On 23 and 24 August 2026, Tejina will celebrate the Corazones de Tejina, one of Tenerife’s most striking folk traditions. The village, which belongs to the municipality of San Cristóbal de La Laguna, marks the most important days of the festivities in honour of San Bartolomé. The main attraction is formed by three monumental heart-shaped structures made by the neighbourhoods of El Pico, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo and carried to the church square.
The hearts are far more than festive decorations. For weeks, residents work on large wooden frames that are covered with greenery, flowers, fruit, bread and decorative figures. According to Turismo de Tenerife, the structures can reach a height of around twelve metres. Each neighbourhood uses its own symbols and colours, creating a playful rivalry. El Pico, Calle Arriba and Calle Abajo try to outdo one another not only with the design of their heart, but also with songs, poems and humorous remarks.
Offering to San Bartolomé
The tradition is celebrated around 24 August, the feast day of San Bartolomé. For 2026, the programme includes the eve of the celebration and the exaltación of the hearts on Sunday 23 and Monday 24 August. Their arrival at the Plaza de la Iglesia forms the emotional highlight. Large groups of bearers manoeuvre the tall structures through the streets, accompanied by residents dressed in the colours of their neighbourhood.
Once on the square, the hearts are raised upright and presented as a joint offering to San Bartolomé and the Virgen de la Encarnación.
The Corazones de Tejina have been officially recognised as cultural heritage. In 2003, the celebration was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in the category of local heritage. One year later, the Centro Internacional para la Conservación del Patrimonio awarded it a special Canarian prize for the protection of intangible heritage.
These recognitions are easy to understand. The tradition brings together craftsmanship, agricultural products, religion, music and a strong sense of neighbourhood identity in a single event.
A cultural symbol
For visitors, the atmosphere between the three neighbourhoods is especially interesting. Each group has its own parranda and sings traditional coplas. The friendly rivalry, known locally as the pique, is an essential part of the celebration.
It is not an official competition with one winner, but rather an expression of pride, creativity and neighbourhood honour. After the main ceremonies, further musical, religious and folk activities usually take place. Earlier in August, the 2026 edition also includes theatre performances, concerts and a tour of the statue of San Bartolomé through different parts of Tejina.
Those who want a good view of the hearts should arrive well before the procession. The church square is not very large and interest is usually considerable. Parking in the immediate area can be difficult, so public transport or parking outside the centre may be more practical.
Because of the summer heat, visitors are advised to bring water, wear a hat and choose light clothing.
The Corazones de Tejina show how a local tradition can grow into a cultural symbol for the whole of Tenerife. Behind the colourful hearts lies above all a story of cooperation: families and neighbours devote weeks of their time to representing their community and their patron saint.
Photo: AI/ChatGPT
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