The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival: A Display of Excellence

Vivid, Rhythmic, Glamour & Glitter, brings out the most bedazzling extravaganza. The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the most outstanding of all the Spanish carnivals! It is the second most popular carnival in the world after Rio and it is famous all over the world for its popular atmosphere. On the night of the actual carnival, the city’s streets come alive with joie de vivre, freedom and extravagance.

This year is going to be nothing but, energetic! It’s that time of the year again when the Canary Carnival breaks loose! Tenerife is at the focal point of this fiesta, with the election of the Carnival Queen, many parades, shows, and of course, epic street parties.

The main week of the carnival is the week before Ash Wednesday when the celebration kicks into high gear from the 19th of February to the 26th of February. One thing is for sure, you may be young or old, a reveller or maybe a sofa spud, you will not be able to escape places such as Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife.

Suggested Read: The Canary Islands: Explore the wondrous archipelagos.

The crowds go wild in Tenerife! As the carnival activities kick-off. It’s hard to believe, that Tenerife hosts the second largest carnival party, even though it takes place on this small island!

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival dates back hundreds of years. It is the most significant party in the Canary Islands and the most awaited date of the year. While most of Europe celebrates the carnival during winter Tenerife is the sunniest place in all of Spain, so its splendid warm sunny vibes make it an excellent place to celebrate carnival!

The Carnival of Tenerife persists in growing bigger, vibrant and even more sensational year after year. With their love for carnivals, the locals have been able to hold on to the title of their place in the Guinness Book of Records, in 1987!

Each year the celebration is announced by presenting the contestants for the post of the Carnival Queen. A vibrant performance with very extraordinary costumes then begins the competition of the “Murgas”. ‘Murga’ is a piece of popular music and theatrical form that is performed during the carnival season, and Murgas are satire artists who perform songs about current political and world events. Adults, as well as children groups, also compete against their colleagues to convince the audience with their expressiveness. As soon as the winners are chosen, the election of the Carnival Queen follows. 

Fun Fact: The preparations for the queen’s costumes begin right after the previous year’s Carnival! The costumes are so complicated & stupendous that the potential queens cannot take them on or off, on their own!

Following the coronation, the party begins and Tenerife dances in bizarre costumes throughout the bustling streets. The theme of Tenerife’s carnival is redefined each year so that no two carnivals will be the same. The official theme for the 2020 Tenerife Carnival is The Coquette ’50s!

It is an absolute must to dress up for the carnival! because, if you don’t then you will be the odd one out. The people give it their all when it comes to making their costumes. However, this doesn’t apply when watching the parades, most locals won’t dress up. It’s mainly for the street parties. You can dress as whatever you want, however many people tend to dress up in the carnival theme, which is coquette 50’s. the fashion of the ’50s, go as Marilyn Monroe, Grease Lightning, Elvis and other cool outfits associated with this theme! Don’t worry if you don’t have a costume, there are many street vendors selling costumes, wigs and masks all over the place. Bring your wildest ideas to life and enjoy the Tenerife Carnival to the fullest!

If you are in the mood of a relaxing beach holiday & hyperactive party by night, Tenerife is the best place to be. If you’re looking for some great deals, just remember Travel Center is just a call, message or email away. So, get packing now!