Vecindario: Markets, City Life and the History of Zafra

Weekly markets, public squares and the history of agriculture offer concrete ways to get to know Vecindario as a destination. The Museo de La Zafra is devoted to the region’s past; on other days, a variety of markets and urban life shape your impressions of the town.

Tomato Growing and Labour History

In the town of Vecindario, the Museo de La Zafra presents almost a century of the Zafra era. This includes migration from the central highlands to the southeast coast, where people found agricultural work—especially in tomato growing and export. The exhibition covers more than cultivation: it also shows farm workers’ accommodation, transport and tomato packing houses, as well as the struggle for better working conditions and living conditions in the accommodation. Economic development and workers’ everyday lives are presented side by side. If you would like to visit the museum, check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Markets and Produce

Vecindario holds a municipal food market on Mondays. The Wednesday market offers a wider variety of goods: alongside food, you’ll find textiles, shoes, second-hand goods, flowers, plants and seeds. The main difference between the two market days is therefore the selection: Monday is focused on food, while on Wednesday you can also browse goods from several other categories. Check the current market calendar before your visit.

The Feria del Sureste is also held regularly on Avenida de Canarias. Visitors can buy agricultural and livestock products, as well as crafts, directly from producers. The 21st edition, held in November 2024, also included workshops, among them a cheese-making workshop. Dates, offerings and workshops vary from one edition to another, so it’s best to plan your visit to the fair around the programme for that edition.

Pedestrian Zone, Park and Squares

The completely redesigned pedestrian zone on Avenida de Canarias offers space for walking, as well as cultural, child-friendly and general entertainment activities. Parque de La Era serves a different purpose in public life: it is one of Vecindario’s important public spaces and a meeting place for residents and visitors. Its green spaces and quiet areas offer an opportunity to learn about the local heritage and agricultural history.

Plaza de San Rafael is one of Vecindario’s most distinctive squares and an important meeting place for the social and cultural life of the municipality of Santa Lucía de Tirajana. Traditional elements meet intense commercial and urban activity in the surrounding area; together, they reflect Vecindario’s development. Throughout the year, the square hosts celebrations, traditional events and other activities. A programme for the October 2023 patron saint festivities in honour of the Archangel San Rafael included concerts, open-air dances, an urban music festival, activities for children and a pilgrimage, among other events. This example describes the programme at the time; activities may vary from one edition to another.

Getting to the Shopping Area

Avenida de Canarias can be reached by car via the GC-1, Exit 28, as well as via the GC-65 and GC-191. Public transport also serves the shopping area. Southbound services include routes 01, 05, 08, 34, 41 and 52; routes 04, 10, 19, 25 and 90 have stops nearby. As road connections and bus routes may change, check current services before travelling. This will help you plan your journey without assuming travel times or a specific connection.

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