SANTA CRUZ
Overview
The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is generally known as Santa Cruz and is the capital of the Autonomous Community of Tenerife jointly with Las Palmas. It has a population of about 223000. This is the Canary Islands’ busiest port and is second busiest after Algeciras in Spain. It is the largest port city in the Atlantic and can accommodate the largest cruise ship. It is a hub of communication between Europe, Americas and Africa.
History
Santa Cruz’s present area has been occupied by human beings since two thousand years at the time of Guanchis as understood from the archaeological studies. Guanches called this Añazo. Over a period of time this became an important port of the Canary Islands and the Atlantic and continues to remain the same. This village came into prominence when the Garachico port was destroyed by a volcano in the 18th century.
Climate
The average temperatures in a year are as follows:
- Maximum – 26 °C in the month of August
- Minimum – 17 °C in January
Art and Culture
Canary Island Courtyard – is an 18th century building that combines the Neoclassic and Baroque style. Canary Island architecture is incorporated in the balconies and inner courtyard making them outstanding. This was built on instructions from Captain Matías Rodríguez Carta.
La Plaza de España – is the most sought after by the youth of Santa Cruz and is considered as the capital’s cultural centerpiece. The building of the Insular Council of Tenerife is an iconic building that stands in this plaza.
The Basilica of Candelaria – is located at a distance of 15 KM from Santa Cruz and is the home for Virgen de Candelaria. Pope Clement VIII, in 1599, proclaimed this as the Saint patron of Canary Islands. Enrique Marrero constructed this building and the entire archipelago comes to this place on pilgrimage.
Sports and Entertainment
The famous Tenerife Symphony Orchestra conducts concerts regularly between October and May of every year. The Carnival in Spain is a popular fiesta, it is most cosmopolitan and it has been declared as an International Tourist event. This event takes place every year during February or March.
Santa Cruz’s nightlife consists of discothèques and pubs.
Business
The economy of Santa Cruz depends on its services sector which includes trade, import-export, tourism, seaport, banking and financial institutions, etc. These ensure a vibrant economy. The construction sector is also important but industrial activity is minimal except for oil and food processing.