration. Pilgrims wear the typical costumes of the region and other areas in the archipelago to walk around some of the main streets in town carrying an eternal message of peace and friendship.

Over the past few years, other cultural activities have been introduced as part of this holiday, other than festivals and dances, such as exhibitions, music performances, Queen of the Party Festival, sports competitions amongst others that have contributed to expand the knowledge of San Miguel town inside Las Chafiras region.

St. JOHN BAPTIST’S HOLIDAY

June 24 th

Every year this religious, cultural and playful holiday is held for nearly four days with a growing popular participation and especially of children.

One of the main celebrations is the lighting of a bonfire on June 23 rd, on the eve of St. John Baptist, who is the patron saint of the youth in San Miguel de Abona.

DAY OF THE CROSS HOLIDAY

May 3 rd

This holiday takes place in honour of the Cross of Morena de Tamaide. It is considered to be an annual religious holiday of only one day of duration held in Tamaide and Portillo towns every May 3 rd.

CANARY ISLANDS DAY

May 30th

Every year a party of a cultural and playful nature is organized on the excellent excuse of commemorating the day of our autonomous community in a festive atmosphere.

Some of the activities held in May are, amongst others, exhibitions, folklore festivals, sports and recreational competitions.

Tasting the traditional biggest candy ball in the Canary Islands has become a deeply rooted custom.

SANTA CECILIA’S DAY

November

People go out partying during three days. These celebrations are held annually and bring together San Miguel’s musicians to honour Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of Music.

This is a religious, cultural and ludic holiday where there is always a Concert of music bands in honour of Santa Cecilia.

“EL FRONTÓN” TOWN’S HOLIDAY

The first two weeks in May

It is held annually in “El Frontón” town the first two weeks in May. Celebrations last for three days and there is a large attendance by the people living in the area.

“GUARGACHO” TOWN’S HOLIDAY

The first two weeks in July

This is a holiday for Virgen del Carmen (Virgin Carmen). It is held annually within the first two weeks in July. It is a religious, cultural and ludic holiday. Celebrations include a traditional procession in honour of Virgen del Carmen, a virgin venerated by many.

 

“EL ROQUE” TOWN’S HOLIDAY

The second two weeks in August

This is a religious, cultural and ludic holiday for San Roque. It is held annually in “El Roque” town and festivities last for three days. Tribute is also paid to Virgen de Lourdes (Lourdes Virgin) together with San Roque.

“ALDEA BLANCA” NEIGHBORHOOD’S HOLIDAY

The first two weeks in August

This holiday is held in “Aldea Blanca” ( White Village) Neighborhood for Mary’s Sacred Heart. It is held every year within the first two weeks in August. Celebrations last for three days with a large attendance by the people living in the area as well as many tourists.

“LAS ZOCAS” TOWN’S HOLIDAY

The second two weeks in October

This is a holiday for San Esteban that is held every year within the second two weeks in October in “Las Zocas” friendly town. Celebrations last approximately a week including the magicians’ dance and the froth and beer parties.

CHRISTMAS CAROL GATHERING

The second tow weeks in December

This is a time when Christmas is celebrated singing Christmas carols, and many have welcomed the fact that it lasts throughout the second two weeks in December, a month when fond religious celebrations are held.

EASTER

April

Easter is always widely expected in San Miguel. It is held every year in April. As part of the deeply rooted four-day celebrations the Great and Silence Processions take place on Good Friday along the streets of the old town.

CORPUS CRISTI

June

This religious holiday lasts only one day in San Miguel and all its neighbourhoods on the sixth month of every year. At this time the traditional and attractive Corpus Carpets are made of various natural materials and plants such as thyme and flower petals as well as salt, sawdust and even earth. Thus, everything is combined to make these Corpus Carpets.