| Santa Cruz de Tenerife | |||
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| — Municipality — | |||
| From the top, left to right: Iglesia Matriz de la Concepción, Mercado Nuestra Señora de África, Puente Serrador, Torres de Santa Cruz, Panoramic city, Auditorio de Tenerife, Playa de Las Teresitas and Plaza de España. | |||
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Santa Cruz de Tenerife
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| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | Spain | ||
| Autonomous community | Canary Islands | ||
| Province | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | ||
| Island | Tenerife | ||
| Founded | 3 May 1494, founded as Santa Cruz de Santiago de Tenerife | ||
| Government | |||
| • Alcalde | Miguel Zerolo Aguilar (2007) (CC) | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 150.56 km2 (58.1 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 4 m (13 ft) | ||
| Population (2009) | |||
| • Total | 222,417 | ||
| • Density | 1,477.3/km2 (3,826.1/sq mi) | ||
| Demonym | Santacrucero, ra Chicharrero, ra | ||
| Time zone | WET | ||
| • Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC) | ||
| Postal code | 38001-38010 | ||
| Language | Spanish | ||
| Website | Official website | ||
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (commonly known as Santa Cruz) is the capital (jointly with Las Palmas), second-most populous city of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands and the 21st largest city in Spain, with a population of 222,417 in 2009. It is, depending on sources, the 13th, 14th, or 16th-most populous metropolitan area in Spain, with the population 404,913,[1] 481,592[2] or 581,947.[3] Santa Cruz is the second largest city and metropolitan area of the European Union outside Europe. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is also the capital of the island of Tenerife (most populated of archipelago and Spain)[4][5] and capital of the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Located in northeast quadrant of Tenerife, about 210 kilometres (130 mi) off the northwestern coast of Africa within the Atlantic Ocean. Between the 1833 territorial division of Spain and 1927 Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands, until 1927 when a decree ordered that the capital of the Canary Islands be shared, as it remains at present.[6][7] The port is of great importance and is the communications hub between Europe, Africa and Americas, with cruise ships arriving from many nations. The city is the nerve center on domestic and inter-island communications in the Canary Islands.[8]
The city is home to the Parliament of the Canary Islands, the Canarian Ministry of Presidency (shared in a four-year term with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), one half of the ministries and boards of the Canarian Government, (the other half being located in Gran Canaria), the Tenerife Provincial Courts and two courts of the Superior Court of Justice of the Canary Islands. There are several facilities of the La Laguna University in Santa Cruz, including the Fine Arts School and the Naval Sciences Faculty. Its harbour is one of Spain's busiest; it comprises three sectors. It is important for commercial and passenger traffic, as well as for being a major stopover for cruisers en route from Europe to the Caribbean. The city also has one of the world's largest carnivals. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife now aspires to become a World Heritage Site, and is the most important of Spain and the second largest in the world.[9]
The main landmarks of the city include the Auditorio de Tenerife (Auditorium of Tenerife), the Santa Cruz Towers (Torres de Santa Cruz) and the Iglesia de la Concepción. Santa Cruz de Tenerife hosts the first headquarters of the Center UNESCO in the Canary Islands. The city is a melting pot of diverse cultures that give it a cosmopolitan character. The largest distinct communities have immigrants from: Latin America, Africa and Western Europe. In recent years the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has had a significant aug bizarre constructions, the horizon (Skyline) is the sixth in height across the country, only behind Madrid, Benidorm, Barcelona, Valencia and Bilbao.[10]
The area where Santa Cruz currently lies belonged to Menceyato Guanche Anaga, which was the most easterly of the island. The city that is now Santa Cruz had a few names throughout its history: Añazo (Guanche name), Puerto de Santiago Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (current), which means: "holy cross in the island Tenerife," in memory of the foundation of the city, when a Christian cross was planted in the place that is now the center of town.
The area on which now stands the city and the municipality of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been the subject of human occupation since the time of the Guanches, approximately 2000 years ago, as attested by the archaeological sites found. The area was known to the Guanches, the first inhabitants of the island, as Añazo. Later, it became one of the most important ports of the Atlantic and the Canary Islands, a status it retains to this day. This former fishermen's village rose to prominence after a Volcano destroyed the port of Garachico in the 18th century. Santa Cruz became the major port on the Island. It first won its independence from La Laguna and, in the 19th century, was awarded the status of Capital of the Canary Islands province by King Ferdinand VII.
Between 1833 and 1927 Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the sole capital of the Canary Islands, until in 1927 a decree ordered that the capital of the Canary Islands is shared with the Las Palmas, it remains as at present.[6][7]
In recent years, it has become clear that there exists a de facto union with neighbouring city San Cristóbal de La Laguna (141,627 inhabitants as in 2005 census) due to the rapid population growth and lack of empty space between both, forming a merged metropolitan union home to 420,198 inhabitants including nearby municipalities Tegueste, Candelaria and El Rosario. Regarding this situation, the mayor of Santa Cruz, Miguel Zerolo Aguilar and his La Laguna counterpart, Ana María Oramas Moro, both belonging to the Canarian Coalition, have stated several times to local media that they share a willingness to proceed to a full political union between their municipalities, even though the decision is due to be postponed to a date after the forthcoming local elections in 2007.
Santa Cruz is divided administratively into five districts, which in turn are subdivided into districts, not necessarily consistent with the traditional neighborhoods.
| No | District | Population[11] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anaga | 14.135 |
| 2 | Centro-Ifara | 53.652 |
| 3 | La Salud-La Salle | 70.120 |
| 4 | Ofra-Costa Sur | 47.977 |
| 5 | Distrito Suroeste | 41.136 |
In 1990, the population peaked above the 200,000 mark; it next hit a record level in the 2003 census. The population has continued to increase, with immigration from Latin America and Africa. Santa Cruz de Tenerife and the city of San Cristóbal de La Laguna are physically and urban together, so that together have a population of over 382,331 inhabitants.[12][13]
Ethnically, the population is a mix of Spanish, Portuguese, German, British, and Latin American (especially Cuban and Venezuelan), as well as Northern and Sub-Sahara African. There are also important historical minorities such as Indians (Sindhi), Koreans (see Koreans in Spain#Santa Cruz) and lately Russians. The majority of the population professes the Catholic religion, but there are also the communities of Hindus and Muslims. In Santa Cruz de Tenerife crimes decreased by 8.65% and 5.01% a fault. The city is also known for tolerance of its inhabitants, in fact, Santa Cruz de Tenerife was the first city of the Canary Islands in which waved the rainbow flag alongside the flag of the city council in June 2008.[14]
| Year | Population | Density |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 200,172 | 1,329.52/km2 |
| 1996 | 203,787 | 1,353.53/km2 |
| 2001 | 188,477 | 1,251.84/km2 |
| 2002 | 217,414 | 1,440.07/km2 |
| 2003 | 220,022 | 1,461.36/km2 |
| 2004 | 219,466 | 1,457.66/km2 |
| 2006 | 221,956 | 1,474.20/km2 |
| 2007 | 220.902 | 1.467,20/km2 |
| 2008 | 226.232 | 1,474.20/km2 |
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife-La Laguna Metropolitan Area the second largest city and metropolitan area of the European Union outside Europe. According to data provided by the Canary Islands Government and Cabildo de Tenerife the metropolitan area of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is composed of the municipalities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, San Cristobal de La Laguna, El Rosario and Tegueste with a population of 404,913 inhabitants in 2008, 322.13 km2, and a population density of 1,156.33 inhabitants/km2.[1]
According to AUDES5 this conurbation also comprises the municipalities of Tacoronte and El Sauzal, bringing the total population of the urban population would reach 581.947 (2008).[15]
The cities of Santa Cruz and San Cristobal de La Laguna and urban are physically linked, so that together have a population of over 382,331 inhabitants. What makes them the largest urban area in the Canaries (independent of municipal lines).[12][13][16]
Santa Cruz, being the centre of the Tenerife Metropolitan Area, is the logical hub for the island's motorway network. The 85 km. long TF1 Motorway links the south of the island including Playa de las Américas and other southern resorts and towns with its capital. The motorway itself starts near the Auditorio and allows to access Santa Cruz and La Laguna through three different ways.
TF5 Motorway links Santa Cruz with the Puerto de la Cruz, La Orotava and the northern side of the island, passing right through La Laguna before entering Santa Cruz.
The Santa Cruz harbour is one of the busiest in Spain; three quays host regular ferries, fast ferries, cruise ships and merchant ships.
Tenerife North Airport lies on the TF5 Motorway on the outskirts of the city.
The mostly tourist Tenerife South Airport ranks 47th in Spain and is located next to the TF1 Motorway, 75 km. south of Santa Cruz. There are plans to link this airport to the capital with a railway network.
The Intercambiador is in the Avenida 3 de Mayo, hub for all TITSA bus lines and the start of the new Tenerife Tram service, and major parking places.
The first tram line (opened in 2007) line 1, starts at the Intercambiador, and ends at La Laguna's Avenida Trinidad, with a planned extension to Tenerife North Airport A second line between La Cuesta and Tíncer opened in 2009 (connecting with Line 1 at Hospital Universitario and El Cardonal). Main article Tenerife Tram
The economy of Santa Cruz relies mainly on services. Trade, tourism, import-export, the seaport and the presence of the major political and financial institutions, as well as the most important companies, guarantee a strong economic activity and development. The building sector is relevant, while industry, apart from the oil refinery and food processing, is minor. The city of Santa Cruz has refurnished many of its quarters, modernised its infrastructure, built brand new areas, malls, high buildings and some charismatic structures, such as Calatrava´s Auditorio or the Congress Hall, César Manrique´s Marina or the not yet completed Óscar Domínguez Museum of Modern Art and Culture (IODACC) and the new Plaza de España layout, both by Basel-based Pritzker Prize winner studio Herzog & de Meuron. The work to renew the concept under man-made Las Teresitas Beach is under the direction of French architect Dominique Perrault.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a lot of buildings, especially stresses the contemporary architecture, which makes Santa Cruz de Tenerife, a spanish cities with more than futuristic buildings.
The city contains many pieces of sculpture, visible both in their places in their walks, so out of the fertility or Parque Garcia Sanabria Arbórea statue recalls a Sabina twisted by the wind.
But surely the whole of the Exhibition of Outdoor Sculpture in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the most important. Situated along the Ramblas and the Parque Garcia Sanabria, and contains works by artists such as Henry Moore, Andreu Alfaro, Martin Chirino, Joan Miró and Óscar Domínguez, among others.
Santa Cruz has not been characterized by an intense night life, in contrast to the nearby university town of La Laguna. Nevertheless, there are several clubs and pubs spread across the city. The best known are in the Parque Marítimo César Manrique, May 3 Avenue and back, and in La Noria street Residencial Anaga. Moreover, in the area of Industrial Mayorazgo, three new clubs have opened. There are also pubs that have survived without belonging to a particular location for leisure, as the platform, near the Bullring, which opened its doors in 1991.
It has recently gained importance as a leisure street Antonio Dominguez Alfonso (popularly known as Calle La Noria) and adjacent in the vicinity of the Church of the Conception. After several years of neglect, all the houses in this area has been recovered by the local hotel as tapas, light dinner and drinks. This street also hosts the headquarters of several murgas, music groups linked to Carnival, and independent organ of Events and Recreation.
Popularly known as the Avenida de Anaga (as known to all roads adjacent to the port) is in his section of Avenida Francisco la Roche a classic dinner and drinks first. During the 90s was the nerve center of nightlife, the best known local focus of the city. Although many of them closed down because of licenses and noise, attempt to regain its glory today. To that end, the City will undertake various initiatives through 2009.
In 2007, as decided by the City Council and managed by the Society for Development, is set in motion an ambitious plan for revitalization of the city under the brand name "Santa Cruz + Viva ', in accordance with Cabildo Insular de Tenerife and Government of the Canary Islands.[20]
In Santa Cruz de Tenerife have drafted the three provincial newspapers (The Day Diario de Avisos, La Opinión de Tenerife and El Día), as well as editors of newspapers regional La Gaceta de Canarias. Also located in the city the headquarters of various TV channels, most of which broadcast on the island: Spanish Television in the Canary Islands, Television Canaria, Antena 3 TV Canary Islands, Television Day, Canal 7 Atlantic, Channel 4 Tenerife, Channel 8, etc. Most radio stations are also located in the city. Radio Club Tenerife (Cadena SER), RNE, Teide Radio-Onda Cero, Radio Day, Radio ECCA etc.. In the city is the headquarters of the TV Canaria.
Due to the strategic location of Tenerife on the route between the Mediterranean and the Americas, it was attacked a number of times by the English and the Dutch. In particular, Santa Cruz Bay was the scene of two notable naval engagements involving two of the most famous British admirals.
In 1656, Admiral Robert Blake totally destroyed a Spanish silver fleet of 16 ships for the loss of none of his own, despite being under fire from shore batteries and attacking and withdrawing on the tide. 50 years later, the British under John Genings were defeated when they attacked the island on November 6, 1706 during the War of the Spanish Succession.
In 1797 Admiral Horatio Nelson met with bloody defeat in an attempt to storm the harbour. It was at this battle that Nelson lost his right arm having been hit before he had stepped off the ship's boat. It was on Santiago's day and that is the reason for having Santiago's sword cutting the lion's head as a symbol of the British defeat.
The seal of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has the characteristic features of the Loyal, Noble, Invicta and very beneficial Town, Port and Plaza de Santa Cruz de Santiago de Tenerife. Curiously, it is not square or shield-shaped, but oval. In a blue background with anchors and castles have a green cross, the symbol of the Foundation Cross, which gave the city its name. Behind the cross is a sword of Santiago in red, reminiscent of the day in which the city of Santiago defeated Horatio Nelson. Under this sword are three lion heads facing right (the shield), which symbolizes the victories of the city over Nelson's English privateers, Blake and Jennings. It has castles, anchors and an island of silver. Also holds the Medal of Charity and the Crown. The crown of laurel and olive trees surrounding the shield is the symbol of victory for the city to each and every one of the attacks.
The flag of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is all white with the municipal shield in the center. Granted by Royal Warrant of King Charles IV of 28 August 1803. On a white cloth, coat of arms of the city. The white, the characteristic of the Bourbon dynasty, refers to fidelity to the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Royal House of Spain.
The Port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a fishing port, commercial, passenger and sports from the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, capital of the island, located in the Atlantic Ocean. It is managed by the Port Authority of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
It is the first fishing port in the Canary Islands with approximately 7,500 tons of fish caught, according to the Statistical Yearbook of the State Ports 2006 (the latest of which is changing). Following this report is the largest port number of passengers recorded.
Santa Cruz has a subtropical-semi-arid climate, with warm dry summers and moderately warm winters. Its average annual temperature is 21 °C (70 °F): 24 °C (75 °F) during the day and 17 °C (63 °F) at night. In the coolest month - January, the typically temperature ranges from 17–21 °C (63–70 °F) during the day, 14–15 °C (57–59 °F) at night, the average sea temperature is 19 °C (66 °F). In the warmest month, August, the typically temperature during the day ranges from 26–30 °C (79–86 °F), above 20 °C (68 °F) at night, whilst the average sea temperature is 23 °C (73 °F). Average number of days per year above 32 °C (90 °F) is 11. Average relative humidity: 61%.[22] Sunshine hours average at 2,868 per year, from 180 in November and January (6 hours of sunshine a day) to 310 in July and August (10 hours of sunshine a day).[23] Precipitation per year is only 214 millimetres (8.4 in), concentrated heavily between November and March: May to September are normally completely dry.[24]
| Climate data for Santa Cruz | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average high °C (°F) | 20.6 (69.1) |
20.9 (69.6) |
21.7 (71.1) |
22.3 (72.1) |
23.7 (74.7) |
25.7 (78.3) |
28.3 (82.9) |
28.8 (83.8) |
27.9 (82.2) |
26.0 (78.8) |
23.9 (75.0) |
21.8 (71.2) |
24.3 (75.7) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 17.9 (64.2) |
18.0 (64.4) |
18.7 (65.7) |
19.2 (66.6) |
20.6 (69.1) |
22.4 (72.3) |
24.6 (76.3) |
25.1 (77.2) |
24.6 (76.3) |
23.0 (73.4) |
21.0 (69.8) |
19.0 (66.2) |
21.2 (70.2) |
| Average low °C (°F) | 15.1 (59.2) |
15.1 (59.2) |
15.6 (60.1) |
16.2 (61.2) |
17.5 (63.5) |
19.0 (66.2) |
20.8 (69.4) |
21.4 (70.5) |
21.3 (70.3) |
20.0 (68.0) |
18.1 (64.6) |
16.2 (61.2) |
18.0 (64.4) |
| Precipitation mm (inches) | 34 (1.34) |
36 (1.42) |
29 (1.14) |
14 (0.55) |
4 (0.16) |
1 (0.04) |
0 (0) |
1 (0.04) |
6 (0.24) |
18 (0.71) |
27 (1.06) |
44 (1.73) |
214 (8.43) |
| Avg. precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 31 |
| Sunshine hours | 178 | 186 | 216 | 226 | 272 | 297 | 330 | 316 | 251 | 219 | 185 | 175 | 2,851 |
| Source: Agencia Estatal de Meteorología[25] | |||||||||||||
During the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, thousands of people take to the streets each year for over a week. On January 18, 1980 it was declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest by the Secretary of State for Tourism, and is one of the world's largest carnivals.[26][27] At present, the Carnival of Santa Cruz hopes to become a World Heritage Site.[9]
Santa Cruz is popular for its wide commercial offerings, including zona Centro (Central part) - Pedestrian calle Castillo, San José, del Pilar, Viera y Clavijo Zona Rambla (Rambla area) or Rambla de Pulido, calle Ramón y Cajal, and the big shopping centres and department stores in Avenida de 3 Mayo, plus the big malls in Añaza on the southern suburbs. The most upmarket and high street shopping is located along Calle del Pilar and nearby Parque Bulevar Shopping Centre, where many designer shops can be found. International and local brands of shops and restaurants, such as Zara, Mango, H&M, Ordning&Reda, El Corte Inglés, Ikea, C&A, McDonalds and Burger King are much present on the island. Not only the wide range of shops makes the city attractive but the lower prices found in many items, such as tobacco, alcohol, electronic devices, beauty products, sunglasses or even food or coffee. They are indeed much lower than in most cities of Western Europe including Spain, due to the very special and much lighter taxation on goods enjoyed on the Canary Islands.
Honours: In 1991, Argentine Jorge Valdano took charge of the club as manager, and would help rob former side Real Madrid of two consecutive league titles in the last round, to the benefit of FC Barcelona; in the first season, the Canary Islands outfit barely avoided relegation, but would finish in a best-ever fifth position in the following year, eventually reaching the round of 16 in the subsequent UEFA Cup, losing to Juventus FC 2–4 on aggregate. Fifth two positions in the League. It is the only Canary equipment that has played an European glass.
The consulates located in Santa Cruz de Tenerife are:
Corporation (Multilingual)
| North: Atlantic Ocean | ||
| West: San Cristóbal de La Laguna | Santa Cruz de Tenerife | East: Atlantic Ocean |
| Southwest: El Rosario | South: El Rosario |
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