A port filled with people and boats on the coast of the Canary Islands during a festive event.
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The wine boats: the Virgen del Carmen procession in Puerto de la Cruz

If you search for "the wine boats" in Puerto de la Cruz, what you will find is one of the most exciting festivals in Tenerife: the Procession of the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo. Every July, the bay fills with decorated boats accompanying the images across the sea, while thousands of people celebrate on the dock, on rooftops, and in the water, on a hot day filled with music, food, and local wine.

What is the Virgen del Carmen procession?

It is the central event of the July Festivals in Puerto de la Cruz. The images of the Virgen del Carmen, patron saint of fishermen, and of San Telmo leave in procession from the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Peña de Francia, traversing the streets of the old town and reaching the fishing pier, where they board a boat to sail along the coast, surrounded by dozens of vessels.

A century of history

The tradition began in 1921. It was the idea of priest Antolín Fernández, who thought that the fishermen of Puerto should not have to celebrate their patroness in another municipality. Since then, the Virgen del Carmen and San Telmo go to sea every year to ask for protection and good fishing. What started as a simple act in the fishing neighborhood of La Ranilla has turned into a popular event, attracting tens of thousands of people.

When is it celebrated?

The procession takes place on the so-called "Carmen Tuesday," during the July Festivals, around July 16, the day of the Virgen del Carmen. In 2026, for example, it was celebrated on Tuesday, July 14. The exact dates are published each year in the town hall's festival program.

How the day unfolds

  • Solemn mass in the parish of Peña de Francia.
  • Land procession: the bearers carry the images on their shoulders through the historic center and the neighborhood of La Ranilla to the dock.
  • Boarding: the images are placed on a fishing boat amidst applause, petals, and the sound of sirens.
  • Sea procession: the boat sails along the coast escorted by a fleet of boats, and many young people jump into the water to accompany it while swimming.
  • Return and fireworks over the bay.

During the July Festivals, there are also parties, music events, and other popular acts that fill the city center with atmosphere.

Why "of the wine"?

The procession is a religious and maritime festival, not a wine festival. But it takes place in the height of summer in a valley with a long wine-growing tradition, the Valley of La Orotava, and throughout the day, many groups of friends and families eat and toast with local wine on the shore and in the boats. The big wine-related festival is another one: San Andrés, at the end of November, when the new wine is tasted in the north of Tenerife, and in Puerto, children drag pots through the streets.

Tips to experience it

  • Arrive early: the dock and surrounding areas fill up many hours before boarding.
  • Choose your spot wisely: the dock, Punta del Viento, or the area of the Casa de la Aduana provide great views of the bay.
  • Protect yourself from the sun: hat, sunscreen, and water; the day is long and hot.
  • Respect the passage of the images and safety instructions, especially if you are on a boat or going into the water.
  • Transport: that day there will be road closures, so it is better to arrive by bus.

Watch it live

If you can't be there, you can peek into the bay live with our webcams of Puerto de la Cruz, like the one from fishing pier.

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