The Abama lifestyle goes far beyond enjoying our luxury Tenerife apartments and villas. It's about a balance between tranquil retreat and exploration of local culture. Today we turn away from the island's gastronomic and artistic delights to learn more about one of the fascinating religious festivals of the area: Corpus Christi. During this celebration, the streets of Tenerife and a good part of the rest of the Canary Islands are transformed into ephemeral art canvases, as colorful carpets of sand and flowers pay homage to tradition in this festival that takes place this year on Thursday, June 19.
Celebrated on the Thursday following the tenth Sunday after Easter, Corpus Christi transforms the streets of several towns into true floral masterpieces. These carpets, meticulously made with flower petals, volcanic sands and other natural materials, are designed to embellish the routes of the traditional religious processions and elevate the experience for participants and tourists who come to admire these expressions of creativity and spirituality.
Beyond its artistic and religious character, Corpus Christi is a celebration of the identity and cultural roots of the island. During the days of the festival, the streets are filled with music, folk dances and traditional songs, while gastronomy and artisanal product stands offer a sample of the rich local heritage. It is an occasion for the community to come together to strengthen ties and honor a centuries-old tradition.
Though Corpus Christi is celebrated in many parts of Tenerife, there are three places that stand out for the uniqueness and historical value of their festivities.
La Orotava: ephemeral art
Every year, La Orotava becomes the heart of Corpus Christi in a celebration where floral art reaches its maximum expression. This tradition, which began in 1847 with the first floral carpet created by the Monteverde family in honor of the Blessed Sacrament, has evolved into a spectacle of color and creativity.
During the festival, the streets of the historic center are dressed with impressive tapestries made with flower petals and volcanic sands from the Teide, forming complex designs full of symbolism. The highlight is the majestic carpet in the city hall plaza, a monumental work that depicts religious scenes and traditional motifs with an astonishing level of detail.
San Cristóbal de La Laguna: historical legacy
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, has been intensely celebrating the Corpus Christi festival since 1496. Neighbors and local groups create spectacular carpets of flowers and heather throughout its iconic streets, transforming the city into an ephemeral canvas that highlights its architectural richness.
The highlight of the festivities is the procession, where believers walk through these dazzling tapestries in an expression of faith and community unity. The fusion between the historical legacy of La Laguna and the solemnity of the celebration makes the city a must-visit destination during Corpus Christi.
Adeje: color and tradition
In the south of Tenerife, the municipality of Adeje also joins the tradition of creating carpets that adorn its main streets. Historically, inhabitants used dyed salt and sawdust to make these tapestries; today, the celebration has evolved, incorporating more detailed designs that fuse religious symbolism with elements representative of Canary Island culture.
Located just a short distance from La Orotava, La Laguna and Adeje, your Abama Resort property is the perfect jumping-off point for participating in any of these festivals. Corpus Christi is much more than a mere religious celebration; it's an expression of art, culture and devotion that encapsulates a large part of Canary Island tradition. No matter your age or origin, you'll enjoy an excursion from our luxury Tenerife apartments and villas and the chance to be enveloped in these unforgettable experiences. Get your camera ready, put on your walking shoes, and prepare to dive into the real Tenerife.
