Carnival de Tenerife, Spain

Carnival of Tenerife (Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife) is one of the most spectacular and famous carnivals in the world. It takes place on the island of Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, Spain, with its main hub in the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Each year, the carnival adopts a new theme that influences its costumes, floats, and performances.

The carnival has been a Festival of International Tourist Interest since 1981. In 1987, a concert by Celia Cruz attended by some 250,000 people in Plaza de España entered the Guinness Book of Records, and in 2019 an even bigger crowd danced to Juan Luis Guerra at the Daytime Carnival.

When and Where It Takes Place

The dates of the carnival vary each year, as they are linked to Lent: the main festivities last about two weeks and end on Ash Wednesday. In 2027, the grand Closing Parade (Coso Apoteosis) falls on Carnival Tuesday, 9 February, and the Burial of the Sardine on Ash Wednesday, 10 February.

The main events are held in the center of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, around Avenida de Anaga, Plaza de España, Plaza del Príncipe, Plaza de la Candelaria and Plaza Weyler.

In addition to Santa Cruz, smaller carnival celebrations take place in other parts of the island, such as Los Cristianos (in the municipality of Arona) later in the season.

Key Events and Highlights

During the Carnival, there is a rich and varied program of events, including:

• Queen’s Gala : One of the most awaited moments, where the Carnival Queen is elected. Contestants wear highly elaborate costumes, often very large and richly decorated.
• Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora) : This marks the official street start of carnival celebrations, with floats, music troupes, and costumed participants.
• Rhythm & Harmony Parade : A dance and music competition among “comparsas” (dance troupes), characterized by synchronized choreography, Latin-inspired rhythms, and vibrant costumes.
• Daytime Carnival (“Carnaval de Día”) : Family-friendly parties in the streets during the day, with music, dancing, and costume-wearing.
• Closing Parade (Coso Apoteosis) : The grand finale of the carnival. Floats parading through the major streets, full of color and energy, often followed by fireworks or other celebratory spectacles.
• “Burial of the Sardine” (Entierro de la Sardina) : A symbolic and humorous procession that represents the end of the carnival period, often held on or just after Ash Wednesday.
• Piñata Sunday : A traditional family day toward the end of the carnival, with street celebrations, music, and fun activities.
• Murgas and Comparsas Competitions : Musical and theatrical groups (“murgas”) perform satirical songs, and dance ensembles (“comparsas”) compete with choreographed performances.

The carnival attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. During peak times, the streets of Santa Cruz fill with both locals and tourists, creating a lively party atmosphere that lasts day and night.

Cost and Accessibility

Parades, street parties and open-air concerts are free. Tickets are needed for the Queen’s Gala and the murga and comparsa contests; they go on sale a few weeks before the carnival and the most popular events, with some 20,000 seats, often sell out within an hour.