31st International Storytelling Festival of Los Silos 2026 – Los Silos, Spain
Overview
The International Storytelling Festival of Los Silos, known locally as the Festival Internacional del Cuento, is a cornerstone of the Canary Islands’ cultural calendar. For over three decades, this enchanting event has transformed the rural municipality of Los Silos in Tenerife into a living library where the oral tradition takes center stage. The festival is renowned for its ability to weave together the architectural charm of the village with the power of the spoken word, creating an immersive atmosphere that captivates both locals and international visitors.
The 2026 edition marks the 31st anniversary of the festival and will feature a special thematic tribute to the “lavanderas” (washerwomen), celebrating the historical and social role of women in the community through specialized narratives and artistic displays. The program typically spans a wide array of activities including nighttime storytelling for adults, dawn sessions, and pedagogical workshops. By utilizing unconventional spaces such as private zaguanes (hallways), rooftops, and banana plantations, the festival breaks the barrier between the stage and the audience, fostering a unique sense of intimacy.
A vital part of the festival’s mission is the promotion of reading and literary appreciation among all generations. Beyond the oral performances, the event integrates music, theater, and visual arts to create a multi-sensory experience that reflects the cultural identity of the region. As a recognized cultural asset of Tenerife, the festival continues to attract world-class narrators from across the globe, ensuring that the ancient art of storytelling remains a vibrant and evolving form of contemporary expression.
Enjoy Your Event Stress-Free with Euro Travelo
Planning a trip to attend a festival, concert, or business event in Europe can be overwhelming—tickets, travel, accommodation, and local logistics all take time and effort. Euro Travelo makes it simple by providing everything you need through one trusted company. You save time, avoid stress, and enjoy a seamless experience from start to finish.
Event Highlights
- Official Narrative Competition: A series of professional storytelling sessions featuring award-winning international narrators who compete for critical and audience acclaim.
- Thematic Tribute: In 2026, the festival specifically honors the historical figure of the washerwoman, integrating their stories into the central narrative of the event.
- Nocturnal Storytelling Sessions: Atmospheric late-night performances designed specifically for adult audiences, often held in the town’s most historic and mysterious corners.
- Cultural Workshops: Interactive sessions led by literary experts and educators focusing on the technical and creative aspects of oral narration and creative writing.
Why Attend
This festival is a must-attend for anyone who believes in the transformative power of language and the preservation of cultural heritage. Unlike mainstream entertainment festivals, the Los Silos event offers a contemplative and deeply human experience that reconnects visitors with the primitive joy of listening. It is particularly recommended for educators, writers, and students of linguistics, as the festival provides a living laboratory for observing the nuances of performance and the evolution of oral literature.
Families and travelers seeking an authentic Canarian experience will find Los Silos to be a welcoming and magical environment during the festival. The event successfully balances high-brow literary merit with community-focused accessibility, making it an ideal destination for those who wish to explore the “Isla Baja” region of Tenerife beyond the typical tourist paths. By attending, you contribute to a sustainable cultural project that has revitalized a small rural village into an international beacon for the humanities.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: To be announced for the 2026 season.
- Event Duration: Typically lasts for 5 to 7 days, concluding during the first week of December.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are primarily sold online through the official festival website and specialized platforms like Tomaticket.
- Admission Type: Tickets are sold per individual session, though some open-air street performances may be accessible to the general public.
- Ticket Pricing: Individual session tickets are generally priced between $5 and $25.
- Minimum and Maximum Range: Prices range from $5 for student workshops to $25 for specialized evening galas.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Limited priority seating is available for season pass holders and members of the local cultural association.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Los Silos, Tenerife, Spain.
- Venue: Antiguo Convento de San Sebastián and various town locations.
- Google Maps Address: C. Convento, 12, 41429 La Campana, Sevilla, Spain.
Booking with Euro Travelo
Looking to attend this event hassle-free? Euro Travelo can help you secure tickets, arrange travel, and manage your trip from start to finish. Whether it’s a business conference, trade show, or cultural festival, our team makes it easy for international visitors to join events across Europe. Contact Euro Travelo today to book your tickets and travel arrangements.
Contact Information
- Email: info@cuentoslossilos.es
- Phone: +34 922 84 00 04
- Website: www.cuentoslossilos.es
- Social Media: @cuentoslossilos on Instagram and Facebook.
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Tenerife North Airport (TFN) is roughly 60 km away (~50 minutes); Tenerife South Airport (TFS) is 75 km away via the TF-1 highway.
- Public Transport: TITSA bus line 107 or 108 from Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Icod de los Vinos, followed by a transfer to line 363 to Los Silos.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Taxis from TFN airport cost approximately $90; local rideshare options like Uber are limited in the northern rural zones.
- Parking: Public parking is available near the entrance of the village and close to the sports center; the town center is restricted to pedestrians during peak hours.
- Other Access: The village is situated within the Teno Country Park, offering scenic hiking trails for visitors arriving from nearby Buenavista del Norte.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hotel Luz del Mar (4-star, 1 km, sustainable eco-resort with pool and wellness center, $150-230/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Coral Los Silos (Modern apartments within the historic district, $95-145/night); Hotel Rural El Patio ($110-170/night).
- Budget Stays: Various local “Casas Rurales” and guesthouses offer traditional Canarian architecture and cozy rooms ($50-90/night).
Attendee Experiences
- The way the town’s hallways are used for stories makes it feel like you are in a dream.
- Every storyteller brought a unique flavor and the energy in the air was truly special.
- It is a wonderful way to see the real Tenerife far away from the crowded resorts.
Maps
Contact
Video
FAQ's
What is the significance of the washerwomen theme for 2026?
The 2026 theme celebrates the "lavanderas" who used to gather at the local stone laundries to wash clothes and share community news. This focus highlights the historical role of oral communication in women's social circles and preserves local folklore. Many performances will specifically feature stories about water, labor, and female camaraderie.
Are the storytelling sessions suitable for non-Spanish speakers?
While the majority of the sessions are held in Spanish, the festival often invites international narrators who perform in English or French. Additionally, many performances utilize physical theater and music, which transcends language barriers. The visual storytelling and the unique atmosphere of the venues ensure that international guests can still enjoy the experience.
Can I participate as a storyteller in the festival?
The official selection is usually curated months in advance by the festival's artistic director, Ernesto Rodríguez Abad. However, there are often "Open Mic" or fringe sessions where amateur narrators and students can share their tales. Aspiring participants should check the official website for any calls for submissions or workshop registrations.
What should I wear to the nighttime sessions?
Los Silos is located in the northern part of Tenerife, where temperatures can drop significantly after sunset during December. It is highly recommended to bring warm layers and comfortable walking shoes, as many venues are outdoors or involve walking between different sites. A light rain jacket is also advisable due to the humid climate of the Teno region.
Is the festival accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Most of the main venues, such as the Plaza de la Luz and the local Cultural Center, are accessible to everyone. However, some of the more intimate "zaguanes" or rooftop sessions involve stairs or narrow historic passages. It is best to consult the festival's digital program beforehand to identify the locations that are fully accessible.
