Alejandro Marichal: "Festivals are the best opportunity to discover the essence of a town. Tunte opens its doors to share its history, its gastronomy, its music and its way of understanding coexistence."
Yilenia Vega: “The program has been built by listening to those who experience it every year. Many of the activities originate from meetings, from the ideas and proposals that the residents themselves shared with us.”
Santiago Apóstol Festival in Tunte 2026: Tradition, culture and citizen participation
The official program for the 2026 Santiago Apóstol festivities in Tunte has been released by the Department of Festivals and Events of the San Bartolomé de Tirajana City Council . These patron saint celebrations will take place from July 10th to 26th in the Canary Island municipality, with a packed schedule of activities designed for residents and visitors alike . The program maintains the traditional spirit while incorporating innovative proposals developed through community involvement.
Official opening and proclamation of the festivities in Tunte
The official opening will take place on Friday, July 10th at 20:30 pm , with the highly anticipated opening address by Antonio Betancor Álvarez , a much-loved resident with strong ties to the upper part of the town. Following the address, the historic center will host the popular Tapas Night , a culinary event returning after its previous success due to popular demand.
Full program: tradition and innovations for all ages
The Councillor for Festivals and Events, Yilenia Vega , explained that the program is designed to appeal to all ages and balance tradition, citizen participation, and new initiatives. Among the main new features is the Façade and Balcony Beautification Contest , an initiative that aims to involve families in decorating the town during these important patron saint festivities.
In addition, activities suggested by the residents themselves, such as the Afternoon of Canvas and Wine , the magical Night of the Stars , and the creative Photography Contest , have been added , thus expanding the cultural and participatory offerings. The program also includes established events such as:
- The emotional Descent of Santiago El Chico
- The holiday Tenderetunte
- The traditional Pilgrimage Offering in honor of Saint James the Apostle
- The lively Cattle show
- The endearing Fiesta del Mayor
- The youth Young Night
- The prestigious "Canarias Canta en Tunte" event
- The expected White Party
- And the spectacular Gran Gala Santiaguera as the grand finale.### Activities for the whole family and featured events
The program for the Santiago Apóstol Festival in Tunte 2026 includes a diverse range of activities for all ages. There will be children's activities , creative workshops, bouncy castles, contests, sports tournaments, open-air cinema, live music, and lively street parties that will fill the town's streets with joy throughout the month of July.
One of the highlights will be Saturday, July 25th , the feast day of St. James the Apostle, with the traditional floral procession starting early in the morning, the solemn Eucharist and procession at midday, and the lively White Party in the afternoon in Santiago's main square. This day will be accompanied by live music, a festive atmosphere, and a large turnout of both locals and visitors.
Santiago Grand Gala: Closing Ceremony
The program will conclude on Sunday, July 26th at 20:30 p.m. with the highly anticipated Gran Gala Santiaguera: Fin de Fiesta (Grand Santiaguera Gala: End of the Festival ), under the motto "All roads lead to Tunte." The gala will feature a special presentation by Cathaysa González and performances by Yeray Rodríguez, Elías Uche (with a tribute to Mexico), and tenor Jesús Monzón. During the evening, a tribute will be paid to the town's traditional pastry chefs, and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the facade and photography contests.
Community participation and tradition in the Santiago Apóstol festivities
The Councillor for Festivals and Events, Yilenia Vega , emphasized that the program is the result of collaborative work with the residents of Tunte . From the outset, we wanted these festivities to be built by listening to those who experience and feel them every year. Many of the current activities stem precisely from those meetings, ideas, and proposals put forward by the residents themselves. Our commitment was to create more participatory and inclusive celebrations that reflect the identity of Tunte, and together we have achieved this.
One of the most moving moments will be the tribute to the traditional almond sweet makers, a beloved culinary custom in the town. We want to recognize these women who, generation after generation, have kept alive one of our town's most cherished gastronomic traditions. With their work, dedication, and recipes, they have helped preserve a vital part of Tunte's cultural and identity heritage. This tribute is a gesture of gratitude to all of them and to the many families who have passed on this legacy.
Following the official presentation, First Deputy Mayor Alejandro Marichal encouraged both residents and visitors to come to Tunte in the coming weeks: " The festivities are the best opportunity to discover the essence of the town. Tunte opens its doors to share its history, gastronomy, music, and way of life. I invite all residents and visitors to enjoy these celebrations, created with enthusiasm and designed for everyone . "
For his part, Mayor Marco Aurelio Pérez Sánchez emphasized that Tunte once again becomes a central hub during July: " These festivities are an opportunity to share, strengthen community ties, and keep the bonds between generations alive. All roads lead to Tunte, especially during the month of St. James ," thus inviting all citizens to actively participate.
The Council also encourages everyone to enjoy themselves responsibly and continue contributing to the prestige of the Patron Saint Festivities of Santiago Apóstol in Tunte , consolidating them as an island benchmark in coexistence, tradition and local pride.
