Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: dates, program, and what to expect in 2027

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: dates, program, and what to expect in 2027

The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. It takes place every February or March in the capital of Tenerife, attracts hundreds of thousands of people, and has been officially declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest since 1980. Santa Cruz is twinned with Rio de Janeiro because of it.

This guide covers everything you need to plan a trip to the Tenerife carnival: 2027 official dates, program highlights, the Carnival Queen gala, the record-breaking Celia Cruz concert of 1987, how to get there from the south coast resorts, what to wear, and practical tips for first-timers.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2027 dates (confirmed)

The 2027 edition of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife has been officially moved two weeks later than usual due to logistical reasons (the Recinto Ferial, where the main stage is installed, is occupied by the Children’s Park until 6 January). The confirmed 2027 dates are:

Opening Gala: 22 January 2027 (Recinto Ferial, Santa Cruz)

Main street carnival: 19 to 28 February 2027

Carnival Tuesday (El Coso parade): 23 February 2027 (declared a local public holiday in Santa Cruz)

Burial of the Sardine: 24 February 2027 (Ash Wednesday)

Piñata Weekend (closing celebration): 27 to 28 February 2027

The programme includes about five weeks of galas, competitions, and events, with the most important public events concentrated in the final ten days (19 to 28 February). If you’re travelling from abroad to experience the carnival, aim for the final weekend: Friday 19 February (opening street parade) through Sunday 28 February (Piñata Chica closing).

When is the Carnival of Tenerife? Why the dates change every year

The carnival is tied to the Catholic liturgical calendar, specifically to the date of Easter. Carnival Tuesday (Martes de Carnaval) falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, which means the dates shift by several weeks each year depending on when Easter falls. In 2026 the carnival ran through 22 February. In 2027 it’s 23 February.

For other years: carnival is always in February or early March, never in January (although the opening gala can happen in early January some years, as was originally planned for 2027 before the postponement).

History of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The carnival of Santa Cruz has roots going back centuries, blending European Catholic pre-Lent traditions with influences brought by emigrants and returning Canarians from Cuba and Venezuela (the “Indianos”). During the Franco dictatorship (1939 to 1975) the carnival was officially banned, but it continued clandestinely under the name “Fiestas de Invierno” (Winter Festival). The ban was lifted in 1976 and the carnival exploded in popularity.

Key dates in carnival history:
– 1976: The carnival is officially restored after the dictatorship
– 1980: Declared a Fiesta of International Tourist Interest by the Spanish government
– 1987: Celia Cruz concert enters the Guinness Book of Records
– 2017: La Casa del Carnaval (carnival museum) opens to the public
– 2020: The “Calima” carnival, disrupted by a major Saharan dust storm
– 2027: Dates officially moved due to Recinto Ferial logistics

Each year the carnival adopts an official theme chosen by public vote. Past themes have included Rome (1987, the first themed carnival), Millennial Egypt (1989), The Future (2015), The Deep Sea (2019), The Flirty Fifties (2020), and Television (recent years). The theme inspires the costumes, floats, and the set design at the Recinto Ferial.

The Celia Cruz Guinness World Record of 1987

On 9 March 1987, Cuban salsa legend Celia Cruz performed a free concert in Plaza de España during the Carnival of Santa Cruz, accompanied by Billo’s Caracas Boys and the Sonora Matancera. The concert drew an estimated 250,000 people, making it the largest gathering ever at an outdoor concert in an urban plaza. It entered the Guinness Book of World Records.

Celia Cruz returned multiple times to Tenerife throughout her career. She famously said the island calmed her longing for Cuba. A museum display at La Casa del Carnaval (opened 2017) celebrates the concert. In 2019, over 400,000 people gathered during the Daytime Carnival to hear Juan Luis Guerra, technically surpassing Celia’s record, but without an official Guinness notary present to register it.

The Rod Stewart concert in Copacabana Beach (Rio de Janeiro, 1994) with 3.5 million attendees eventually surpassed the record, but the 1987 Celia Cruz concert is still remembered as one of the most iconic moments in Latin music history.

Main events of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

1. Gala de Elección de la Reina del Carnaval (Carnival Queen Gala). The most famous event. Held at the Recinto Ferial on the Wednesday of the first week. Candidates parade in elaborate costumes that can weigh over 100 kilos and cost tens of thousands of euros. The gowns often need wheels underneath to be moveable, and the candidates train physically for months to carry them. Broadcast live on Televisión Española and Canarian TV. Tickets are required and sell out months in advance.

2. Cabalgata Anunciadora (Opening Parade). The Friday of the first week of street carnival. This is the official start of the street celebrations. Thousands of people in costume fill the streets from Plaza de España up Avenida de Anaga, with music groups, floats, and dancers. Free to watch.

3. El Coso Apoteosis (Grand Finale Parade). The climactic parade on Carnival Tuesday afternoon. Groups, floats, decorated cars, Queens, and thousands of participants march through the city centre for hours. The most spectacular single event of the carnival. Free to watch, but arrive very early for a good spot along the route.

4. Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine). Held on Ash Wednesday, one day after the Coso. A giant papier-mâché sardine (up to 10 metres long) is paraded through the streets accompanied by “widows and widowers” in mourning dress (mostly men in drag for comedy effect). The sardine is burned on a bonfire accompanied by fireworks, symbolising the end of the carnival. One of the most photogenic and unique events of the entire festival.

5. Carnaval de Día (Daytime Carnival). Two Saturdays of all-day street parties with live music, DJ sets, and open-air dancing. This is where the Celia Cruz and Juan Luis Guerra crowd records were set. Huge, packed, party atmosphere.

6. Piñata Chica weekend. The last weekend after Ash Wednesday. A second round of parties, often quieter than the main carnival but still lively. The true closing of the festivities.

Murgas, Comparsas, Rondallas: the carnival music groups

The carnival of Santa Cruz has three main types of competitive music groups, and each has its own competition during the opening galas:

Murgas: Large groups (up to 50 or 60 singers) who perform satirical songs about current political and social topics. The humour is sharp, local, and often brutal about politicians. Chicharreros (locals of Santa Cruz) follow the murga competitions with the same intensity other cities follow football.

Comparsas: Brazilian-style dance groups with feathered costumes, samba rhythms, and large choreographies. The most visually spectacular groups in the parades.

Rondallas: Traditional Canarian string ensembles performing romantic music in vintage costumes. The most classical and melodic of the three.

Tickets to the preliminary and final competitions of each category are available through the official carnival website and sell out fast, especially for the final rounds.

How to get to the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife from the south coast

Most tourists visiting Tenerife stay in the south (Costa Adeje, Playa de las Americas, Los Cristianos) and need to travel north to Santa Cruz for the carnival. Santa Cruz is about 75 km from Costa Adeje, roughly 1 hour by car.

By bus (TITSA): Route 111 is the express direct bus between Costa Adeje and Santa Cruz. Takes about 1 hour. Normal frequency is every 30 minutes, but during carnival nights TITSA runs extra “guagua al carnaval” night services. Fares around €9 to 10 one way with Ten+ card. Check timetables on the TITSA website during carnival week. For general transport info see our public transport guide.

By car: Take the TF-1 motorway northeast. Parking in Santa Cruz during carnival nights is very difficult. Park at the outskirts and walk or take the tram from La Laguna. Drink-driving laws are strict in Spain and enforcement during carnival is heavy. If you drink, don’t drive. See our driving in Tenerife guide.

By organised bus transfer: Several operators run dedicated carnival bus transfers from the south coast during carnival nights. This is the easiest option if you want to drink and not worry about logistics.

By taxi: Around €90 to 110 one way from Costa Adeje to Santa Cruz. Expensive but practical for groups of 3 to 4 people sharing.

Where to stay during the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Santa Cruz and La Laguna hotels book up 6 to 12 months in advance for carnival week. If you’re planning to attend the 2027 carnival, book accommodation in early 2026 at the latest.

Stay in Santa Cruz: Best option if you want to walk to the events. Hotels near Plaza de España and Avenida de Anaga are most convenient. Expect peak-season prices (often 2 to 3 times the normal rate).

Stay in La Laguna: The historic city 10 minutes from Santa Cruz by tram. Quieter than Santa Cruz itself and with beautiful colonial architecture. The tram runs late during carnival.

Stay in Puerto de la Cruz: The main resort on the north coast. 45 minutes by car or bus to Santa Cruz. Puerto has its own smaller (but still lively) carnival, so you can combine both.

Stay in the south (Costa Adeje, Las Americas): Most tourist hotels are here. Cheaper and with the full resort infrastructure, but you’ll need to travel 1 hour to reach the carnival. Best if you’re combining the carnival with a regular beach holiday.

For a full breakdown of areas see our guide on where to stay in Tenerife.

What to wear to the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The unwritten rule: everyone dresses up. Seriously everyone. If you show up in normal clothes you’ll feel out of place. Even the most casual attendees wear at least a wig, a hat, face paint, or a simple costume.

Options from least to most effort:
– Wig + hat + face paint (the bare minimum)
– A themed t-shirt or dress (pirates, hippies, superheroes, anything recognisable)
– A full costume rented or bought at one of the many carnival shops in Santa Cruz that open in the weeks before
– An elaborate group costume coordinated with friends

The official carnival theme (announced months in advance) is a common inspiration but not mandatory. Most locals don’t follow the theme strictly.

Where to buy costumes: Many shops in central Santa Cruz sell costumes and accessories from mid-January. Chinese bazaars (often called “chinos”) have the widest range at the cheapest prices. Main shopping streets around Calle Castillo have more creative options.

Practical tips: Comfortable shoes are a must (you’ll walk many hours). Carnival nights can be cold, bring a light jacket that fits your costume aesthetic. Avoid heavy makeup in warm weather.

Practical tips for first-time visitors

Book accommodation early. Carnival hotels in Santa Cruz are booked months in advance. Don’t leave this until December.

Bring cash. Many street vendors don’t accept cards during the massive street parties.

Use public toilets. The municipality sets up temporary toilets throughout the carnival area. Don’t be that tourist who pees on a wall.

Pickpockets exist. Not dangerous but common in huge crowds. Keep valuables secure and use a front pocket or money belt.

Start early or go late. The big carnival nights start at 10pm but the streets don’t really fill until midnight. The party continues until 6 or 7am. Pace yourself.

Don’t drive. Spanish drink-driving limits are 0.5 g/l blood alcohol (0.25 for new drivers). Just don’t.

Respect the groups. When the comparsas and murgas are performing, don’t block their path or cross their formation.

Learn a few words. “Chicharrero” means a person from Santa Cruz. “Guachinche” is a traditional Canarian eatery. “Guagua” is a bus. “Que viva el carnaval” is always appreciated.

Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife: frequently asked questions

When is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2027?
The opening gala is on 22 January 2027. The main street carnival runs from 19 to 28 February 2027. Carnival Tuesday (El Coso parade) is 23 February 2027.

Is the Carnival of Tenerife free?
Most street events are free: the parades, the Coso, the Burial of the Sardine, the Daytime Carnival, and the general celebrations in Plaza de España and Avenida de Anaga. The gala competitions at the Recinto Ferial (Carnival Queen Gala, Murgas contest, Comparsas contest) require tickets bought in advance through the official carnival website.

How big is the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife?
It’s the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. The 2019 Daytime Carnival drew more than 400,000 people. The 1987 Celia Cruz concert drew 250,000 and entered the Guinness Book of Records.

Where is the main carnival celebrated?
In the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the capital of the island. The main zones are Plaza de España, Avenida de Anaga, the Recinto Ferial (for galas and contests), and the historic centre around Calle Castillo.

Do I need to wear a costume?
Not technically, but almost everyone does. If you don’t, you’ll feel underdressed. Even a wig and face paint is enough to fit in.

What’s the difference between the Santa Cruz carnival and Puerto de la Cruz carnival?
The Santa Cruz carnival is the huge one. Puerto de la Cruz has its own smaller but very lively carnival, which usually happens in the same period. Puerto’s carnival is famous for the “Mascarita Ponte Tacón” (High-Heel Race), a comedic race where men compete in high heels.

Is the Carnival of Tenerife family-friendly?
The Daytime Carnival (Saturdays) and the Coso parade are great for families with kids. The late-night events from midnight onwards are adult-focused with heavy drinking. There’s also a specific Children’s Carnival programme with family-oriented activities.

How do I buy tickets for the Carnival Queen Gala?
Through the official carnival website (carnavaldetenerife.com) when sales open (usually in late December or early January). Tickets sell out within days. Scalper tickets appear on secondary markets but prices are inflated.

Can I visit the Carnival Museum outside of February?
Yes. La Casa del Carnaval opened in 2017 in the historic building of the former Santa Cruz prison. It has permanent exhibits on carnival history, costume displays, the Celia Cruz concert, and interactive multimedia. Open year-round.

What’s the weather like during the carnival?
Santa Cruz in February is mild: daytime temperatures around 18-21°C, night temperatures 14-16°C. Bring a light jacket for night events. Rain is possible but not common. See our Tenerife packing guide.

Visit Tenerife during the 2027 Carnival with CanaryVIP

If you’re combining the Carnival of Santa Cruz with a general Tenerife holiday, CanaryVIP has excursions that cover the rest of the island: Teide tours, whale watching, north coast day trips, and more. Most excursions include hotel pickup from south coast resorts.

For other Tenerife festivals throughout the year, events, and the best time to visit, see our best time to visit Tenerife guide.

Browse all Tenerife excursions

For the complete official programme and ticket sales, visit the official Carnival of Tenerife website.