El Cotillo, Corralejo and La Oliva host Canary Day programming

The municipality of La Oliva will celebrate Canary Day with a cultural, commercial and gastronomic program running from May 18 to 29 in the towns of El Cotillo, Corralejo and La Oliva.

Cultural program

The cultural schedule, organized by the Department of Culture, kicks off on May 18 and runs through May 23 in El Cotillo, the town chosen this year to showcase Canary traditions, culture and identity.

The cultural line‑up includes workshops, talks and activities for all ages, organized around the following themes:

• Culture and Roots
• Traditions and Flavours
• Gastronomy
• Culture and Tradition
• Festive Atmosphere

The “big day” will take place in the public square of El Cotillo, with events starting at 10:00 a.m. and the Grand Popular Canary Dance beginning at 5:30 p.m. A high demand for tables has already been recorded.

On the same day, the concert “Canto al Trabajo” by the Tenerife company Pieles de Laboratorio Escénico will be performed, honoring ancestors linked to field and home labour. Awards will also be given for the best‑decorated table and the best‑dressed participant in traditional Canary attire.

Commercial week

From May 20 to 29, the “Canary Week – Commercial Boost!” will continue in Corralejo, La Oliva and El Cotillo. Highlights include:

• Canary Market with 24 stalls dedicated to local crafts.
• “La Ruleta El Tenderete” – a raffle that rewards purchases in local shops with gift vouchers worth a total of €3,000.

Additional activities complement the commercial agenda:

• Traditional Majorero cooking workshops.
• Gastronomic tastings.
• Goat‑meat stew competition.
• Gofio and pella preparation sessions.
• Children’s activities and artisanal workshops.
• Exhibitions of traditional games and sports such as the salto del pastor and the juego del palo.
• Sports days at the Nautical School.
• Musical performances, parrandas and cultural‑folkloric showcases.

Voices from the municipality

Isaí Blanco, Mayor of La Oliva:
“This program reflects the municipality’s commitment to our roots, our identity and our history—something we cannot lose and must preserve for future generations.”

David Hernández, Councilor for Culture:
“The schedule brings together the best of Canary culture over a few very special weeks for the municipality, aiming to showcase who we are to both locals and visitors.”

Alexandra Martín, Councilor for Commerce:
“Continuing to invest in events like this means investing in our own people, our community and our municipality.”

Objectives

According to the council, the initiative is part of the island’s broader agenda to:

• Promote Canary identity, culture and local commerce.
• Generate economic activity within the municipality.
• Preserve the islands’ traditions for future generations.