Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is one of the world’s most spectacular Carnival celebrations, rivaling Rio de Janeiro in its scale, color, and energy. Held each February in the capital of Spain’s Canary Islands, the festival dazzles with its parades, extravagant costumes, and infectious Latin rhythms. Highlights include the glamorous Queen Election Gala, the lively Coso Apoteosis parade, and the humorous Burial of the Sardine, which closes the festivities with satire and spectacle. For weeks, the city transforms into a nonstop party of music, dance, and creativity, blending Canarian tradition, Caribbean influence, and European flair. The Santa Cruz Carnival embodies pure joy and freedom under the island’s winter sun.
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DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 16 January–22 February 2026 (Friday–Sunday).
• Key 2026 dates (official): Final of Murgas Sat 31 Jan · Gala de Elección de la Reina Wed 11 Feb · Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora) Fri 13 Feb · Day Carnival Sun 15 Feb · Coso Apoteosis Tue 17 Feb · Burial of the Sardine Wed 18 Feb · second Day Carnival Sat 21 Feb · Piñata Sunday Sun 22 Feb — see Official tourism calendar.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Programme nearer the date (when daily listings go live).
LOCATION
• Santa Cruz de Tenerife — street festivities around Plaza de España, Avenida Francisco La Roche and adjoining areas; indoor galas/contests at the Recinto Ferial de Tenerife. Plaza de España — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Street programme is free (parades, stages, open-air concerts). Tickets are required for indoor galas and contests (e.g., Queen’s Gala) — purchase via the official channels on Official site · details posted on the Programme.
GOOD TO KNOW
• 2026 theme: “Ritmos Latinos” (Latin Rhythms) announced by the City — see municipal Fiestas page.
• Public transport: city tram (Metrotenerife Line 1) and island buses (TITSA) ramp up services on Carnival days — plan with Metrotenerife · TITSA.
• The exact timetable publishes annually; day-by-day times, stages and access notes will appear on the official Programme.
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