Tenerife Carnival Dates for 2027

The final carnival party in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Sunday 22 Feb 2026

Searching for information on the Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Carnival or Karneval Teneriffa 2027 then you've come to the right place.

The year 2027 is an important anniversary for Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as it is forty years since the first time the carnival had a theme - in 1987 that first theme was "Rome". That was also the year that Santa Cruz Carnival got into the Guinness Book of Records when the late Celia Cruz with the Sonora Matancera and Billo's Caracas Boys led the line up of an unforgettable Carnival Tuesday night with more than 240,000 attendees. (That number was since greatly exceeded, but not officially recorded.)

Look back over 40 years of Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife: 

Santa Cruz en Carnaval 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, Guardians of the Sceptre 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

“Roma Eterna: El Imperio del Carnaval” (Eternal Rome: The Carnival Empire), theme of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2027

Santa Cruz has selected the theme for its 2027 Carnival: “Eternal Rome: The Empire of Carnival.” This concept pays homage to the festival's origins and highlights the essence of the Carnival by bridging the past, present, and future, demonstrating the event's continuous evolution and its ability to adapt to changing times. Unlike other years, this theme was not chosen through a public vote; instead, the decision was made by the Santa Cruz Department of Festivities, based on the theme's symbolic and historical significance in honouring the true spirit of the Carnival.

In 1987—forty years ago—Rome marked a turning point in the history of the Santa Cruz Carnival. It was the first theme to provide aesthetic and narrative cohesion to the entire celebration, serving as a unifying storyline.

City Mayor José Manuel Bermúdez highlights that “once again, Santa Cruz demonstrates its ability to evolve without losing its roots, celebrating the origins of a festival that is integral to our identity and our vision of the city.”

“This marks forty years of a specific approach—a fundamental shift in how we understand our Carnival. That is what we want to celebrate with a theme that speaks to our sense of belonging,” the mayor added.

Javier Caraballero, the Councillor for Festivities, elaborates on this concept, noting that “we want the city to continue experiencing Carnival through that sense of belonging—taking pride in who we are and what we have created together.”

Forty years later, the Carnival returns to that starting point to honour the origins of a model that has defined the festival's modern identity—and remains a central element of every edition to this day. Over the past four decades, the practice of adopting an annual theme has enabled us to develop a unique language, creating distinct worlds for each edition that help maintain a connection to the festival's essence.

Cantered on the concept "Eternal Rome: The Carnival Empire," the city will transform into a vast stage where everything revolves around a single idea: Rome as a symbol of collective creation—much like Carnival itself—that has evolved over time without losing its identity.

This approach reimagines Carnival as a grand empire defined by the festivities: a space where performance troupes, musical groups, queens, rondallas, dance ensembles, floats, and the public come together to shape a vibrant, ever-changing cultural tapestry, with the streets serving as the main stage.

“Roma Eterna: El Imperio del Carnaval”, tema del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2027

The celebration of the third edition of the Senior Carnival in Plaza de la Candelaria had brought a successful edition to a close in 2026, particularly due to the splendour of the second Daytime Carnival, which drew 425,000 people on Piñata Saturday. It evoked memories of epic events, such as Celia Cruz's Guinness World Record in 1987 - when 250,000 revellers danced outdoors - or Juan Luis Guerra's edition in 2019, when it was reported that more than 400,000 carnival-goers participated. Santa Cruz bid farewell to Carnival this Piñata Sunday. True to tradition, the festivities began in García Sanabria Park with a classic car show, whose roaring engines and honking horns then filled the air as people strolled through the heart of the city. Almost simultaneously, the Afilarmónica Ni Fú-Ni Fá was singing the final songs of the Latin Rhythms Carnival in the bandstand in Plaza del Príncipe.

However, it closed without announcing the dates and theme of the next carnival and, instead the organizers decided to take a period of reflection. The reason being that, if the liturgical calendar, which sets the dates for Easter (and consequently Lent and Carnival), were applied, the festivities in 2027 would have begun on January 8th, only two days after The Three Kings have visited and leaving no time to make preparations. It was later announced that the start of carnival would be delayed for two weeks, with the Opening Gala being moved from January 8th to January 22nd, 2027, while Carnival in the streets will take place from February 19th to 28th.

Santa Cruz unveils the official program of competitions, galas, and events for Carnival 2027

Consequently, the schedule—which traditionally maintained a one-week gap between the opening gala and the first competition—will proceed differently this year: following the January 22 kick-off, the Musical Groups Competition will take place on Saturday, January 23, just one day after the opening. This decision responds to the groups' request to be the first Carnival contest and to hold the event on a Saturday. They will be followed on Sunday, January 24, by the Choreographic Groups, placing dance at the heart of the festivities.

The event schedule continues with the Children's Murga Competition; the first and second rounds will be held on Friday, January 29, and Saturday, January 30, respectively. The weekend will conclude on Sunday, January 31, with the Rondalla Competition. The following week, adult Murgas (musical troupes) [stretching the term musical to breaking point] will take centre stage, performing their preliminary rounds between February 1 and 4 and culminating in the grand *murga* final on the 6th. Come Sunday, the Children's Queen Gala will take place at the Fairgrounds.

It will be the turn of the elderly on Wednesday, February 10, with the Senior Queen Gala and the Senior Citizens' Festival. Friday the 12th will feature the Canción de la Risa (Comedy Song Contest)—a prelude to the Comparsa Competition, which will fill the stage with colour on Saturday, February 13. The week will conclude on Sunday the 14th with the traditional costume contest.

The week before Carnival takes to the streets, the festival's new sovereign will be crowned at the highly anticipated Carnival Queen Selection Gala on Wednesday the 17th, followed by the Los Fregolinos concert on Tuesday the 16th and the Zarzuela Festival on Thursday the 18th.

On Friday, February 19, Carnival will hit the streets with the opening parade, the float and decorated vehicle contest, and the first night of Carnival dances. On Saturday the 20th, the comparsas will hold their increasingly popular "Rhythm and Harmony" contest, a prelude to another night of dancing. The week will wrap up on Sunday with the traditional concert by La Fufa [Afilarmónica NiFú-NiFá] and Los Fregolinos and the first Daytime Carnival event.

Monday, February 22, will see one of the festival's most crowded nights, featuring the fourth edition of the Dragnaval Gala and street dances celebrating the eve of Carnival Tuesday—the day the grand Coso Apoteosis (Main Parade) parade makes its way through the city. On Thursday the 25th, is the Inclusive Carnival and the Rondalla Festival will take the spotlight, as will the youngest Carnival participants on Friday with their Children's Carnival Parade, leading into the "Piñata Friday" dances. Saturday will feature the highly anticipated Daytime Carnival and the Saturday night dances, marking the conclusion of the festivities after more than 18 hours of non-stop music. On Sunday, following the Senior Carnival, the vintage car show, the "Fufa y La Zarzuela" concert, and the fireworks display, the official 2027 Carnival program will come to a close.

Santa Cruz presenta el programa oficial de los concursos, galas y actos del Carnaval 2027

This amended schedule is probably still subject to change:

• Friday 22 January 2027: Inauguration of Carnival 2027
• Saturday, 23 January: Musical Groups Competition
• Sunday, 24 January: Festival of Choreographed Groups
• Friday, 29 January: 1st Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Saturday, 30 January: 2nd Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Sunday, 31 January: Rondallas Contest
• Monday, 1 February: 1st Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Tuesday, 2 February: 2nd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Wednesday, 3 February: 3rd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Thursday, 4 February: 4th Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Saturday, 6 February: Final of the Murga Contests
• Sunday, 7 February: Gala Election of the Junior Carnival Queen
• Wednesday, 10 February: Gala of the Senior Carnival Queen
• Thursday, 11 February: Comedy Song Contest
• Saturday, 13 February: Comparsas Contest
• Sunday, 14 February: Costume Contest 
• Tuesday, 16 February: Los Fregolinos Concert
• Wednesday, 17 February: Gala Election of the Carnival Queen
• Thursday, 18 February: Festival of Zarzuela
• Friday, 19 February: Opening Parade
• Saturday 20 February: Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas
• Sunday 21 February: Daytime Carnaval
• Monday 22 February: Carnaval Monday and Dragnaval Gala
• Tuesday 23 February: Carnival Main Parade
• Wednesday 24 February: Burial of the Sardine
• Thursday 25 February: Inclusive Carnaval and Festival of Rondallas
• Friday 26 February: Children's Carnival Parade
• Saturday 27 February: Daytime Carnaval
• Sunday 28 February: Exhibition and parade of vintage cars, Senior Carnival and carnival closes with a firework display

Many of the events can be watched live on CarnavalTVC

Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2027

• Thursday 4 February - Election of the Carnival Queen
• Saturday 6 February - Proclamatory Parade
• Wednesday 10 February - Burial of the Sardine
• Friday 12 February - Mascarita Ponte Tacón
• Saturday 13 February - Main Parade

Los Gigantes Carnival 2027

The start of carnival in Los Gigantes is usually on the Friday ten days after Shrove Tuesday, which would be on Friday 19 Feb 2027. Their Carnival Main Parade is usually held on the Sunday, which would be 21 Feb 2027.

Los Cristianos Carnival 2027

As ever, we won't even guess when Los Cristianos carnival will be held. Once available, the dates can generally be found within the relevant year's Calendario de Fiestas del Municipio (Calendar of the municipality's festivals). However ... BE WARNED: Even if Arona publish dates ahead, they are in the habit of changing the dates at the very last minute and these changes have not always been advertised nor reported in the media, so it requires constant manual watching of their site (above) to know.

All dates are subject to changes that are beyond our control

Queen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival invited to inaugurate the parade for the 60th anniversary of the Notting Hill Carnival

The current Carnival Queen, Carla Castro, to open the Notting Hill Carnival parade.

The president of the Notting Hill Carnival in London, Ian Comfort, has invited the Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival to open the parade in the British capital this year, coinciding with its 60th anniversary.

Comfort was on the island of Tenerife for the carnival, where he served on the jury for the Carnival Queen election gala and expressed his delight with the level of competition, stating that he hadn't seen anything like it in a long time, as he explained in statements to the online magazine 'The Showroom Mag' reported by Europa Press.

It would be, they explain, the current Queen, Carla Castro, who would have the honor of opening the London parade in this historic edition, its 60th anniversary. The event, scheduled for August 29-31, would place Castro, her costume, and her designers at the heart of one of the world's biggest festive stages, offering international exposure for the Tenerife brand and its main carnival, the Santa Cruz Carnival.

Londres invita a la Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife a inaugurar el desfile de su 60 aniversario

The Carnival Route: Key Dates by Municipality

Carnival Main Parade in Los Cristianos 2024 - Photo Arona Town Hall

If anyone thought that the end of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival meant it was time to pack away their costumes, they were wrong. The island is preparing for another wave of celebrations that will sweep through various municipalities in the coming weeks. From San Cristóbal de La Laguna to the spectacle of the Los Cristianos International Carnival, Tenerife is still in carnival mode. The variety of themes and the overlapping dates in several locations across the island will require even the most enthusiastic carnival-goers to organize their schedule well. Tenerife proves, once again, that Carnival is not just a date on the calendar, but a feeling that refuses to end.

For those who don't want to miss a single dance, here is the itinerary for the coming weeks: 

Candelaria

The town will be dressed up from February 25th to March 1st under the evocative theme "Journey to Japan." It will be five days of festive intensity, with the main event taking place on Saturday, February 28th. That night, at 10:00 p.m., the venue next to the Town Hall will make history with a free concert by Óscar D'León. The "Sonero del Mundo" will be accompanied by El Morocho and the Acapulco and Caracas Latin Brother orchestras.

The closing event, on Sunday, March 1st, will have a strong family focus:

• 12:00 p.m.: Start of the children's parade "El Cosito".
• 2:30 p.m.: Grand Daytime Carnival with the Corinto Band Orchestra.
• 6:15 p.m.: Headlining performance by El Combo Dominicano.
• Finale: Burning of the Sardine and a grand finale with the Nueva Línea Orchestra

Los Cristianos

One of the most anticipated events in the south will take place from March 5th to 16th. The Los Cristianos International Carnival will dedicate twelve days to the theme of space. This event is establishing itself as the main festive epicenter of Arona, transforming the tourist hub into an intergalactic stage that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Daytime Carnival, in 2026, will be held on two key dates: March 7th and 14th. These daytime events are designed to make it easier for families and visitors to attend, with a program that includes concerts, workshops, and activities for all ages. For their part, the Opening Parade and the Grand Finale Parade once again become two of the main attractions, thanks to the procession of floats and the participation of troupes from various locations, showcasing the festival's inclusive spirit.

The program also emphasizes diversity and social participation, with initiatives such as the Inclusion Parade, aimed at bringing carnival to all groups, and the now-traditional Drag Queen Show, which adds a touch of irony and spectacle. The festivities will conclude on March 16th with the Burial of the Sardine, a symbolic act that bids farewell to the celebrations with a blend of satirical humor, popular tradition, and a communal atmosphere.

Full program: Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2026

Granadilla de Abona

With the theme, ‘Beautiful and Beloved Mexico’, on Saturday, February 28, starting at 5:30 p.m., the highly anticipated Grand Carnival Parade will take place, beginning on Avenida Mencey de Abona and ending at Parque de Los Hinojeros. The parade will feature the comparsas Kuliquitacas del Sur, Guajeiros, Aborasau, Joroperos, and Cariocas, as well as the batucadas Baraberé and Tamatimba.

On Friday, March 6, the Plaza de la Cultura in San Isidro will host the Murguero Gathering, starting at 7:00 p.m., with performances by the murgas Guachinquietas, Diablos Locos, and Irónicos.

The grand finale will take place on Saturday, March 7th with the El Médano Daytime Carnival 2026, which will include the inaugural parade and children's day carnival from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with DJ David Pérez and Olga González; and from 5:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., in the Plaza de El Médano, Grupo Nueva Ilusión, Orquesta Los Ideales, DJ Fabrizio Salgado, El Combo Dominicano, Rafael Flores “El Morocho”, Orquesta Nueva Línea and The Boys Machine will take to the stage. The traditional Burial of the Sardine will also take place, starting at 7:00 p.m., departing from the town square and ending at the football field, thus bringing the 2026 Carnival to a close.

The Carnival Route: Key Dates by Municipality

• Garachico February 20 to March 8
• Los Gigantes February 26 to March 8 Los Gigantes carnival is postponed until the weekend of March 13, 14 and 15 (due to adverse weather conditions)
• San Cristóbal de La Laguna February 27
• Granadilla de Abona February 27 to March 7
• Adeje February 28
• Santa Úrsula February 28 to March 1
• Guía de Isora February 28
• Tegueste March 5 to 7
• Arafo March 6

Si te quedaste con ganas de más, no guardes el disfraz: guía completa del Carnaval en Tenerife por municipios

Why is the Last Weekend of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Called Piñata Weekend?

At Carnival on Piñata Saturday 2026

The term "Piñata Weekend" originates from an old custom that prolonged Carnival beyond Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, well into Lent.

Carnival officially ended on Ash Wednesday, and Santa Cruz already mourned during the Burial of the Sardine. But the festivities still have one last push with Piñata Weekend. After Carnival comes Lent, a time historically dedicated to reflection, from which these last two days of celebration are taken. But what is the origin of its name?

The term "Piñata Weekend" originates from an old custom that extended Carnival beyond Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. "In various parts of Spain and in the Canary Islands, the festivities continued during the first days of Lent, in what was known as Little Carnival or Piñata Carnival," explains Julio Torres, a historian from La Laguna, citing researcher Pedro Manuel Grimón González.

Italian Pignatta

The word comes from the Italian word pignatta (fragile pot), because it was traditional that before the start of Lent, a period of fasting and abstinence, the game of breaking a clay pot or pignatta filled with sweets was celebrated.

"The piñata resembled a large orange, covered in colourful fabrics and adorned with numerous colorful ribbons. One of these ribbons opened the mechanism through which the objects inside fell out: nuts, flour, candies, gofio (a type of flour), eggs, sweets, and perhaps a small mouse or rabbit."

Piñata Dance

The piñata was broken as part of a choreographed dance, the Piñata Dance: "Couples began to dance, circling the piñata. The leader kept order so that all the couples took turns pulling the ribbons. When the piñata broke, the music stopped."

Today, carnivals like the one in Santa Cruz de Tenerife maintain Piñata Saturday and Sunday as days of intense festive activity. These dates are located after the Burial of the Sardine and are part of the calendar that marks the end of the celebrations in the city, but the festivities continue in other parts of the island.

¿Por qué se llama Piñata al último fin de semana del Carnaval?

(A pignatta (or pignata) is an Italian term for an earthenware cooking pot, historically used to cook beans in fireplaces. It is the origin of the Spanish word "piñata", referring to the fragile, clay containers used in European and, later, Mexican celebrations. It's derived from the Latin pinea ("pine cone"), referencing the original shape of these pots.)

Winter Olympics Carnival Style on Piñata Saturday in Santa Cruz 2026

• Santa Cruz de Tenerife drew over 425,000 people on Piñata Saturday
• 291 Photos at Piñata Saturday on 21 February 2026

Carnival Main Parade in Santa Cruz 2026

Carnival Queen in the Carnival Main Parade in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Santa Cruz Carnival reached its climax on Shrove Tuesday, 17 Feb 2026, with a massive four-hour parade. More than a hundred groups, led by the Queen and her ladies-in-waiting, participated to the beat of batucadas and Latin rhythms in the grand, multi-coloured parade that filled Santa Cruz.

Radiant sunshine accompanied yesterday's grand, multi-coloured parade featuring over a hundred groups and organizations from the Santa Cruz Carnival, the queens, and their courts of honour. Thousands of people packed the stands and seating provided by the Santa Cruz City Council along Francisco la Roche and Marítima avenues to enjoy a spectacular afternoon.

The Coso, an unmissable event and one of the most traditional and popular parts of Tenerife's most internationally renowned festival, was a resounding success. It began promptly at four in the afternoon and was characterized by high participation from both the Carnival groups and the thousands of spectators who gathered to enjoy the spectacle.

Once again, the large number of tourists and visitors who wanted to take advantage of their stay on the island to witness one of the most important hallmarks of Carnival was striking.

Comparsas, rondallas, murgas, musical groups, dance troupes, floats, decorated cars, Carnival characters, and the queens, accompanied by their ladies-in-waiting, dazzled with their costumes and performances, accompanied throughout the parade by music, batucadas, and murga marches, in a parade that signalled the approaching end of the quintessential Santa Cruz de Tenerife festival.

Las Celias de Tenerife, a group of men paying tribute to the late singer Celia Cruz [Source]

As a major novelty this year, the popular group Las Celias opened the parade, celebrating 30 years of participation in the Carnival. Its members wanted to pay special tribute to their president and founder, Javier García, who was unable to attend the festivities. To commemorate this happy anniversary, the group brought out every single costume they have worn throughout these thirty years, creating a live exhibition in a moving parade.

Members of the Afilarmónica Nifú Nifá in the Carnival Parade 17 Feb 2026

Following Las Celias, the Afilarmónica Nifú Nifá (the grandfathers of carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife) took to the streets and was greeted with applause, demonstrating the enormous affection that Carnival veterans inspire wherever they participate.

The winners of the Costume Contest and the comparsa Bahía Bahitiare then gave way to the adult Carnival Queen, Carla Castro, with her iconic costume.

PHOTOS: Click for another 280 photos of the Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade)

Following the monarch, the various Carnival groups paraded, including the ladies-in-waiting, the children's and adult queens, and their respective courts. 

Undoubtedly, one of the highlights of the parade is the opportunity to observe up close and in broad daylight the work of the designers and their teams, who create spectacular costumes worn not only by the Carnival Queen candidates but also by the groups, troupes, and satirical musical groups, brimming with originality, which manage to surprise everyone each year.

The strong family atmosphere of the parade was evident once again throughout the entire route, both among the participating groups and the large crowds who gathered to applaud the creativity and talent of the Carnival performers.

The Santa Cruz de Tenerife City Council installed a total of 6,500 free chairs for the public along the entire parade route, in addition to the bleachers set up along the city's coastline, with a capacity for another 1,300 people.

Many of the seats were filled by tourists, largely from the south and north of the island, where they are spending their holidays. According to the Santa Cruz City Council, around 250 buses carrying tourists arrived in the city yesterday to enjoy the Coso Apoteosis (Grand Parade).

The parade proceeded smoothly and without incident, in a family-friendly atmosphere, with the haze almost dissipated and the participants showing off their elaborate costumes and designs amidst dancing and singing. After about four hours of enjoyment, as the sun began to set, this grand parade came to an end, serving as a prelude to a grand finale that promises to be equally spectacular. Today, Wednesday, the event will take place at 10:00 p.m., when the popular Burial of the Sardine will begin, officially bidding farewell to Carnival, although there will still be one last weekend to enjoy before its final closing next Sunday.

El Carnaval de Santa Cruz vive su apoteosis con un Coso multitudinario de cuatro horas

VIDEO: Coso Apoteosis Carnaval S/C de Tenerife | 2026

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 2026

Carla Castro Castellano, Carnaval Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

The most anticipated announcement of the year arrived on the evening of Wednesday 11 February: Santa Cruz de Tenerife has a new Carnival Queen. Carla Castro Castellano is the new sovereign of the Santa Cruz Carnival 2026 with "Icónica" (Iconic) a design by Alexis Santana, representing McDonald's and El Día newspaper. That's two in a row for both the designer and sponsors, who were also winners in 2025.

Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, together with Queen of 2025, Elizabeth Ledesma Laker, presented the sceptre to the new sovereign.

Now, the festivities can take to the streets with the Opening Parade this Friday, February 13th, bringing the events at the Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses for this year to a spectacular close.

Ladies-in-Waiting

The new queen will be accompanied by her four ladies-in-waiting. The first lady-in-waiting is Arlena Rubí Mantecón Hernández with “Luminis” (of the light) by Santi Castro, representing the Añaza Carrefour Shopping Centre.

Arlena Rubí Mantecón Hernández with “Luminis,” by Santi Castro

It's been a pretty good year for Santi Castro, with his designs winning both the Junior and Senior Carnival Queens and now the first lady-in-waiting. Santi's name has been familiar to me for as long as I've been following the Santa Cruz Carnival - for which he's been designing since 1980 - and with no need to be impartial in my retirement, I can now reveal that he's always been my favourite. There have been times when I've felt he was robbed of a win, because the judges perhaps weren't brave enough to go with his avant-garde designs, but this time, as his candidate paraded first at the gala, we were struck by how "conservative" it seemed, comparatively at least. 

Then we disolved into fits of giggles at the mere idea of applying the word "conservative" to any of these, frankly ridiculous, if fantastic, creations.

Cecilia Esther Díaz Hernández, with ‘Sueños de Cristal’, by Sedomir Rodríguez de la Sierra

Cecilia Esther Díaz Hernández was chosen as second lady-in-waiting with her fantasy “Sueños de Cristal” (Crystal Dreams), by Sedomir Rodríguez de la Sierra, representing Dormitorum and Diario de Avisos.

Daniela Sánchez Padilla, with ‘Atamande‘, by Team Santana Carnaval

The third lady-in-waiting is Daniela Sánchez Padilla, with “Atamande”, from Team Santana Carnaval, representing Repsol Grupo González Canarias.

Alianara León Hernández, with ‘De tu infierno a mi cielo’, by Yosué Riverol

The court is completed by Alianara León Hernández with “De tu infierno a mi cielo” (From your hell to my heaven), by Yosué Riverol, representing the Island Council of La Palma and the Illustrious City Council of El Paso.

This year's gala has not been without criticism, with El Día newspaper listing among the worst parts, the designers' musical choices - we also felt that the music chosen for many of the candidates seemed to bear no relation to their designs and definitely no relation to carnival - and the sound problems. 

Well, the worst of the sound issues wasn't so much the failure of the sound during the performance by Los 4 (somewhat ironic, as there were 5 of them) group from Cuba, so much as that it didn't fail during the turn of Manny Manuel, Puerto Rican singer, of whom one commentator opined, "Manny Manuel no longer sings like he used to, or he was drunk." We thought so too. The most generous said that the artist, once considered as "the king of merengue", wasn't having his best night. Lots of people agree that there are better Latin acts, but it seems very apparent it's a matter of budget.

There was also aesthetic debate. Several comments agreed that silver and gold predominated this year, with very little chromatic variety.

Diario de Avisos even went as far as to draw parallels with the gala of 2007, with their headline “Not even Amargo dared to go this far”, recalling the bitterly contentious event, when Rafael Amargo presented a gala that eliminated the essence of Carnival to turn it into an empty television show, without rhythm and that left the candidates in the background. Disagree, NOTHING could be that bad. To be fair, it wasn't it's best year either.

The Queen representing the Hogar Canario Venezolano (Venezuelan-Canarian Home) did not participate in the Gala for the first time this year, breaking a 42 year old tradition. This news was shared by the mayor of the capital, José Manuel Bermúdez, who confirmed the group's absence due to 'bureaucratic difficulties' due to the current situation in the country.

VIDEO: Gala Reina adulta Carnaval S/C de Tenerife | 2026

233 images from the Carnival Queen Gala in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Carla Castro, Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife: la representante de McDonald's y El Día gana con la fantasía 'Icónica' de Alexis Santana

Carla Castro Castellano, Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Minuto a minuto, la Gala de la Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz

Senior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2026

Dominga Jiménez Pérez, Senior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Dominga Jiménez Pérez was chosen on Wednesday night, during the Gala held at the Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses in which eleven candidates participated, as Senior Carnaval Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026. Dressed in the costume "Y llegaste tú" (And You Arrived), by designer Santi Castro, Ms Jiménez arrived at the Santa Cruz Carnival representing the Santiago del Teide City Council.

Her court of honour was headed by María Félix Ramos, who wore "La cosecha" (The Harvest), by Dani Mena, representing Halcón Viajes and Elige Tu Viaje; while María Cristina Fariña was designated as second lady-in-waiting, with "Reina de dos mundos" (Queen of Two Worlds), by Juan Carlos Armas, representing the Arafo City Council; María Ángeles Ramos, wearing "A mi ritmo" (At My Own Pace), by Borja Abreu, representing the La Laguna City Council, was placed as third lady-in-waiting, the court was completed by María del Carmen Hernández, with a creation by Dailos Rodríguez "Eternum Regnum" (Latin phrase meaning "eternal kingdom," "everlasting realm," or "perpetual reign") representing the Tenerife Canarian Wrestling Federation and Petarditos Fiesta.

Around 5,000 spectators gathered to witness the two-and-a-half-hour show, directed by Paula Álvarez and hosted by Victorio Pérez. The Gala featured musical performances by King África, Pepe Benavente, El Morocho, and Jhonny Maquinaria.

The Gala jury consisted of Héctor León, a Fine Arts graduate and costume designer for film and theatre; María Encarnación Ibáñez, a pattern-making and sewing professor in the textile department of Las Indias; Marielba González, director of MG Medical Group clinics; Marta Cairós, director of News Services for Televisión Canaria; Patricia Hodgson, a Fine Arts graduate, painter, and art curator; Carmen Suárez, PhD in Arts and Humanities, conservator and restorer of cultural heritage; and Inés Domínguez, the audience jury member.

The Gala, broadcast live on Televisión Canaria, was also the Senior Citizens' Groups Festival, which this year featured performances by Con Nuestra Gente Chincanayros, Volcanes del Teide, Reconecta2, Tercera Edad Tegueste, Las Incansables de Icod, Antón Guanche Candelaria, Mayores del 2000, Fraisa, Monte Nevado, and Rondalla Las Nieves, in that order.

VIDEO: Gala Reina de los Mayores Carnaval S/C Tenerife | 2026

Dominga Jiménez fue proclamada esta noche Reina de los Mayores del Carnaval 2026

Dominga Jiménez Pérez, with designer, Santi Castro

Junior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2026

Micaela Díaz Lima, Junior Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026 | More photos

Santa Cruz has crowned its first Carnival Queen for 2026 after a lively and emotional gala held the Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses on Monday (2nd February), under the artistic direction of Paula Álvarez. The Junior Queen of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026, is Micaela Díaz Lima with a costume entitled “Desde bien lejitos vengo” (I Come From Far Away), designed by Santi Castro, Designer and president of the Tenerife Carnival Designers' Association who celebrated the verdict with his team with enthusiasm and excitement, representing Clínicas Dr. Blas García. The meticulously crafted costume stood out for its fantasy, vibrant colours, and perfect adaptation to the spirit of the festivities. The sceptre was passed to the new young sovereign by Mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez Esparza and the outgoing Junior Queen, Camila Dorta Díaz.

Her court of honor included first maid of honour, Leire Socas Alam, with “Mi destino se llama amistad” (My Destiny Is Called Friendship), by David Afonso Darías, representing Podas Bello and Maquinarias Cohermo; Sofía Campos Ramos became the second runner-up, with the costume entitled “Burbujas de amor” (Bubbles of Love), designed by Sedomir Rodríguez de la Sierra, and representing Grupo Intesa. As third lady-in-waiting, Daniela Barrera Padilla wore the costume “Cuenta conmigo” (Count on Me), designed by Alexis Santana, representing the Carnival Float Association and the El Crayón de Sofi Children's Schools; and the last of the ladies-in-waiting, the fourth, was Ana Ferrera González, with the costume “La hora del planeta” (Earth Hour), designed by Dani Mena, representing Henry Cly Photographer, Grupo El Cine, Grupo Los Menceyes, and Ferretería Miraes.

The jury that chose the Children's Carnival Queen and her four Ladies-in-Waiting was made up of Marco Toledo, film and theatre producer, filmmaker, and teacher; Trinidad Pérez Trujillo, representing the public jury; Alegría, presenter, makeup artist, and children's event host; Aina Arpiz, costume designer; Eva Trujillo, presenter for Televisión Canaria; and Sergio Branic, music and theatre producer, presenter, and singer. and Carolina Bethecourt Lorenzo, a professor of Clothing and Accessories Styling at the Las Indias Comprehensive Vocational Training Centre.

The coronation ceremony unfolded quickly, focusing on the candidates and the culminating moment of the jury's decision. With this election, Carnival enters its most intense week. The next events are already scheduled: the Senior Queen will be chosen on Wednesday, 4 Feb, while the adult Queen will be crowned at a Grand Gala on Wednesday, 11 Feb, hosted by Alexis Hernández and television personality Paula Vázquez.

VIDEO: Gala Reina Infantil Carnaval S/C Tenerife | 2026

• Micaela Díaz Lima, Reina Infantil del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026
• Micaela Díaz  con un diseño de Santi Castro proclamada  Reina Infantil del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026
• La niña Micaela Díaz Lima, Reina Infantil del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026

Tenerife Carnival Dates for 2026

The poster designed by Héctor Expósito from La Palma, entitled "Es más bello vivir bailando" (It is more beautiful to live dancing), was the winner of the competition organized by Fiestas de Santa Cruz de Tenerife and represents this year's carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Searching for information on the Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Carnival or Karneval Teneriffa 2026 then you've come to the right place.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026 has a theme and a calendar

‘Ritmos latinos’ (Latin rhythms) will be the theme of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026, which will be held between January 16 and February 22. The choice of theme is the result of the online vote, organized by the city council, which won with 34.21% of popular support over the other options. The result was announced on the final day of the 2025 carnival in Santa Cruz. 

El Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2026 ya tiene tema y calendario

CONFIRMED: The next edition of the Carnival, in 2026, will begin on Friday, January 16 with the Opening Ceremony. After that inauguration and the long list of contests (below, based on many previous years' timetables), Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026 in the streets will begin on Friday, 13 February 2026, with the Opening Parade and will end on Piñata Sunday, February 22. 

• Friday, 16 January: Inauguration of Carnival 2026
• Friday, 23 January: 1st Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Saturday, 24 January: 2nd Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Sunday, 25 January: Festival of Choreographed Groups
• Monday, 26 January: 1st Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Tuesday, 27 January: 2nd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Wednesday, 28 January: 3rd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Thursday, 29 January: 4th Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Saturday, 31 January: Final of the Murga Contests
• Sunday, 1 February: Contest of Musical Groups
• Monday, 2 February: Gala Election of the Junior Carnival Queen
• Wednesday, 4 February: Gala of the Senior Carnival Queen
• Friday, 6 February: Comedy Song Contest
• Saturday, 7 February: Comparsas Contest
• Sunday, 8 February: Costume Contest and the Rondallas Contest
• Tuesday, 10 February: Los Fregolinos Concert
• Wednesday, 11 February: Gala Election of the Carnival Queen
• Thursday, 12 February: Festival of Zarzuela
• Friday, 13 February: Opening Parade 275 photos
• Saturday, 14 February: Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas photos
• Sunday, 15 February: Daytime Carnaval
• Monday, 16 February: Carnaval Monday and Gala Dragnaval
• Shrove Tuesday, 17 February: Carnival Main Parade
• Wednesday, 18 February: Burial of the Sardine photos
• Thursday, 19 February: Carnaval Inclusivo and Festival of Rondallas
• Friday, 20 February: Children's Carnival Parade 6pm
• Saturday, 21 February: Daytime Carnaval (Santa Cruz de Tenerife drew over 425,000 people on Piñata Saturday)
• Sunday, 22 February: Exhibition and parade of vintage cars, end of carnival Senior Carnival party and carnival closes with a firework display

Many of the events can be watched live on CarnavalTVC

From the Cabalgata Anunciadora (Carnival Opening Parade) on 1 Mar 2019

(Don't worry about carnival in the streets beginning on Friday the 13th, because it's Martes 13 (Tuesday 13th) that is considered unlucky in Spain.)

Thirty years before: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 1996

Twenty years before: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 2006

Ten years before: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 2016

Puerto de la Cruz Carnival 2026

The International Carnival of Puerto de la Cruz this year looks to Mexico as its source of inspiration and the festivities kick off on Friday, February 6, with the official inauguration and the presentation of the candidates in the Plaza de Concejil, starting at 9:00 pm. The carnival runs to Sunday 22 February. Some key dates and events are:

• Thursday 12 February - Election of the Carnival Queen
• Friday 13 February - Election of the Carnival King
• Wednesday 18 February - Burial of the Sardine
• Friday 20 February - Mascarita Ponte Tacón
• Saturday 21 February - Main Parade, from 4 pm.

Further details from: Programa del Carnaval Internacional 2026

Los Gigantes Carnival 2026

Yet to be confirmed, but the start of carnival in Los Gigantes is usually on the Friday ten days after Shrove Tuesday, which would be on Friday 27 Feb 2026. Their Carnival Main Parade is usually held in the afternoon of the Sunday, which would be 1 March 2026.

Los Gigantes carnival is postponed until the weekend of March 13, 14 and 15 (due to adverse weather conditions)

Los Cristianos Carnival 2026

Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2026

All dates are subject to changes that are beyond our control

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 2025

Elizabeth Victoria Ledesma Laker is Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025
Photo: Gala de la Reina Adulta, Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

2025 Carnival Poster

The climax of the preparations for this year's carnival arrived in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on the evening of Wednesday, 26 Feb 2025, when the city chose it's new carnival queen from among 11 candidates at the gala, directed by Jep Meléndez and presented by Lara Álvarez and Alexis Hernández, at the Tenerife International Fairs and Congress Centre to a packed audience of over 7,000 people. 

Elizabeth Victoria Ledesma Laker was elected Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025, with a costume entitled “Conexión” (Connection), designed by Alexis Santana, and representing McDonald's and newspaper El Día-La Opinión de Tenerife. 

Elizabeth Ledesma Laker previously represented Spain at Miss International 2017 in Tokyo, Japan, and participated in Miss Supranational 2024 in Poland. At the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival in 2020, Elizabeth was part of the court as Fourth Maid of Honour. 'Queen Elizabeth' is a native of Arona, as is the Queen of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife's Seniors, a double for the southern municipality.

Her court is made up as follows: 

• 1st Maid of Honour: Laura Fernández Ruiz, with a costume entitled “Gotas de Cielo” (Drops of Heaven), designed by Sedomir Rodríguez and representing Dormitorum
• 2nd Maid of Honour: Marta Pérez Baute, with “El cielo y tú” (The sky and you), by Santi Castro, for Añaza Carrefour Shopping Centre
• 3rd Maid of Honour: Ainhoa ​​Díaz Sánchez, with “La Fontaine”, by Juan Carlos Armas, for Alcampo La Laguna Shopping Centre
• 4th Maid of Honour: Michelle Castro Adrián, with “Origen” (Origin), by Jorge González Santana, for Mediterráneo Insurance Brokerage.

The mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, together with the Queen of 2024, Corina Mrazek González, presented the sceptre to the new sovereign, while Councillor of Fiestas, Javier Caraballero, awarded the maids of honour. 

The jury that crowned the new Queen and her four Maids of Honor was made up of Alejandro Palomo, creator of the Palomo Spain brand; María Escoté, fashion designer; Maya Hansen, Spanish designer specialized in high-quality corsets; Marianela Hernández (Marilyn’s Closet), Canarian content creator; Alberto Trujillo, renowned set designer for carnivals in the Canary Islands; David and Miguel López, designers and creators of the Davide Leotards firm; Agustín Rubiales, former president of the Aula de Cultura del Carnaval de Cádiz, Favorite Son of the city, Knight Hospitaller and Flag of Andalusia of Solidarity and Concord; Lourdes Santana, regional director of Cadena SER; Miguel Paule, medical director of Clínica Paule, and Verónica Rodríguez, queen of the Hogar Canario Venezolano 2025.

Yotuel Romero and Roldán González of Cuban hip hop group, Orishas performed at the Gala. We first saw them in 2008, in a basket ball court wedged between apartment blocks in Los Realejos - their Hip Hop Conga was the official carnival song that year - and they promised to return then. They also played at the record breaking Daytime Carnival event on Saturday 9 March 2019. 'The group was first called "Amenaza", "threat" or "menace" in Spanish, and appealed to the Cuban youth. The choice of this name for the hip hop group was a way of creating a direct link between the band and the African diaspora.' An appropriate choice then for this year's carnival theme of “Los Secretos de África” (The Secrets of Africa).

Carnival now takes to the streets on Friday, 28 Feb 2025, with it's Opening Parade (time and route here). You can also consult all the Stages, dates and times of all the performances of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025 (in Spanish).

Elizabeth Ledesma Laker, Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025

Elizabeth Ledesma Laker, Reina del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025

Senior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2025

María Julia Bello García receives the sceptre from mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez
Photo: Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

María Julia Bello García [who had been 1st Maid of Honour in 2023] was proclaimed Senior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025, carnival dedicated to "The Secrets of Africa", on Wednesday, with the fantasy "Yo soy Carnaval" (I am Carnival), designed by David Afonso Hernández, representing the dance academy Dile que Sí and Espectáculos Alma Show. The sceptre was presented to her by the mayor of the city, José Manuel Bermúdez, who was accompanied on stage by the Councilor for Festivals, Javier Caraballero, and the president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, during the course of a Gala in which more than 5,400 people enjoyed a show full of music and humour.

Her court is made up of Mª Candelaria de la Rosa, as 1st Maid of Honour, with "Ópera" (Opera), designed by Borja Abreu, representing the City Council of La Laguna; Mª Isabel González, with “Por amor” (For Love), by Antonio Santos, representing Gador Producciones S.L., M. Ascencio Cruz S.L.U. and Espectáculos Bravo Tenerife S.L, as 2nd Maid of Honour; followed as 3rd Maid of Honour by Mª Carmen Perera, with “La leyenda” (The Legend), designed by Juan Carlos Armas, representing Arafo Town Hall, and as 4th Maid of Honour, Blanca Rosa Quintero, with “Contigo” (With You), by Dani and Diana Mena, representing Arona Town Hall.

In addition, several councillors from this capital City Council and representatives from other municipalities on the island were present at this event, in a show that has become, year after year, a draw and meeting point for most senior associations and clubs from all over Tenerife. As for attendance, a huge number of people, mainly elderly people from all corners of Tenerife, made the evening a place of reunion and coexistence at the The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses to witness the show, which lasted two and a half hours, under the direction of Daniel Pages and hosted by Victorio Pérez, in a contest that included musical performances by Pepe Benavente and Lucrecia, and with the collaboration of Panchita and Servando from the Canarian Television program “En otra Clave”.

The jury of the Gala was made up of Cristo Rodríguez Torres, clothing, fashion and leather technician; Rita Calero Cordobés, director of the magazine “Más Mujer” and promoter of the Más Mujer awards; Anamig Francis Amador, costume designer; Marta González Modino, presenter of “Buenos Días, Canarias”, from Canarian Television; Gregorio Arteaga Arteaga, designer and master craftsman of the Carnival; Ruth Benasayag Lecuona, director of the School of Performing Arts “Escuela Lecuona”, psychologist and actress, and María Elena González Ramírez, window dressing technician and Carnival designer.

The Gala served as a framework for the celebration of the Festival of Senior Citizens' Groups, which this year included the participation of the Tegueste Senior Citizens' Association, Con Nuestra Gente Chincanayros, the Antón Guanche Senior Citizens' Association, Rondalla Las Nieves, Volcanes del Teide, Monte Nevado, Las Incansables de Icod and Mayores del 2000, in that order.

Televisión Canaria broadcast the show live for the entire archipelago.

María Julia Bello, elegida Reina de los Mayores del Carnaval de Santa Cruz

María Julia Bello García, Reina de los Mayores del carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, article includes photos of the winner, along with those of her court, plus all of the candidates who entered and a gallery of images from the gala.

VIDEO: Reina de los Mayores del carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife