May 18 — May 24, 2026

What a week to be on the island! Tenerife is alive with Canarias Day festivities, one of the biggest food fairs in the archipelago, and a rich lineup of live music, theatre and art. Whether you're soaking up local culture or hunting for your next great meal, this week has something for everyone. HIGHLIGHTS GastroCanarias 2026 — The 11th edition of the Canary Islands Gastronomy Fair takes over the Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos from Monday, May 19th. This is the island's premier food event, bringing together top chefs, local producers, and Canarian wines under one roof. If you love discovering new flavours and watching live cooking demos, clear your schedule and come hungry. Mozart + Series by Paul Lewis @ Auditorio de Tenerife — On Tuesday, May 19th, acclaimed pianist Paul Lewis performs a programme pairing Mozart with works inspired by serialist traditions. The Auditorio is one of Spain's most striking concert halls, and hearing world-class piano in that acoustic is an experience in itself. Tickets start at just €15 — a steal for this calibre of performance. Canarias Day Celebrations — The week kicks off with Canarias Day programming across the island. El Sauzal hosts a full schedule of events from Monday the 18th at the Teatro El Sauzal, while Los Silos continues its own celebrations with cultural activities running since the 10th. These are joyful, community-driven fiestas that give you a genuine taste of Canarian pride and identity. Danza en breve: CHONI MIX Canarias @ Teatro Leal — On Wednesday, May 20th, catch this contemporary dance showcase at the beautiful Teatro Leal in La Laguna for just €8. It's a fantastic way to experience the island's thriving performing arts scene in an intimate, historic venue. Carpet Route – La Orotava 2026 — Starting from Casa Monteverde on May 16th and running through the week, La Orotava's famous Carpet Route celebrates the town's extraordinary tradition of elaborate sand and flower tapestries. Stroll through the cobblestone streets and witness artistry that has been passed down for generations. QUICK PICKS Catch the I Timple Festival at the elegant Liceo de Taoro on Thursday — a rare chance to hear Tenerife's beloved traditional instrument centre stage. The XL Cultural Week at Centro Municipal de Mayores in La Orotava offers free programming all week. Theatre lovers should grab tickets for Juana Aguirre's "Los Pilares" at Teatro Leal on Thursday (€18) or the intriguing "An Inspector Has Arrived" at the Universidad de La Laguna's Paraninfo on the same evening. On Sunday, browse handmade treasures at the Los Silos Craft Fair in the Plaza de la Luz. And don't miss the free Printed Form: Sound Variations workshop at TEA on Wednesday, part of the NUMAcircuit 026 DJ residency programme — a creative collision of print and sound. For something more relaxed, the Circulo del Conocimiento Fiction Book Club meets Wednesday at Casa de la Cultura Tacoronte (free, Spanish language), and several long-running art exhibitions remain open, including "Dokoupil: Abstract Painting" at Instituto Cabrera Pinto and "Rituals of Desire" by Cándido Camacho at TEA. Whether you're drawn to festival fireworks, world-class music, or a quiet wander through La Orotava's tapestry-lined streets, this week is one of the richest on Tenerife's calendar. Head over to the events map to plan your days and make sure nothing slips past you. ¡Feliz Día de Canarias!