Few people know that buying a property in Tenerife can offer a glimpse of the past. Imagine strolling through a village with animal-drawn carts, crossing paths with potters and farmers returning from the fields. Imagine sharing intimate conversations with a group of women spinning yarn or joining in their laughter as they scrub laundry at the communal washhouse. Picture children running around, while the aroma of freshly baked bread rises from a centuries-old oven.
Between the nostalgia of the past and the celebration of the present, the island of Tenerife comes alive each year, proudly embracing its roots on a special day: the Día de las Tradiciones in Chirche. This fascinating festival allows visitors and residents alike to immerse themselves in the essence of everyday life as it was more than a century ago.
Nestled in the municipality of Guía de Isora, in the southwest of Tenerife, Chirche is a quaint village that preserves the essence of traditional Canarian architecture. Declared a site of Cultural Interest since 2008, its cobbled streets and ancient houses echo stories from past generations, providing a peaceful and authentic haven amidst the island’s modern tourist development.
For most of the year, Chirche is a quiet destination, ideal for those wishing to disconnect from the fast pace of modern life. However, every second weekend in July, the village comes to life with the celebration of the Día de las Tradiciones, transforming the streets into an open-air museum where history takes centre stage. On this special day, the village revives 19th and early 20th-century customs and trades, offering visitors a rare chance to experience firsthand what life was like on the island over 100 years ago.
From traditional bread-making in wood-fired ovens to the work of potters, carpenters, and basket weavers, every corner of the village becomes a portal into the past, recreating scenes such as washing clothes at communal washhouses and grinding cereals with hand mills. The celebration also features folk music and dance, while the local cuisine tempts the palate with delicacies such as papas arrugadas with mojo, gofio escaldado, and palm honey. This immersion in local culture makes the event a unique opportunity for those seeking an authentic connection to Tenerife’s heritage.
Located just 30 minutes by car from Abama, charming events like the Día de las Tradiciones in Chirche offer those who have chosen to buy a property in Tenerife the opportunity to immerse themselves in the heart of the island's cultural essence and relive time-honoured customs.
Traditions and celebrations that are also part of Abama’s DNA: in our passion for local ingredients, our dedication to preserving the island's culture, and our deep respect for the rich natural environment surrounding us.
If you have been considering a stay at your luxury residence in Abama this July, make sure to set the date. Chirche awaits, offering a journey through time that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come.
Photo: Mike Beales
