The spirit of Carnival once again takes over Tenerife, and the streets transform into a vibrant stage where anyone can feel like the star of the show. Nothing stands in the way of immersing yourself in this celebration, which has filled the island with rhythm, colour and joy for centuries. Between 16 January and 22 February 2026, Santa Cruz once again becomes the epicentre of one of the world’s most renowned festivities, declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest and capable of attracting thousands of visitors who come to enjoy an unforgettable experience. The city bursts with life, music and fantasy, as tourists and locals blend into an atmosphere that only Carnival can create.
3, 2, 1… let the show begin!
The opening on 16 January officially launches a month full of excitement. The first week is dedicated to children and choreographic talent, with the children’s murgas on 23 and 24 January, followed by the Choreographic Groups Competition on 25 January. From 26 January onwards, the spotlight shifts to the adult murgas, who will showcase their wit and satire in four consecutive rounds until 29 January, culminating in the eagerly awaited final on 31 January. The musical atmosphere continues on 1 February with the Musical Groups Competition, an event that reflects Santa Cruz’s deep passion for its ensembles.
February arrives packed with shows that form an essential part of the Carnival spirit. The election of the Children’s Queen opens the month on 2 February, followed by the coronation of the Senior Queen and the Seniors’ Festival on 4 February. The “Song of Laughter” competition takes to the stage on 6 February, just before the comparsas fill the city with rhythm on 7 February, and the costumes and rondallas shine on 8 February. The following week continues with the Los Fregolinos concert on 10 February, the eagerly awaited Carnival Queen Gala on 11 February, and the Zarzuela Festival on 12 February—nights when monumental costumes, feathers and sequins transform the Exhibition Centre into a magical universe.
Put on your costume, we’re heading to the streets!
From 13 February onwards, Santa Cruz explodes into a whirlwind of music and costumes with the Opening Parade, the Float and Decorated Cars Competition, and the first big Carnival Night. The rhythm continues on 14 February with the Rhythm and Harmony Contest and another night of dancing, while 15 February brings the traditional Ni Fú Ni Fá concert alongside Los Fregolinos and the first Daytime Carnival, an event that gathers entire families in a festive, sunlit atmosphere.
The celebration carries on 16 February with the Drag Gala and another night of partying, and on 17 February with the Apoteosis Parade, one of the most popular processions, once again accompanied by Ni Fú Ni Fá. On 18 February comes one of the most symbolic events: the Burial of the Sardine, where inconsolable widows, eccentric characters and caricatured figures accompany the funeral procession that bids farewell to Don Carnal with humour and tradition.
The final stretch keeps the festive pulse alive with the Inclusive Carnival and the Rondallas Festival on 19 February, the Children’s Parade and Piñata Friday on 20 February, and the second Daytime Carnival along with another night of celebration on 21 February. On 22 February, Santa Cruz bids farewell to its Carnival with performances by Ni Fú Ni Fá and the Zarzuela, a fireworks display and the traditional vintage car parade—a perfect ending to an unforgettable edition.
Keep on dancing!
Beyond the capital, the whole of Tenerife dresses up. In Güímar, the performance of Las Burras turns the streets into a unique theatrical spectacle. Puerto de la Cruz celebrates its galas, parades and its famous Mascarita ponte tacón race, as well as the vintage car rally and the Drag Gala. In Tacoronte, the Piñata Chica takes over the weekend after the Santa Cruz Carnival, with a special focus on children and their vintage car parade.
Candelaria organises parades, competitions and musical performances that run from the week before Ash Wednesday. Los Gigantes concentrates its festivities in La Buganvilla Square, while Los Cristianos opens its Carnival with the election of its queen and continues with a programme that attracts thousands of visitors.
The 2026 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival promises to be an extensive and diverse edition designed for all audiences, combining tradition, creativity and a programme that once again places the island’s capital as an international benchmark. If you’re thinking of experiencing it, this is the perfect year to let yourself be carried away by the magic of the celebration.
