Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife

Can you imagine watching a shower of shooting stars from a volcanic paradise? You have the opportunity to enjoy this magical and unforgettable experience: at the Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife. Get your camera ready, find a dark spot, and let yourself be amazed by this natural phenomenon that lights up the night sky.

What are the Tears of Saint Lawrence?

The Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife, also known as the Perseids, are a meteor shower that occurs every year between mid-July and late August, reaching its peak around August 12. These meteors are actually small dust particles, remnants of the comet Swift-Tuttle, which disintegrate upon contact with the Earth’s atmosphere, generating the bright luminous trails that we can observe.

History of the Tears of Saint Lawrence

The name “Tears of Saint Lawrence” has its origins in Christian and historical tradition. On the night of August 10, the feast day of Saint Lawrence, a Roman martyr who was burned alive on a gridiron in 258 AD, popular tradition intertwines his fate with the celestial phenomenon. It is believed that the shooting stars that cross the sky on these dates are, symbolically, the tears shed by Saint Lawrence during his martyrdom. Thus, the story of the tears of Saint Lawrence is intertwined with astronomy, creating a fascinating tradition.

When to see the Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife

The best time to see the Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife is during the night of August 12 and the early mornings around this date. However, meteors can also be seen on the nights before and after, although less frequently. To maximize your chances of seeing the Perseids, it is important to find a dark place, away from the light pollution of cities, and to take the moon into account, as it can also be a factor that makes observation difficult, so it is preferable to choose nights when there is a new moon or a waning moon.

In addition, many visitors take advantage of this date to combine astronomical observation with a stay at one of the hotels in Tenerife, where nighttime activities and excursions are organized especially for enjoying the starry sky of the Canary Islands. Observing this celestial phenomenon has become a tradition for locals and visitors alike, who flock to the highest points on the island each year to experience it. In many cases, it is complemented by cultural or gastronomic activities.

Where to see the Tears of Saint Lawrence in Tenerife

The island, thanks to its geographical location and the quality of its night sky, is a privileged place for stargazing in Tenerife. It boasts numerous viewpoints and high-altitude areas far from light pollution, making them ideal for enjoying this natural spectacle. Some recommendations for where to see the Tears of San Lorenzo in Tenerife are:

Teide National Park: It is one of the best places in the world for stargazing, thanks to its altitude and the clarity of its sky. Within the park, Llano de Ucanca or Las Cañadas del Teide are excellent options.
Mirador de Masca: Located in a stunning natural environment, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the night sky and is ideal for seeing the Tears of San Lorenzo in Tenerife.
Montaña Guajara: It is the highest peak in the Teide National Park, after Teide itself, and offers a unique perspective of the sky, making it a perfect spot for astronomy lovers.
Coastal areas far from urban centers: Places like the coast of Adeje or the coast of Garachico, away from city lights, are also good options for observing the Perseids.

Once you have decided to go see the Tears of San Lorenzo in Tenerife, don’t forget to bring warm clothes, as temperatures in the island’s high-altitude areas can drop considerably during the night. It is also advisable to bring a flashlight with a red light so as not to blind other observers and to preserve your night vision.

Witnessing the Tears of San Lorenzo in Tenerife is a must-see event that merges science with a rich historical tradition. This spectacular phenomenon, known astronomically as the Perseids, can be observed from Tenerife thanks to the quality and low light pollution of its sky, especially Teide National Park, which offers one of the best settings in the world for observation. You just need to find a dark spot, dress warmly, and prepare to enjoy this magical meteor shower, taking with you an unforgettable memory of the Canarian sky.