The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife isn’t just the biggest and most famous in all of Europe—it’s also the largest in the world, right after Rio de Janeiro! Back in 1980, it was named a Festival of International Tourist Interest, and in 2019, it welcomed nearly 400,000 people. So, what makes it so special, and why do both locals and visitors love it so much?
Every year, Santa Cruz de Tenerife turns into a massive, vibrant, two-week-long party filled with costume parades, shows, contests, concerts, colors, and infectious energy, all for the “Tenerife Carnaval.” The celebration kicks off with the stunning Gala for the crowning of the three Carnival Queens (child, adult, senior)on February 15 at 21:30 at Centro Internacional de Ferias y Congresos, where candidates strut their stuff in dazzling handmade creations that can reach up to three meters tall and weigh hundreds of kilos. This event is streamed live not just across the Canaries and Spain, but also in other countries!
Tenerife CarnivalCarnival in Tenerife is an absolute blast! 🎉 Imagine vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music filling the streets. It’s like a huge party that lasts for days, where everyone comes together to celebrate. You’ll find tons of events, from street parties to spectacular shows. The energy is contagious, and it’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture. If you’re around during carnival season, you definitely don’t want to miss it!Tenerife CarnivalCarnival in Tenerife is an absolute blast! 🎉 Imagine vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music filling the streets. It’s like a huge party that lasts for days, where everyone comes together to celebrate. You’ll find tons of events, from street parties to spectacular shows. The energy is contagious, and it’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture. If you’re around during carnival season, you definitely don’t want to miss it!Tenerife CarnivalCarnival in Tenerife is an absolute blast! 🎉 Imagine vibrant parades, colorful costumes, and lively music filling the streets. It’s like a huge party that lasts for days, where everyone comes together to celebrate. You’ll find tons of events, from street parties to spectacular shows. The energy is contagious, and it’s a fantastic way to experience the local culture. If you’re around during carnival season, you definitely don’t want to miss it!Carnival Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2023 is going to be epic! 🎉 Get ready for a vibrant celebration filled with colorful parades, amazing costumes, and non-stop parties. You won’t want to miss the electrifying atmosphere as the streets come alive with music and dance. It’s the perfect opportunity to soak in the local culture and have a blast with fellow travelers. Pack your party vibes and join the fun in Santa Cruz de Tenerife this year!
After the Queens are elected, the celebrations kick off with a parade featuring over 100 different Carnival groups (split into murgas, comparsas, and rondallas), each with around 50 members, flooding the streets with their music, costumes, dances, and performances.
This is when tons of locals get creative and join in, rocking their costumes and spreading joy, dancing day and night in their outfits and wigs, never taking themselves too seriously and fully diving into the spirit of this traditional and loved festival until the very end, which is the epic fireworks show on the Sunday evening of what’s known as Piñata weekend. You definitely don’t want to miss this event at the Santa Cruz Carnival!
When’s the Tenerife Carnival 2023 and what’s the theme?
Each Carnival has a different theme, and the one for 2023 is New York City, “The city that never sleeps”. The main events will be happening from February 15th to 26th, 2023. Some of the official galas and contests need you to book tickets in advance, but most of the Carnival parties and shows are out in the streets and totally free to join. It’s definitely a unique experience you won’t want to miss while you’re in Tenerife at this time of year, which locals say is the most anticipated and the most fun!
‘New York, the city that never sleeps,’ will be the theme of the 2023 Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Carnival kicks off on January 20th. The main events will take place from February 15th to February 26th, 2023. This is when most of the parties and shows of the Carnival happen in the streets and are free to join.
Can I reach the carnival from Aguere Nest?
From Aguere Nest Hostel, you’re just a few minutes away from the carnival. With the bus (called GuaGua “uaua” here in the Canary Islands), you can use Google Maps, which has all the bus schedules. Typically, it’s bus 15 (or bus 26, 103) or you can hop on the tram network of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Can I reach the carnival from Nests Hostels?
Aguere Nest is the closest spot, but for sure other hostels’ guests and staff will set up trips to the Carnival because it’s an amazing and must-see event. In 2023, we’re organizing trips to the carnival from Duque Nest Hostel and also passing through El Medano Nest. You can easily reach the carnival from Puerto Nest Hostel and the others by bus whenever you want. Join our WhatsApp group during check-in and stay connected with our Nests Community!
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