Special events in Tela offer the perfect excuse for a visit to this city. Of course, one of the main ingredients that provides this informal, love for parties is the Garifuna Culture. Any young Garifuna kid can turn an old can or bucket into a drum and set up a dancing scene without previous notice!
Following is a list of the most important dates for varied events that take place in Tela on a yearly basis:
The Garifuna communities at Rio Tinto and La Ensenada both venerate the Virgin of Candelaria, who is their patron saint. The main celebration takes place on the 2nd of February, when the Garifunas put on their ceremonial clothes and dance and sing to their ancestral rhythms while playing with their traditional instruments: conch and drums.
Tela also celebrates their “parachuting festival” when you can take advantage and hire a “sky diving jump” with expert. Planes are ready and on standby at the Tela aerodrome. This could be the chance of your life to experience parachuting with the assistance of an expert, who will jump with you and land you safely right on the beautiful beaches of Tela.
On the Weekend before Palm Sunday, which is usually in March, but can also be the end of February or the beginning of April, Tela celebrates their “Summer Song Festival” (Festival de la Cancion del Verano. This is the most important and famous musical event in Honduras. The event is organized by the Instituto San Antonio de Tela, as an effort to promote local and national talent. The event is attended by musical schools, as well as universities and high schools from throughout Honduras.
Easter Week. Easily the most festive week of the year in Tela! This week Tela comes alive with visitors from throughout Honduras and Central America. If there is one week when you MUST have reservations if coming to Tela, it is this week, so do not venture there without prior reservations. Many different activities take place throughout the week, including contests, concerts and parties.
Towards the end of April a sports event, called “Telaman” takes place, and includes a triathlon, open sea swimming and running races. The event is hosted at the prestigious Indura Golf and Beach Resort in Tela.
Also, during the month of May, the Garifuna community of Tornabe celebrates its patron saint, Saint Isidore. During the first half of the month this Garifuna Village celebrates various activities, where they dress up in their best gala to honor their patron saint.