Adeje is preparing to celebrate San Sebastián, its largest and most popular traditional festival, with events taking place on Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 January. The celebrations will once again centre on La Enramada beach and include the iconic bathing and blessing of animals, a tradition that attracts thousands of residents and visitors from across the island each year.
The festival combines religious devotion with popular tradition and is one of Adeje’s most distinctive celebrations, featuring dozens of riders on horseback and other animals taking part in a spectacle unique to the municipality.
Programme highlights
The festivities begin on Monday 19 January at 7:30pm with a mass in honour of San Sebastián Mártir, sung by Mesturao. At 8:30pm, a short procession with the statue of the saint will take place, accompanied by the Adeje Patronal Band. On its return to the church, the traditional fireworks offering will be held. The evening continues from 9pm with a performance by Parranda Chasnera.
The main day of the festival, Tuesday 20 January, starts with a 12 noon mass, sung by Boleros de Armeñime. After the service, the statue of the saint will be carried in procession along the traditional route, preceded by riders and animals as far as La Enramada beach. There, the symbolic bathing ritual takes place, followed by one of the most anticipated moments of the day, the traditional blessing of the animals. The celebrations conclude with a final mass at 6pm.
Safety and animal welfare
Adeje Town Hall has reminded the public that the registration period for animals has now closed, a measure designed to ensure the smooth running of the event and safeguard animal welfare. The Department of Culture, led by Adolfo Alonso Ferrera, will have a registered veterinarian on site throughout the celebration to oversee the wellbeing of the animals.
In addition, a coordinated safety plan will be in place in collaboration with the Local Police, ensuring the safety of both participants and spectators.
A tradition rooted in Adeje’s history
The festival of San Sebastián has deep historical roots linked to Adeje’s spiritual origins and its relationship with the coast. Since the late 16th century, the saint has been venerated as a protector against epidemics and contagious diseases, particularly in coastal communities.
In Adeje, devotion became firmly established at the Hermitage of the Encarnación, next to the former port of La Enramada. The arrival of the current statue of San Sebastián on 20 January 1916 strengthened a devotion already deeply rooted among the population. Since then, the festival has remained a fixed date in Adeje’s religious and popular calendar, forming a key part of the municipality’s cultural identity.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information provided by Adeje Town Hall and is published for general information purposes. Dates, times and programme details may be subject to change. Readers are advised to follow official Adeje municipal channels for the latest updates.
https://www.adeje.es/patrimonio/blog/596-libro-san-sebastian-significad