Discover Puerto Cruz Tenerife culture of today, yesterday and tomorrow...
Puerto Cruz culture is first to be discovered by its past. Without a historic cultural cradle no culture may be nurtured. Lets start where it gets exciting, which was published by the following literature:
Many cultural events were organized in the past through different owners of Hotel Marquesa in Calle Quintana. I was reading up on this and Puerto de la Cruz history in the booklet called Apuntes para un Centenario 1887- 1987 by Agustin Guimerá Ravina. This hotel alone is proof of past and present Tenerife culture.
Men like Alexander von Humboldt, indeed, stayed at this Puerto de la Cruz hotel as a guest. The biologist and philosopher admired not only nature, but also Puerto's cultural ways of life.
The Mueca art festival of Puerto, El Puerto or Puerto Cruz, as the locals call Puerto de la Cruz, sums up most of the town's passion to express itself by art and cultural activities. The town is proud of its historical architecture and thrives to maintain it in good condition. Sculptures, painting, drawings, cinema, photography, pantomime, book readings, drawings, fashion design, literature, poetry, folk music, classic and even baroque music set accents in the oldest Tenerife resort. Of course modern music thrives. However, mostly tunes from South America are represented by local and foreign groups. Trendy music from the USA and the UK is not missing. Puerto de la Cruz gives Rock and Roll as well as Jazz concerts.Discover when Jazz singer Ana Rodriguez is in town in my Spanish news... Besides, anything with Cuban tones and Salsa is much in fashion with young folks. 
The photo besides depicts a charming Puerto de la Cruz art cafe in Calle Mequinez, one minute on foot from Plaza del Charco in direction Playa Jardin.Music noise pollution:By the way, some concerts are held at Park Parque San Francisco. Noise pollution reaching over from there as far as Calle Quintana once made Media news. One of the staff at Hotel Marquesa told me that the live veranda music by the hotel was erroneously first blamed for the disturbance. The annoyance of turning up loud speakers too high has stopped because of a new law. El Puerto town has puppet shows events and hosts new festivals all the time. It has so many besides its carnival, not all
Old quarters Puerto Cruz culture treat:This section of town is a delight for tourists. It is so authentic and makes you feel like strolling through streets which existed in the Middle Ages. However, not all of its houses have been restored.
See some amazing streets and Tenerife restaurants with olden days charm. Most of them are in Puerto de la Cruz Downtown. Click on the Flickr badge beside to admire them with descriptions... Those Flickr pictures of mine are proof of great Puerto Cruz Tenerife culture shown by its architecture and life style. Puerto de la Cruz wine culture:Walk through the old quarters of Puerto de la Cruz near Plaza del Charco de los Camorones... Discover the huge old building called Casa del Pueblo (house of the people)... I noticed big construction works happening in its inside as well as outside in September 2009. This is certainly costly, as this house in the street Calle Vieja was almost a ruin. In 1997, I attended a wine tasting party under its leaking roofs. Nominating best local wines has always been a yearly cultural event in this place. Community house of culture with new town library:Now, you may wonder if this building together with its tower will share culture parties with Casa Ventoso (House Ventoso).Why? In 2008, much talk emphasized the renovation of Casa Ventoso as House of Culture for Puerto Cruz Tenerife. The latter made news in the Spanish Media in March 2007.
The idea was not new. The town had been trying to buy the 1900m2 large Casa Ventoso built for a captain in the early XVIII for many years. The photo beside also shows the towering former casino and Hotel Taoro on the horizon. Note that it overlooks Casa Ventoso from a location which is positioned about 110 meters above down-town. The former hotel Taoro played a big cultural role in the late 19th and early 20th century. This was reported for Taoro Park as well as in page Puerto de la Cruz.
Casa Ventoso of Puerto Cruz which has been owned by the bishop of Tenerife for many years was housing a college for the Augustin Order. Untraceable title deeds are said to have been the reason for complicating the sale to the town hall for the people of Puerto Cruz.
Culture Plan Horizonte 2020 worth millions of Euros:The mayor of Puerto de la Cruz Dolores Padron has now received the grants of EU 200 000 at extremely low credit rates for renovating it as reported,, here. This was announced together with funding for 16 plans. (total grant 1 Million 1760 Euros from now until year 2012)All this happened in the town hall in the presence of General Secretary of tourism Amparo Fernandez, general Secretary of Tourism and Vice President of Cabildo Tenerife Manuel Bermuda. It's part of the plan Horizonte 2020 Spain whose idea is to further culture, tourism and, business in the whole region.
Previous Plan de excelente Turistica to uplift tourism by culture:
Museum Casa Iriarte:Surprising is that nobody in Government thought of a face lift for Casa Iriarte, the museum in dire need of restorations right opposite Casa Ventoso in Calle Iriarte. I believe its building is privately owned.Casa Iriarte is part of culture Puerto de la Cruz. More on this below... Now, back to the plan of culture and tourism up-liftment called 'Plan de excelente Turistica', before. It entailed 5 Million GBP for the entire La Orotava Valley where Puerto de la Cruz is part of. For example, many high way turn offs as well as high way road sides were manicured with fountains surrounded by landscaping most of which are specially lit up at night. One by Mall La Villa Alcampo and one by La Orotava near TF5 turn off are the most recent and beautiful fountains around Puerto de la Cruz. A proper coastal trail from Puerto Cruz to Bollulu Beach, one of lesser known Tenerife beaches was created. It's now a free, public path for scenic walks. Much of it leads through banana plantations. Tenerife walking has always been one of main Tenerife and Puerto Cruz cultural activities.
A great part of the new features were there, when I came to Tenerife in 2001 with the exception of the parking grounds and change rooms at Socorro beach. The latter followed soon. Taoro Hotel, symbol of 20th century culture:Contrary to the plan, Taoro Casino which replaced the Taoro Hotel was never improved, to the best of my knowledge. Shifting it to below the natural swimming pools Martiánez of Puerto was decided instead and taken on in 2004. Culture In Puerto Cruz grew and grows with time like in the famous saying about Rome, which was not built in a day, you know...
Casa Ventoso redesign for future culture:Casa Ventoso Puerto Cruz was built by a captain in early XVIII.It's ground floor will have better public library facilities. Town archives will be kept at the new center as well. Stage plays will take place in it as well as exhibitions. Cultural events of Puerto Cruz were organized in the past in the houses of the rich, one of which was Casa Ventoso, unless spread by socially inclined priests. One of such good church representatives was a family member of previous owners of the Hotel Marquesa. This mansion was a center of cultural high lights, 2 to 3 centuries ago.
Tower Torre Ventoso
Part of Casa Ventoso isTorre Ventoso a tower in Calle Valois. It is a 6 story square white construction with wooden balconies. This timber and stone tower is one of loveliest of Puerto Cruz buildings and an example of elegant, traditional Canary Island architecture. A smaller version of it was tucked into Hotel Casa Roja in the town for shopping surrounded by culture called Garachico. The merchant Nicolas Blanco, an early 18th century businessman came up with the idea to construct this tower. It was meant to be the tool to control incoming goods in Puerto's harbor. Once rich, by his clever strategy, he gave back to the community. He did it just like Caja Canaria does, nowadays, by organizing shows or events. However, less public... In 1812 the Declaration of Liberty was signed in tower Ventoso..
In 1990 the tower was renovated and will be opened for tourism and culture in the very next future, as was affirmed early in 2008, in Puerto de la Cruz.
Modern Puerto Cruz towers for tourism culture:However, who would have thought in the past that Torre Ventoso would be made to look tiny by hotel sky risers in the future? Even tall apartment buildings in Puerto Cruz steal the show now and dominate the tower panorama. Certainly, the small tower Ventoso is a more gracious symbol of culture than massive concrete constructions for tourism. All Puerto culture is like a round-about, it is interwoven like in a web to the delight of locals as well. One of tall Puerto Cruz hotels on Plaza Reyes Catolicos next to MacDonalds holds permanent art exhibitions on its ground floors. Hotels may also publicize the town's events in their lobbies to bring Puerto Cruz culture to tourists.
Hotel Tigaigo Taoro Park folklore showsHotel Tigaigo is well known for its Sunday early lunch time folklore dances, it organizes. Find it just off the main Taoro Park Avenue, close to the Anglican church on the other side of the road...A hotel receptionist will tell you how to find Museo de Archeologia , the archeology museum in Calle Lomo,9, at 3 minutes from Plaza de los Charcos. Tel: Tel. 922371465. Holiday homes organize cultural events:Puerto Cruz culture lives on by information and advertisement. A holiday home in Tenerife owned by a German contributes to it. He organizes folklore events for the cultural enjoyment of holiday guests.
Other existing historic Puerto Cruz buildings and their past and present use for culture:Tenerife Puerto Cruz churches and their culture:The church San Francisco which includes Hermita San Juan is a symbol of art and culture.
Famous altar of Church San Francisco and Hermita San Juan The Hermita (chappel) is older and was built in 1599, This chappel of San Juan is the oldest Puerto de la Cruz building Both Church and Hermita are connected. Find them in Calle Quintana by Plaza Dr.Peréz Today this church is used by different congregations of different European nationalities; hence for tourism and culture. It has 16th century art as well as later added on treasures.
Casa de la Aduana
Casa de la Aduana was built in 1620 by the Franchie family for the Battery Santa Barbara It became Royal Custom house in 1707 Today: The beautiful, double story House Casa de Aduana accommodates Puerto's tourism office on the ground floor to promote Tenerife culture. Its new location is more adequate than the one before on Plaza de Europa. The old historical Aduana building is also much more fitting its cultural aspect.
A tribute to women monument to Puerto's Fish wife women has been erected in 2008 a few meters from it.Passers-by look at the dark bronze sculpture in astonishment. Hard working working class women were often forgotten in the past. Without them no thriving economy would be possible. And, hence, less culture in Puerto Cruz... Perhaps, we may also thank our female Mayor Lola Padrón for the tribute to women.
Castle San FelipeCastle San Felipe was built built 1630-1644.Playa Jardin/ Punta Brava Past use of it was to fend off pirates . They were a threat for merchants and Puerto Cruz ships. Nowadays, occasional concerts are held in it to promote local musicians and to further the culture of music. Occasional, international art exhibitions also take place at Castelo San Felipe. Discover them advertised on the facade of the building or at the tourism office. By the way, I believe the Congress Center Puerto de la Cruz within the gardens of the former Hotel or Casino Taoro is open again. In December 2008 a Christmas concert was given there.
Church Nuestra Señora de Peña de Francia
Iglesa Nuestra Señora de Peña de Francia, off Calle Quintana, was built in 1684 and its tower in 1898.
Besides the statue of Nuestra Señora del Carmen patron of town church (iglesia) Peña de Francia has The church Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Peaña de Francia is used for mass and nowadays also for selected classical local or international concerts. I have seen this large church full to the brim during its free winter concerts, a proof love of music culture of its inhabitants. Besides, locals in the oldest Tenerife resort Puerto Cruz are still going to church, contrary to many residents in north European countries. Church and religion is still part of the inhabitants' cultural activities.. Please note, that a small part of the church contains sort of a chapel, called after Saint Patrick of the UK Emerald Isle. The enclave was built-in for the many Puerto resident Irish merchants which helped greatly with the towns rising success in commerce and, of course, consequently, with its art and culture.
Token of Puerto de la Cruz culture are also the many little altars you find outside houses in numerous streets. One can be admired right by the old, little harbor. A Virgen Mary sculpture with baby Jesus Christ is most seen in them. Nooks are seldom bigger than about 30x30x15 cm. Fresh flowers are placed there everyday.
Puerto Cruz cemetery:The Puerto de la Cruz cemetery strikes me as a place of culture. It is so lovingly tended by the locals who live in its town. You see sculptures everywhere besides fresh flower arrangements and artful tombstones. About 4 meter high stone structures which are open on one side have arched holes which look like open, small lockers. Flowers or pot plants stand inside. I am not quite sure what they mean in this sanctuary for the dead. I intend to get some more information about it. This is a cultural custom, for sure.
Church San Telmo
San Telmo church was built in 1780 by a group of merchants. My friend Guenther Dahmen goes to this church every Sunday morning and attends a German Mass. I hope, I am not mistaken saying it is a German mass, as he told me a Spanish friend of his used to go there, too. Afterwards the congregation assembles for a drink or a short bite nearby. This is part of socializing culture, very much loved in Puerto town.
More cultural Sunday habits of Puerto people:Did you know that Spanish housewives don't cook on Sundays? They normally don't touch a cooking spoon in Puerto Cruz, on Sundays, either. The whole family, usually, has lunch in one of cheap Guachinche inns, out of town. They may also have a pick-nick in places like Barranco Ruiz, just after San Pedro by the coastal road to San Juan de la Rambla. They also drive up to any of the recreation resorts in the Tenerife forests. There they do their own Sunday barbecues. That makes Guachinches and eating out in the country and highlands part of the Puerto Cruz Sunday culture. The more wealthy Puerto Cruz town folk go to places like El Monasterio with its many restaurants and bodegas with much Tenerife culture. all around it. Although, the Monasterio belongs to Los Realejos, it's one of Puerto Cruz Tenerife cultural attractions because of being only 10-15 minutes away from the oldest island resort.
Mansions of Puerto de la Cruz culture:Hotel Marqueza
Learn more about Hotel Marquesa which is one of oldest Tenerife buildings,as this hotel was of utmost importance for the towns history, culture and development...
Hotel MonopolHotel Monopol noticed by everybody next to Hotel Marquesa by its every day fresh chopped off yellow, red and pink Cannas flower petals and heads between steps of its front entrance is one of the oldest Tenerife hotels, as well.I have seen this hotel front door flower welcome, already, in 1997. A cultural habit, indeed...I wonder how far it dates back. The birth house of one of Puerto's most cultural dignities called Agostin de Bethencourt y Molina (1758-1824) had to make way for Hotel Monopol to be erected in its place.
La CasonaLa Casona was once seat of many a family which were known for their culture and festivities. It is an old Canary mansion of the finest whichnow houses Restaurant La Casona Its location: Plaza del Charco de los Camarones
House of Jose Agostin Alvares Rixo (1796-1683)Jose Agostin Alares Rixo was a writer and distinguished mayor of Puerto Cruz.The house of its birth place is in Calle Blanco.
The Birth place of a Puerto Cruz poet:Casa Iriarte was once a stately house. There, the writer and poet Tomaz Iriarte of the 7 fables grew up. By the way, an exterior focal vision of this house is seen on the front page of this Homepage.Location: Calle San Juan/Calle Iriarte Tiny Museum Iriarte is on a the first floor. Reach it from inside the building patio by climbing ancient, wooden stairs. The ground floor and patio are crowded with embroidered handy craft, mainly. They almost touch the many plants in the patio which also trail down from the upper floor. Lovely old cottage windows hide above the balconies. The scene invites fans of the Puerto de la Cruz photography culture.
Museum with concerts Abaco:Villa Finca Mansion Museum Abaco XVIII in El Durazno near Parque Botanico La Paz displays Puerto Cruz history and culture, gives folklore concerts by 11 a.m. on Sundays and classical concerts, above all in winter, at night.
Exhibitions and art galleries in the oldest Tenerife island resort:Many international art exhibitions are given at Castillo San Felipe, Playa Jardin, Avenida Colon to contribute to Puerto Cruz Tenerife culture..Caja Canaria sponsors Puerto Cruz culture:Art exhibitions for painting, drawing and photography to further local talent is often financially helped and organized by Caja Canaria. This is a financial institution with central seat in Santa Cruz. Interested artists from Puerto de la Cruz or anywhere else in Tenerife without their own galleries may try:
Puerto de la Cruz art galleries and private art studios:Find most of them withing or near the Puerto Cruz hub. Galeria Magda Rivera International Art Gallery MARIA TERESA PALMISANO DODO ARTE Galeria de Arte Elena Galeria de arte La Colombe Why not return from Puerto Cruz culture to Puerto de la Cruzto discover even more of its cultural magnetism by unusual photos? Be welcome to use any photo of this page for non-commercial use...Right click text in HTML window below... Select, copy and paste into your blog or web. Doing this no copy right offense will be taken.
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