Hearts of Tejina: Dates, Tradition and Visiting Tips

Updated in 2026. The Hearts of Tejina are one of Tenerife’s most distinctive festivals: enormous structures decorated with flowers, fruit, branches and cakes, carried on local residents’ shoulders from Tejina’s three historic neighbourhoods to the church square.

I am proceeding carefully here, because this page needs to be useful rather than make unsupported claims. In 2026, official tourism sources place the festival in August 2026, around Saint Bartholomew’s Day on 24 August. Confirm the detailed programme through Tejina.org, La Laguna City Council or the Festival Committee, as arrangements may change for organisational, safety or calendar reasons.

What are the Hearts of Tejina?

The festival revolves around three large hearts representing Calle Arriba, Calle Abajo and El Pico. La Laguna Tourism explains that each structure consists of two hearts joined by a central axis, covered with beech branches, fruit around the edge and centre, and decorated cakes made in the preceding days.

Hola Islas Canarias describes these structures as enormous hearts around 12 metres high and weighing approximately 1,000 kg. Beyond the figures, what impresses is seeing how the community organises to raise, decorate, carry and proudly defend them in a mixture of devotion, good-natured rivalry, music and belonging.

Dates of the 2026 Hearts of Tejina

For 2026, the reliable reference is August and the period around Saint Bartholomew’s Day on 24 August. The Hola Islas Canarias listing shows the event in August 2026 and connects it with this traditional date. Check the official channels close to the date for the full programme and final times for the arrival, lowering and removal of the Hearts, open-air dance or burning of El Haragán.

Practical advice: if you are travelling expressly for the festival, do not rely on a generic mention alone. Check Tejina.org, the La Laguna City Council website and the 2026 Festival Committee’s social-media channels before arranging accommodation or a car.

Events to look for in the programme

The programme can change each year, but certain events usually attract the greatest interest from visitors:

• Arrival of the Hearts: the most symbolic and crowded moment.
• Rivalries and folk groups: an essential part of the atmosphere between neighbourhoods.
• Exaltation of the Hearts: a cultural event linked to the tradition.
• Feast of Saint Bartholomew: processions, music and religious events.
• Lowering and removal: the emotional close of the large Hearts’ cycle.
• Children’s Hearts: a beautiful child- and family-oriented version if it coincides with your trip.
• Burning of El Haragán: another characteristic popular event during the festivities.

How to get to Tejina

Tejina is in north-eastern Tenerife, in the municipality of La Laguna, close to Bajamar, Punta del Hidalgo, Valle de Guerra and Tegueste. By car, the usual roads are the TF-13 from La Laguna and the TF-16 towards Tacoronte.

On major festival days, parking close to the square may be difficult or completely impossible because of road closures and crowds. The sensible approach is to arrive early, follow instructions, park where permitted and walk. If you can combine the car with a bus, taxi or a driver who does not enter the centre, so much the better.

Tips for enjoying the festival without becoming overwhelmed

• Arrive with time to spare: the arrival of the Hearts attracts enormous crowds.
• Do not obstruct the route: the structures being carried are enormous and heavy.
• Protect children and older people: find quiet areas at the sides and avoid jostling.
• Take water and something light: August can be hot even in the north-east.
• Respect local residents: this is not a show staged for tourists, but a living community festival.
• Check for changes: times and routes may be modified.

What to see near Tejina

If you have a car, Tejina combines very well with several activities in the north-east:

• Bajamar: natural pools and a coastal atmosphere.
• Punta del Hidalgo: lighthouse, natural pools and the PR-TF 10 trail.
• Jóver: a natural pool and less tourist-oriented coast.
• Tegueste: town centre, food and agricultural landscape.
• La Laguna: a World Heritage historic centre and a good base for lunch.
• Anaga: if you have enough time and experience driving on winding roads.

Is it worth visiting the Hearts of Tejina?

Yes, if you are interested in authentic popular festivals and understand that you are going to a town in the midst of its celebration, not a theme park. It is colour, noise, pride, emotion, music and an enormous amount of local identity. This is one of those festivals that you understand better by watching the people than by looking solely at the object.

If you want complete tranquillity, you may prefer to visit Tejina on another day and go to Bajamar or Punta del Hidalgo. But if you want to see a tradition unique to the Canary Islands, August in Tejina has a very special heartbeat.

Frequently asked questions about the Hearts of Tejina

When are the 2026 Hearts of Tejina?

They are held in August, around 24 August, the feast of Saint Bartholomew. Confirm the detailed timetable close to the date through Tejina.org, La Laguna City Council or the Festival Committee.

Where are they held?

In Tejina, within the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, with the church square as the centre of the most eagerly awaited events.

How large are the Hearts?

The Hola Islas Canarias tourism listing describes structures approximately 12 metres high and weighing around 1,000 kg, decorated with flowers, fruit and branches.

Is the festival free?

Yes, it is a free popular festival. Particular events may have capacity limits, times or special conditions, so check the official programme.

Sources consulted for this update: La Laguna Tourism, Tejina.org, the Hearts of Tejina Association and Hola Islas Canarias.

To continue tasting the island in a meaningful way, combine this plan with our guide to Tenerife’s wineries and our practical explanation of guachinches in Tenerife.