Carnival Groups & Contests
Every year, the carnivals bring a new opportunity for groups of friends to challenge one another. Contests between the various types of musical bands…
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes to the streets
The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife takes to the streets from February 28 to March 9. Every day, the most emblematic corners of the capital of Tenerife are filled with onlookers who come to the multiple events. Citizens and visitors take out their costumes to enjoy the great atmosphere offered by Santa Cruz and its Street Carnival.
It begins on Friday, February 28, with the Cabalgata Anunciadora at 7:30 p.m., where also takes place the contest of floats and decorated cars. The Carnival Queen with her court, bands of street musicians, troupes, rondallas, groups and winners of the costume contest make up this fantastic parade. Starting from Plaza de la República Dominicana and ending at Avenida Francisco La Roche. At the end of this parade, the fun does not stop, giving start to the first night of celebration.
The first Saturday, March 1, the Children’s Carnival will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at La Noria. In turn, the Rondallas Parade will make its way from Plaza Weyler to Plaza del Príncipe at 6:00 p.m. The Rhythm and Harmony Contest begins at 9:00 p.m. on Avenida Francisco la Roche, with the participation of all the troupes. This will be one of the great nights of celebration.
On Sunday, March 2, the first Day Carnival arrives. Plaza del Príncipe hosts the performances of Ni Fú-Ni Fá at 11:00 a.m. and Los Fregolinos at 12:00 p.m. The entire centre of Santa Cruz is filled with music, costumes and party.
The Dragnaval Gala is held on Monday, March 3, at 9:00 p.m. in Plaza de la Candelaria. Well into the night, the streets of the capital will attract a huge number of carnival-goers, it is the most crowded party of all.
The public holiday, March 4, begins with the performances of Ni Fú-Ni Fá at 11:00 a.m. and Los Fregolinos at 12:00 h. As a finishing touch, the Coso Apoteosis del Carnaval runs from 4:00 p.m. to midnight along Avenida Francisco la Roche. In this parade you can find all the greats characters of the carnival and the participants in the competitions of street musicians bands, Carnival Queen, troupes and costumes.
Ash Wednesday, March 5, is the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine), the favourite event of some. A parade made up of widows and mourners follows the float that transports the sardine amidst disconsolate cries and feigned fainting. It starts from Juan Pablo II Street at 9:00 p.m., ending at Plaza de España. Then comes the burning of the sardine on Avenida Marítima. The night ends with performances of great orchestras in Plaza del Príncipe from 11:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
The event Sardina de la Inclusión (Inclusion Sardine) will take place on March 6 at 11:00 a.m. with departure in front of the Almeyda Barracks, ending in Plaza de la Candelaria, where there will be batukada and performances until 3:00 p.m. This is an event for everyone who wants to participate, adapted to accessibility to make it inclusive.
On Friday, March 7 at 6 p.m., the little ones enjoy Coso Infantil from the García Sanabria Park to La Marina. The stars of this parade are the children's Queen and her maids of honour, the prize-winners in the costume competition, bands of street musicians, troupes and children's choreographic groups. The children from the city's schools and children's centres prepare their costumes with great care for this occasion.
The second Day Carnival arrives on Saturday, March 8, many carnival-goers will tie this day with the last big night of celebration. They will flood the streets from pirates to pythonesses, through nurses and Romans, to the most original costumes you can imagine.
To end these days of celebration, glitter and fun, on March 9 there will be a multitude of events. Beginning in Plaza del Príncipe with the last performance of Ni Fú-Ni Fá at 11:00 a.m. and Agrupación Lírica La Zarzuela at 12:00 p.m. Also at this time, the Grand Competition of Antique Automobiles begins the tour through the streets of the city ending at Avenida Francisco La Roche where they will be exposed. The last stages of the carnival take place in Plaza de la Candelaria, with the Senior Carnival from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., when the theme of the Carnival 2026 will be announced, followed by a dance with an orchestra. The carnival bids farewell until next year at 10:00 p.m. with a great pyrotechnic display.