Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Daytime view of Mount Teide Volcano with person in foreground in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain.

Quick Facts

Founded: A.D. 1494
Population: 211,436
Area: 58.13 square miles
(150.56 square kilometers)
Main Industries: agriculture, tourism and petrochemical
Relationship Established: 1983

Overview

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the capital of Tenerife, an island in the Canary Islands, Spain, and also serves as one of the co-capitals of the Canary Islands along with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. It is a major port city known for its rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful beaches.

The city is a blend of traditional and modern architecture, with a bustling port area and wide avenues. A large portion of the economy relies on services such as trade, tourism, import-export and the seaport.

Relationship with San Antonio

1983 Sister City Resolution (PDF)

Gifts

Video: The Founders Monument

Located in front of the historic Bexar County Courthouse, this monument honors the Canary Islanders who arrived in San Antonio on March 9, 1731, after traveling from Veracruz, Mexico.

Created by Laredo artist Armando Hinojosa and donated by the Canary Islanders Descendants Association of San Antonio, the set of six statues depicts the four founding communities of the city: American Indians, Franciscan friars, Presidio soldiers and Canary Islanders.

Video: Virgin of Candelaria

Inside San Fernando Cathedral is the Virgin of Candelaria, popularly known as "La Morenita," the Patroness of the Canary Islands. This retablo was a gift from Manuel Hermoso, the former President of the Canary Islands, and serves as a testament to the strong historic ties between San Antonio and the islands.

San Antonio continues to maintain these connections through the Descendants Association and its three Sister Cities: Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Lanzarote.


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