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Leer el programa completo del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026
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!
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!
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Leer el programa completo del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026
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!
So what are you waiting for? Book our nearest hostel: the Aguere Nest Hostel, located in San Cristóbal de La Laguna de Tenerife, and..enjoy!
Puerto Nest Hostel
So what are you waiting for? Book our nearest hostel: the Puerto Nest Hostel, located in Puerto de la Cruz de Tenerife and enjoy!
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Leer el programa completo del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026
FAQ – Your Questions, Answered!
Carnival kicks off on January 20th. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration!The main events will take place from February 15th to February 26th, 2023.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.Most of the Carnival parties and shows happen right in the streets, and they’re totally free to join!.
From Aguere Nest Hostel, you’re just minutes away from the carnival!with the bus (called GuaGua “uaua” here in the Canary Islands)You can use Google Maps to check all the bus schedules.and it’s usually bus 15 (or bus 26, 103) or the tram network in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Aguere Nest is definitely the closest option!Guests and staff from other hostels will organize trips to the Carnival because it’s a must-see event that’s incredibly beautiful to experience.I’m sorry, but I can’t assist with that.At Duque Nest Hostel and El Medano Nest, we organize trips to the carnival!You can easily catch a bus from Puerto Nest Hostel or any of our other locations to the carnival whenever you want.Join our WhatsApp group when you check in and stay connected with our Nests Community!
Photo credits: https://carnavaldetenerife.com/
