Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026: All Events Guide/Program
🎭 Puerto de la Cruz delivers Tenerife’s most authentic carnival experience for February 2026—smaller crowds, unique traditions, and way more accessible than its famous Santa Cruz cousin. Running February 1-28, 2026 with a Mexican theme (“Con Alma Mexicana”), this northern Tenerife carnival packs signature events you won’t find anywhere else, plus you can actually afford to party here on a backpacker budget. Looking for the full Tenerife carnival experience? Check out our complete Tenerife Carnival 2026 guide.
Live Music & DJ at PUERTO DE LA CRUZ CARNIVAL 2026Live Music & DJ at PUERTO DE LA CRUZ CARNIVAL 2026Live Music & DJ at PUERTO DE LA CRUZ CARNIVAL 2026
🇲🇽 2026 Dates and the Mexican Theme That Won the People’s Vote
The 2026 theme is “Con Alma Mexicana” (With Mexican Soul), chosen through public vote in March 2025 with 44% of 1,460 votes. Expect Day of the Dead skulls, Frida Kahlo-inspired costumes, mariachi vibes, and alebrijes (traditional Mexican folk art figures) everywhere.
Key dates at a glance:
Date
Event
February 6 (Thursday)
Gala del Rey – King’s Election Gala, carnival kickoff
February 12 (Thursday)
Gala de la Reina – Adult Queen’s Election Gala
February 14 (Saturday)
Cabalgata Anunciadora – Opening Parade
February 18 (Wednesday)
Entierro de la Sardina – Burial of the Sardine (Ash Wednesday) 🐟
The full detailed program with exact times typically drops in January 2026, so follow @carnavalpuertodelacruz on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Crowds watching Gran Coso parade with colorful floats and Mexican theme costumes in Puerto de la CruzCarnival queens in elaborate themed costumes during Gran Coso Apoteosis parade TenerifeStreet party with batucadas and comparsas performing along cobblestone streets in Puerto de la Cruz
🔥 The Events You Absolutely Cannot Miss
👠 Mascarita Ponte Tacón: Men Racing in Heels Over Cobblestones
This is Puerto de la Cruz’s signature event and it’s exactly as chaotic as it sounds. The 36th edition happens February 20 around 22:00. Male participants must wear minimum 8-10cm heels plus full costume (wigs, glitter, false eyelashes mandatory). They race from Plaza de Reyes Católicos through historic cobblestone streets, past Ermita de San Telmo, finishing at Plaza del Charco. Over 400 participants compete while thousands line the route screaming encouragement. Registration opens around 20:00 at the starting area. The award ceremony happens around midnight at Plaza del Charco—and then the party really starts.
Men racing in high heels during Mascarita Ponte Tacón carnival event Puerto de la CruzMen racing in high heels during Mascarita Ponte Tacón carnival event Puerto de la CruzMen racing in high heels during Mascarita Ponte Tacón carnival event Puerto de la Cruz
Saturday, February 21 at 16:00—this is the carnival climax. The parade starts at Avenida de Colón (where authority grandstands are located), then winds through Plaza de los Reyes Católicos → Calle Obispo Pérez Cáceres → Avenida Familia Betancourt y Molina → Calle Zamora → Calle Santo Domingo → Calle La Marina → Plaza del Charco → Calle San Felipe, ending at Avenida José María del Campo Llarena. Floats decorated with Mexican themes, the elected queens, comparsas (dance groups), murgas (satirical singing groups), and batucadas fill the streets for several hours. The parade is completely free to watch—just stake out a spot early. Pro tip: bring a folding chair.
Crowds watching Gran Coso parade with colorful floats and Mexican theme costumes in Puerto de la CruzCrowds watching Gran Coso parade with colorful floats and Mexican theme costumes in Puerto de la CruzCrowds watching Gran Coso parade with colorful floats and Mexican theme costumes in Puerto de la Cruz
🐟 Entierro de la Sardina: Burning the Giant Fish
February 18 (Ash Wednesday) features one of the most theatrical events in all of Tenerife carnival. A 9-meter papier-mâché sardine is displayed for its “wake” at Plaza Concejil from 14:00-18:00. At 19:00, the “mourning” begins. By 21:00, a funeral procession of locals dressed as grieving widows (many are men in black dresses) accompanies the sardine through the streets, wailing dramatically. The route runs from Avenida de Colón through the city center to Muelle Pesquero (the fishing dock), where the sardine is burned in a spectacular fireworks display 💥. This symbolizes the end of carnival excess before Lent begins. After-party continues at Plaza del Charco with live orchestras.
Giant papier-mâché sardine being burned at Muelle Pesquero during Entierro de la Sardina carnival traditionGiant papier-mâché sardine being burned at Muelle Pesquero during Entierro de la Sardina carnival traditionCarnaval en Puerto de la Cruz Puerto Nest hostel
🐍 Mataculebra: The Afro-Cuban Ritual You’ve Never Heard Of
Happening Carnival Monday at Plaza del Charco, this unique tradition was brought to Puerto de la Cruz by emigrants returning from Cuba in the late 19th century. Local schoolchildren perform the ritual where “Los Negritos” and “El Mayoral” symbolically kill a snake representing evil with whips. It’s a piece of living cultural heritage you won’t see anywhere else in Europe—and it’s run by the municipal cultural department since 1997.
📍 Where Everything Happens in Puerto de la Cruz
Plaza del Charco is carnival ground zero—the finish line for the heels race, the hub for nightly street parties (verbenas), murgas performances, and where locals actually go to party until 05:00-06:00. Bars along Calle San Felipe and adjacent streets stay packed.
Avenida de Colón serves as the starting point for both the main parade and the sardine procession. Authority grandstands set up here for the Coso.
Muelle Pesquero (the fishing dock) is where the sardine burning happens—best spot for the finale and fireworks.
Costa Martiánez complex hosts the bigger galas and official receptions. The King’s and Queen’s galas happen at the Explanada del Muelle carnival grounds.
Plaza de Europa hosts murgas exhibitions (evening shows) and children’s events.
Street closures during Coso (February 21): Sector Martiánez closes 12:00-20:00; city center closes from 14:00 until the parade ends. Plan accordingly.
Carnival queens in elaborate themed costumes during Gran Coso Apoteosis parade TenerifeCarnival queens in elaborate themed costumes during Gran Coso Apoteosis parade TenerifeCarnival queens in elaborate themed costumes during Gran Coso Apoteosis parade Tenerife
🚌 Getting There on a Backpacker Budget
From Tenerife North Airport (TFN)—Your Best Bet
Bus 30 runs direct to Puerto de la Cruz every 30 minutes, taking just 30-33 minutes for €4.75 (or ~€3.50 with Ten+ card). First bus around 07:30, last around 21:15. If you’re flying from Europe, book into TFN—it’s only 18 miles away.
From Tenerife South Airport (TFS)
Bus 343 runs direct but only 4 times daily (07:15, 11:30, 16:00, 19:15 on weekdays). Journey takes 1 hour 25 minutes and costs €13.55 (or ~€10 with Ten+ card). This schedule is brutal—you might wait 4 hours for the next bus. Alternative: take bus 111 to Santa Cruz Intercambiador, then transfer to bus 100/102/103/104 to Puerto de la Cruz (total ~2+ hours, €9-15) it’s very easy locals do it every day.
From Santa Cruz (If You’re Carnival-Hopping)
Multiple options make this an easy day trip:
Bus 100 (express, no stops): 35 minutes, ~€5-6
Bus 103: 30 minutes via Botánico
Bus 104: ~45 minutes, but runs until 3:28 AM—your lifeline for late nights
Critical: Last Bus 103 leaves around midnight. If you’re partying late, Bus 104 is your only public transport option or you’re looking at a €40-50 taxi.
💰 Save Money with the Ten+ Card
Buy this €5 card at airport machines, bus stations, or kiosks and load €25-50 credit. It saves 20-30% on every fare. For heavy carnival usage, grab the €10 day pass (24 hours unlimited) or €50 seven-day pass. The cards are shareable between travelers.
Carnaval en Puerto de la Cruz Puerto Nest hostel
🏠 Where to Stay: Nests Hostels Tenerife – Your Carnival Base
🌟 Puerto Nest Hostel (TOP PICK – Closest to Carnival!)
Located in Punta Brava near Playa Jardín, just 5km from carnival central. Wake up to Teide volcano views from the hot tub, make breakfast in the shared kitchen, and meet your carnival crew on the rooftop terrace. With the perfect social vibe for backpackers and young travelers.
Here’s the genius move: Nest Pass locks in discounted rates even during carnival peak season:
20% off for weekly stays (7+ nights)
30% off for monthly stays (28+ days)
Hop between any Nests Hostels across Tenerife (and Gran Canaria)
No price surges during carnival—your rate stays fixed
Example: Book 7 nights in early February and bounce between Puerto Nest for carnival, Las Eras/Duque Nest for surfing, and Aguere Nest for La Laguna’s historic charm. One booking, three experiences, carnival-proof pricing.
Book 2-3 months ahead—carnival season fills up fast, but Nest Pass holders get priority. Follow @nestshostels on Instagram for carnival deals and event meetups!
Nest Pass The hostel pass in Canarias, with discount and freedom to move
💸 What Carnival Actually Costs
Great news: Most events are completely free. Street parties, parades (from the sidelines), the heels race, the sardine burial—all free. Only galas like the Queen’s Election require tickets (€20-60+, sell out fast).
🎭 Costume Shopping
Puerto de la Cruz doesn’t have major costume shops—head to nearby La Orotava (5 minutes away) or Santa Cruz. Carolan Tenerife has locations in La Laguna and Santa Cruz with mid-range costumes for €30-60. For budget options (€10-25), hit up bazaars or Chinese stores. Check Wallapop (Spanish marketplace app) for secondhand deals around €5-15.
For the Mexican theme, think: Day of the Dead face paint (cheap at pharmacies), flower headbands, sombreros from bazaars. DIY is totally acceptable and encouraged.
📊 Daily Budget Breakdown
Category
Budget estimate
Hostel dorm (Nest Pass weekly rate)
€16-24
Food (supermarket + one meal out)
€15-25
Drinks
€5-10
Transport
€3-8 if needed
Daily total
€30-60
One-week estimate with Nest Pass: €280-450 (excluding flights), plus €15-40 for a costume. Want more budget tips? Check our guide on how to save money at Carnival.
Drinks are cheap: beer runs €1.20-3.00 for a big pint, wine €2-3 per glass. Street food like churros (€2-4), arepas (€3-5), and papas arrugadas con mojo (€4-6) keeps you fueled. Look for menú del día deals at restaurants: €8-14 for three courses plus a drink.
PUERTO DE LA CRUZ CARNIVAL 2026Carnival queens in elaborate themed costumes during Gran Coso Apoteosis parade TenerifeCrowds at carnival in puerto de la cruz with colorful floats and Mexican theme costumes in Puerto de la Cruz
⚖️ Puerto de la Cruz Versus Santa Cruz: Honest Comparison
Size difference is massive: Santa Cruz attracts 150,000-400,000 people (the world’s second-largest carnival after Rio). Puerto de la Cruz draws around 20,000—way more manageable.
Atmosphere: Santa Cruz feels more Brazilian with intense all-night parties across multiple stages. Puerto de la Cruz is more bohemian, family-friendly, and authentically Canarian with a quirky German influence (twinned with Düsseldorf since 1972). Plaza del Charco’s spontaneous street parties feel intimate versus Santa Cruz’s industrial-scale production.
Which is better for you?
Party animals 🎉: Santa Cruz (bigger parties, more stages, crazier energy)
First-timers 🎭: Puerto de la Cruz (less overwhelming, easier to navigate)
Budget travelers 💰: Puerto de la Cruz (lower prices, fewer crowds)
Culture seekers 🎪: Puerto de la Cruz (unique events like Mascarita Ponte Tacón and Mataculebra)
Photographers 📸: Both (Santa Cruz for spectacle, Puerto for authenticity)
Can you do both? Absolutely. They run simultaneously (Puerto: Feb 1-28; Santa Cruz: Jan 16-Feb 22), only 30km apart. Take the 40-minute bus between them and catch different events. Strategy: base yourself at Puerto Nest (cheaper, closer to nature), day-trip to Santa Cruz for their Coso Apoteosis (February 17) or Daytime Carnival, then return to Puerto’s more chill vibes. Read more about Santa Cruz carnival in our complete guide.
💡 Local Tips That Actually Help
Where locals party: Plaza del Charco and surrounding streets are the epicenter. After official events end, the action moves to bars along Calle San Felipe. Costa Martiánez complex hosts the bigger galas.
Best photo spots 📸: Elevated terrace bars overlooking Plaza del Charco; the fishing dock during sardine burning; anywhere along the Coso parade route, especially where it reaches Plaza del Charco.
Peak crowd avoidance: Arrive at parade viewing spots 1-2 hours early on February 21. Weekday events are noticeably less crowded than weekends. Afternoons generally quieter than evenings.
Weather reality check 🌤️: February temps hit 18-22°C during the day but drop to 14-16°C at night. Bring a jacket—north Tenerife gets occasional showers and is 1-2°C cooler than the south. Layer your costume.
Safety 👮: Both carnivals are well-organized and considered safe with reinforced police presence. Standard precautions apply: use a closed belt bag or money belt, stick with your group at night, don’t leave drinks unattended. Watch for pickpockets in parade crowds.
Transport tip 🚗: City center streets close for parades. On February 21, park at Playa Jardín (free) and walk 15 minutes, or use public transport. Parking restrictions start at 09:00 on parade days along Avenida de Colón and the entire parade route.
📚 Two Quick History Facts Worth Knowing
During Franco’s dictatorship when carnival was banned across Spain, Puerto de la Cruz kept the tradition alive by disguising celebrations as “Fiestas de Invierno” (Winter Festivals)—a small act of cultural resistance.
The Mataculebra ritual originated in slavery-era Cuba during the 19th century and was brought to the Canaries by returning emigrants. It’s now one of the most distinctive cultural events in all of European carnival traditions.
🎯 Final Verdict for 2026
Puerto de la Cruz Carnival delivers the perfect entry point for young travelers who want authentic Canarian carnival without the overwhelming crowds and inflated prices of Santa Cruz. The Mexican theme makes costume planning straightforward, the Mascarita Ponte Tacón high-heels race (February 20) is genuinely one of the funniest events in Spanish carnival, and Plaza del Charco’s street parties run until dawn without feeling dangerously packed.
Bottom line: Fly into TFN, base yourself at Puerto Nest Hostel or any Nests location with Nest Pass, catch the signature events, and day-trip to Santa Cruz for one big spectacle. Budget around €40-65/day with Nest Pass weekly rates, book your hostel by December 2025, and prepare for cobblestones—whether you’re watching or racing in heels! 👠🎉
Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026 runs February 1-28, 2026 with key events including Mascarita Ponte Tacón (Feb 20), Gran Coso parade (Feb 21), and Entierro de la Sardina (Feb 18).
What is Mascarita Ponte Tacón?
It’s Puerto de la Cruz’s legendary men’s high-heels race where 400+ guys sprint through cobblestone streets in minimum 8-10cm heels and full costume—happening February 20 at 22:00.
Is Puerto de la Cruz Carnival free?
Yes! All street parties, parades, the heels race, sardine burning, and live music at Plaza del Charco are completely free—only galas like the Queen’s Election require tickets (€20-60).
What’s the 2026 carnival theme?
“Con Alma Mexicana” (With Mexican Soul)—expect Day of the Dead skulls, Frida Kahlo costumes, mariachi vibes, and alebrije decorations everywhere.
What should I wear to Puerto de la Cruz Carnival in February?
Layer your Mexican-themed costume with a light jacket—daytime hits 18-22°C but nights drop to 14-16°C, and north Tenerife can get occasional rain.
Where exactly does the carnival happen in Puerto de la Cruz?
Plaza del Charco is carnival central for street parties and orchestras, while parades start at Avenida de Colón and the sardine burns at Muelle Pesquero (fishing dock).
Can I visit both Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz carnivals?
Absolutely—they’re only 30km apart with buses every 30-45 minutes. Stay at Puerto Nest and day-trip to Santa Cruz’s bigger events, then return to Puerto’s chill vibes.
What’s the difference between Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz carnival?
Santa Cruz is massive (150,000-400,000 people, Brazilian-style intensity), while Puerto draws 20,000 with unique events like Mascarita Ponte Tacón and authentic Canarian vibes—less overwhelming, more intimate.
Which carnival is better for budget travelers?
Puerto de la Cruz—cheaper accommodation (especially with Nest Pass locking 20-30% discounts), less crowded, and all major events are free.
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