Southern Tenerife, a favourite destination for both domestic and international tourists during Semana Santa (Easter week), is once again offering a vibrant blend of spiritual reflection and cultural celebration. The region’s municipalities have embraced the season with a rich variety of religious and artistic events.
These include moving portrayals of the Passion of Christ and the uniquely Spanish Easter floral exhibition, ‘Pascua Florida’, in Guía de Isora.
The commemorative activities began last week in Granadilla de Abona, where around 100 amateur performers brought the final days of Jesus’s life to the streets of the town centre. Witnessed by approximately 800 spectators, the re-enactment featured scenes such as the stoning, Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the betrayal by Judas, his trial before the Sanhedrin, and ultimately the crucifixion. Months of preparation went into delivering an emotional and dramatic interpretation of these key Gospel passages.
In Adeje, preparations are underway for one of the most iconic events in Tenerife’s Holy Week calendar: the El Pasion live play performed every Good Friday at midday. Now in its 29th edition, the production involves around 300 local actors and volunteers, drawing large crowds to the heart of the town.
The spectacle, pictured above, known for its realism and artistic quality, will once again be broadcast live across the Canary Islands on Televisión Canaria and nationally via 13 Televisión. Last Friday marked the deadline for residents to sign up to participate in this renowned performance.
Adeje also launched its liturgical programme last weekend with the popular ‘Pasos Chicos’ procession, which features miniature religious floats carried by children attending catechism classes. The family-oriented event is one of the most attended in the municipality.
Meanwhile, Arona is hosting a variety of Holy Week services and activities between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, engaging residents from different neighbourhoods. Among the standout moments this year was Sunday’s theatrical performance in Valle San Lorenzo, where around 80 parishioners from Buzanada, La Camella, and Valle San Lorenzo came together to portray significant episodes from the life of Jesus during a 90-minute play at the local wrestling arena.
In contrast to the traditional religious commemorations, Guía de Isora offers a unique artistic experience with its annual ‘Pascua Florida’. Set against the backdrop of the town’s historic centre, the open-air exhibition blends visual arts, floral design, dance, and music. This year’s edition will feature 24 ephemeral installations, some on a grand scale, created by artists and professional florists. The event starts on Maundy Thursday at 12:30p.m., when visitors can watch the artists at work on the streets. The floral art will remain on display until the end of Easter Sunday.
Carlos Curbelo, the artistic director of the event, describes ‘Pascua Florida’ as a cultural manifestation without equal in Spain, where floral art and contemporary sculpture merge with the historic charm of the town to create a deeply sensory and symbolic experience.
Together, these events reflect the blend of faith, community, and creativity that characterises Holy Week in southern Tenerife, offering both locals and holidaymakers an opportunity for contemplation, celebration, and cultural enrichment.
