Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025 in Canary Islands

Every year, tens of thousands of people immerse themselves in a spectacular fiesta at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, one of Spain’s most renowned festivals. Often compared to the famous Rio de Janeiro Carnival, this event is celebrated for its vibrant and grandiose atmosphere. With dazzling costumes, energetic parades, and a lively ambiance, the carnival transforms Tenerife’s capital into a bustling hub of cultural expression and joyous celebration.

Activities and Highlights

The carnival offers an array of events designed to entertain and immerse participants in its festive spirit. One of the key highlights is the Election of the Carnival Queen, where contestants showcase elaborate costumes, some weighing over 220 pounds (100 kg), in a dazzling display of artistry and creativity. This competition often draws significant attention, setting the tone for the festivities.

The streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife come alive with music, dance, and color during the carnival. The Grand Parade, or Cabalgata, is a public favorite. This vibrant event features Latin music, salsa dancing, and intricate costumes. Visitors can join the fun by purchasing masks, wigs, or costumes from nearby stalls. The festival concludes with the Burial of the Sardine, a unique tradition where a massive papier-mâché fish is paraded through the city before being ceremoniously burned by the coast. This symbolic act is accompanied by a stunning fireworks display, marking the end of the celebrations.

Schedule and Program

The festivities kick off with the Inauguration on January 31, followed by a series of engaging events such as the Murga Contests from February 6 to 14, the Gala Elections of the Junior and Senior Carnival Queens on February 16 and 19, respectively, and the Comedy Song Contest on February 20. Highlights include the Comparsas Contest on February 22, and the grand Opening Parade on February 28.

Main Carnival Week, from March 1 to 9, features the Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas, Daytime Carnavals, the spectacular Main Parade on Shrove Tuesday, the Burial of the Sardine on March 5, and culminates with the carnival finale on March 9, including a vintage car parade, an end-of-carnival party, and a grand fireworks display. Many local businesses adjust their schedules during this period, with Carnival Tuesday, March 4, 2025, observed as a public holiday.

History of the Carnival

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival has roots dating back to the 18th century, evolving from simple masquerade balls to the elaborate celebration it is today. Over the years, it has gained international recognition, even being declared a “Festival of International Tourist Interest” by the Spanish government. Themes change annually, chosen through public voting, adding an element of anticipation to each year’s event.