San Benito 2026: La Laguna's great Romería this Sunday

Some festivals you have to see to understand the Canaries — and San Benito is one of them. For two weeks La Laguna, the old university town in the north of Tenerife, turns into a great stage for folklore, tradition and the rural life of times past. This year the city marks its 80th edition, with more than 40 events for every generation.

If you only have one day, come on Sunday: that's when the Romería Regional winds through the lanes of the old town — and with it a whole procession of decorated ox carts, folk-dress groups and music. It's the moment when the whole island shows itself in its Sunday best.

The great Romería on Sunday

The Romería Regional de San Benito Abad is one of Tenerife's best-known pilgrimages. Around 80 carretas — lovingly decorated carts pulled by oxen or tractors — and about 40 folk groups accompany the procession. On the carts people cook, sing and share generously: stand at the roadside and you'll often be handed a piece of sausage, a glass of wine or a piece of gofio bread.

The participants wear the traje de mago, the islands' traditional country dress. It's colourful, loud and warm-hearted — and despite the crowds it stays a family affair, where locals and guests come together as a matter of course.

What's new this year

In 2026 La Laguna for the first time brings its city patron San Cristóbal into the Romería Regional; his image joins the procession at the Cathedral. That draws the celebration even closer to the city's own history. The honoured island of the year is Tenerife — fitting for a festival that puts the island's traditions centre stage.

Baile de Magos, music and folklore

The run-up to the big weekend was the Baile de Magos on Friday: at this traditional-dress dance the streets of the old town turn into a single dance floor, this year with more than 650 tables. On Saturday morning there is also a Baile de Magos for children at the San Benito hermitage.

There's plenty else too: the group Achamán marked its 50th anniversary with the show "Alma y fuego", and the Festival 8 Islas brings together voices of Canarian folk music. Add to that the traditional election of the Romera Mayor at the Teatro Leal. The full programme runs over about two weeks.

What a romería means for visitors

A romería is originally a pilgrimage in honour of a saint — here Saint Benedict (San Benito Abad). Today it is above all a celebration of community and rural roots: traditional dress, ox carts, Canarian food and live folklore. You don't have to book or pay anything — just turn up, watch and join in.