May has a special meaning in Santa Cruz de La Palma. It is not only the month of the Festival of the Cross, it also commemorates the foundation of the island capital, a key moment in the city’s history.
May is also lived across the Canary Islands with a very special feeling. At the end of the month, Canary Islands Day arrives, a perfect occasion to enjoy tradition, music and Canarian gastronomy.
That is why Santa Cruz de La Palma prepares a wide and very varied programme. There are activities for children, concerts, open air dances, magic, folklore, guided walks and popular gatherings. Throughout the month, the city fills with atmosphere, culture and a desire to celebrate.
Programme of the May Festivities 2026 in Santa Cruz de La Palma
May 1, Friday
4:00 pm
Children’s afternoon with bouncy castles as part of the Festival of the Cross in the La Dehesa neighbourhood.
Event location: Plaza del Llano de la Cruz.
8:30 pm
Evening of traditional roasted potatoes with a performance by Parranda El Lagar, as part of the Festival of the Cross in the La Dehesa neighbourhood.
Event location: Plaza del Llano de la Cruz.
8:30 pm
Concert by Yumara Luis & EntreCuerdas together with Isla Cataifa, with a repertoire that blends emotion, Canarian roots, jazz, soul, pop and Latin music.
Event location: Plaza de San Francisco.
May 2, Saturday
11:00 am
Children’s workshops and entertainment activities to enjoy as a family.
Event location: Plaza José Mata.
6:00 pm
Dance of the Mascarones through the main streets of the city, accompanied by the Municipal Band San Miguel and Banda Gayfa.
Event location: From Marina La Palma to Plaza de San Francisco.
6:30 pm
Unidas en Verbena festival, with seven orchestras representing the islands of the Canary archipelago.
Event location: Plaza de Santo Domingo.
7:00 pm
Guided visit to the crosses and mayos in the neighbourhoods of La Encarnación and La Asomada, as part of the Por mayo clavado programme.
Event location: Departure from the square and cross of Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.
9:00 pm
Popular open air dance as part of the Festival of the Cross in the La Dehesa neighbourhood, with live music performances.
Event location: Plaza del Llano de la Cruz.
May 3, Sunday
7:00 am
Diana Floreada performed by Banda de Cornetas y Tambores Gayfa through the main streets of the city.
Event location: Streets of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
8:00 am
Beginning of the jury tour for the Crosses and Mayos competition to evaluate the entries presented.
Event location: Different parts of the city.
10:45 am
Transfer of the Royal Insignia from the Town Hall to the Parish Church of El Salvador.
Event location: From the Casas Consistoriales to the Parroquia Matriz de El Salvador.
11:00 am
Solemn Eucharist of the Finding of the Holy Cross, within the 533rd anniversary of the foundation of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Event location: Parroquia Matriz de El Salvador.
12:45 pm
Procession of the Holy Cross accompanied by the Municipal Band San Miguel and Banda Gayfa.
Event location: From the Parroquia Matriz de El Salvador to the Parroquia de San Francisco.
3:00 pm
Prize giving ceremony for the 2026 Crosses and Mayos competition.
Event location: Santa Cruz de La Palma.
8:30 pm
Special concert by Taburiente, a celebration of its journey and its bond with Canarian identity.
Event location: Teatro Circo de Marte.
9:00 pm
Closing celebration of the Cross Festival in the La Dehesa neighbourhood with a musical performance by Manolo, el Charro de Canarias.
Event location: Plaza del Llano de la Cruz.
May 8, Friday
4:00 pm
Children’s afternoon with bouncy castles for the little ones.
Event location: Plaza de Candelaria, Mirca.
May 9, Saturday
10:30 am
Street parade with Charanga La Guataca through part of the city centre.
Event location: From the beginning of Calle Real to Plaza de la Alameda.
11:00 am
Children’s workshops and entertainment for children and families.
Event location: Plaza de La Alameda.
1:00 pm
A new edition of Tardeos Musicales, with performances in different shopping and dining areas of the city.
Event location: Calle Apurón, Plaza de la Alameda, Los Balcones and the junction of Álvarez de Abreu and Calle Lemus.
May 15, Friday
4:00 pm
Children’s afternoon with bouncy castles to enjoy as a family.
Event location: Plaza Quisisana.
May 16, Saturday
11:00 am
Folklore festival Santa Cruz de La Palma en mayo, with groups linked to traditional Canarian music.
Event location: Plaza de España.
May 22, Friday
10:15 am
Opening of the 3rd Canary Week of Traditional Canarian Games and Sports, with school participation and representatives of different disciplines.
Event location: Plaza de España.
11:00 am
School magic session as part of the Isla Bonita International Magic Festival.
Event location: Teatro Circo de Marte.
11:45 am
Exhibition of traditional Canarian games and sports.
Event location: Avenida Marítima, opposite Los Balcones.
5:00 pm
Children’s afternoon with bouncy castles for the little ones.
Event location: Plaza de España.
6:00 pm
Street magic session with Josito as part of the Isla Bonita International Magic Festival.
Event location: Plaza de la Alameda.
8:00 pm
Large format show of the Isla Bonita International Magic Festival with David de la Torre.
Event location: Teatro Circo de Marte.
May 23, Saturday
11:00 am
Children’s workshops and entertainment to enjoy as a family.
Event location: Urbanización Benahoare.
11:00 am
Street magic session with Julián de la Rosa, as part of the Isla Bonita International Magic Festival.
Event location: Plaza de España.
12:00 pm
Concert audition by students of the CajaCanarias Foundation Academy of Musical Instruments.
Event location: Town Hall atrium.
1:00 pm
Lunch with parrandas in different corners of the historic centre, with a popular atmosphere and live music.
Event location: Plaza de la Alameda, Los Balcones, Álvarez de Abreu and La Recova.
7:00 pm
Grand Gala of the Isla Bonita International Magic Festival with national and international artists.
Event location: Teatro Circo de Marte.
May 29, Saturday
9:30 pm
Celebration in honour of Santa Rita with a popular open air dance and live music.
Event location: Urbanización Benahoare.
9:30 pm
Cantares del Archipiélago, a musical and visual show that travels through the eight islands through their sounds and landscapes.
Event location: Plaza de San Francisco.
May 30, Saturday
11:00 am
Canary Islands Day celebration with musical performances and tasting of typical dishes and local products.
Event location: Plaza de San Francisco.