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The most detailed English language website on the island ...
... the most detailed English language website on the island.

After more than 20 years, posts here will now only be occasional (see why) for big events such as Tenerife Carnaval, so please "Like" and follow our Facebook Page because that's where to see future updates.

Monday, 10 March 2025

Tenerife Carnival Dates for 2026

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

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.

If carnival goes ahead as normal in 2026, these are the dates when it should take place, based on many previous years' timetables. After the inauguration on Friday, 16 January 2026 and the long list of contests (below), Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2026 in the streets should begin on Friday, 13 February 2026, with the Opening Parade and run through to Sunday, 22 February 2026.
 
Everything here is still subject to official confirmation or change. 
  • Friday, 16 January: Inauguration of Carnival 2026
  • Thursday, 22 January: 1st Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
  • Friday, 23 January: 2nd Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
  • Saturday, 24 January: 3rd 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
  • Friday, 30 January: Final of the Murga Contests
  • Saturday, 31 January: Contest of Musical Groups
  • Sunday, 1 February: Gala Election of the Junior Carnival Queen
  • Wednesday, 4 February: Gala of the Senior Carnival Queen
  • Thursday, 5 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
  • Saturday, 14 February: Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas
  • Sunday, 15 February: Daytime Carnaval
  • Monday, 16 February: Carnaval Monday
  • Shrove Tuesday, 17 February: Carnival Main Parade
  • Wednesday, 18 February: Burial of the Sardine
  • Thursday, 19 February: Festival of Rondallas
  • Friday, 20 February: Children's Carnival Parade
  • Saturday, 21 February: Daytime Carnaval
  • Sunday, 22 February: Exhibition and parade of vintage and classic cars, end of carnival party and carnival closes with a firework display
Many of the events can be watched live on CarnavalTVC

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.


Puerto de la Cruz Carnival

  • Thursday 12 February - Election of the Carnival Queen
  • Saturday 14 February - Proclamatory Parade
  • Wednesday 18 February - Burial of the Sardine
  • Friday 20 February - Mascarita Ponte Tacón
  • Saturday 21 February - Main Parade

Los Gigantes Carnival

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 Cristianos Carnival

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 ... 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 been advertised nor reported in the media, so it requires constant manual watching of their site (above) to know.
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Thursday, 27 February 2025

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
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Friday, 21 February 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

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Carnival, from traditional celebration to multi-million dollar business

Crowds at Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 2024

Professor of Tourism at the European University, José Serrano, analyses the impact of Carnival on the economy and tourism at a global level

Carnival is one of the most important cultural and festive events in the world, with a significant impact on tourism and the economy of the regions that celebrate it. Destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Cádiz, Venice or Barranquilla mobilize millions of visitors and generate millionaire income for the tourism, trade and transport sectors. In addition, this festival is an important source of employment, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs in each city where it is celebrated.

"Rio Carnival, for example, attracts more than 1.5 million tourists each year, generating an economic impact of more than 900 million euros. In the case of Tenerife, the economic impact of the event in 2024 was estimated at 39 million euros, with a hotel occupancy of 85.7%," explains José Serrano, professor of Tourism at the European University. "In addition, in Tenerife it is estimated that this festival generates more than 2,000 direct jobs and 5,000 indirect jobs, which is an important boost for the local economy," he adds.

The profile of the Carnival tourist varies depending on the destination. In Brazil, an international public with high purchasing power predominates, while in cities such as Cádiz or Santa Cruz de Tenerife, attendees are mostly national, although with a growing presence of Europeans. "In Tenerife, 35% of attendees are international tourists, which reflects the global appeal of this festival," says Serrano.

In addition to its economic impact, this festival plays a key role in the cultural identity of each region. "The Carnival of Tenerife has a clear influence from the Brazilian one, with spectacular parades and troupes, while in Cadiz the chirigotas and satirical criticism stand out", says the professor from the European University. In both cases, tradition and local creativity make these celebrations a unique tourist attraction.

Likewise, the Carnival fulfils a relevant social function, allowing communities to express their values ​​and demands through music, dance and satire. In many cities, this festivity is the result of centuries of history and cultural evolution, with elements that have been transmitted from generation to generation. In addition, the costumes, crafts and musical genres associated with the Carnival reinforce the sense of belonging and identity of the population, becoming representative symbols of each destination.

The rise of social networks has contributed to the expansion of the Carnival as a global phenomenon. "Platforms such as Instagram and TikTok have allowed millions of people to discover and become interested in these events. The hashtag #CarnavalTenerife has exceeded 50 million views, which translates into an increase in visitors," the expert points out.

However, overcrowding also poses challenges. "The challenge for organisers is to balance the growth of tourism with the conservation of the cultural essence. Sustainability is key to ensuring that this celebration continues to be an economic driver without losing its authenticity," concludes José Serrano. To achieve this, measures such as capacity control, efficient waste management and the promotion of decentralised events can be implemented. The professor of Tourism at the European University believes that "limiting access to certain areas may be necessary in some cases to avoid overcrowding and guarantee an optimal experience for attendees." To which he adds that, "Carnival is a reflection of the cultural identity of each city and proper management can turn it into a sustainable and enriching tourist engine for residents and visitors."

«El carnaval, de fiesta tradicional a negocio millonario», por José Serrano

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Tuesday, 18 February 2025

Junior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2025

Camila Dorta Díaz, Junior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2025

Santa Cruz de Tenerife has elected the first of its carnival queens, as Camila Dorta Díaz was chosen on Sunday (16 February) as the Junior Queen of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025, during the gala directed by Daniel Pagés, held at the Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses. Her costume, entitled “Tritsch ¿Tocamos? o Trastsh ¿Croamos?” (Tritsch Shall we play? or Trastsh Shall we croak?), designed by Santi Castro, representing Icadepro, managed to win the royal sceptre that she received from the hands of the mayor of Santa Cruz, José Manuel Bermúdez, accompanied by the outgoing queen, Sofía Rodríguez.

Making up her court, the first maid of honour was Cinthya Pérez, with “Con doña Tecla hemos topado” (With Mrs. Key we have stumbled upon), designed by Alexis Santana, and representing Grupo Campocha; Samantha Crespo is second maid of honour, with the design entitled “Atlántida” (Atlantis), designed by Noé González, and representing Asesousa, Construcciones Buzanada, and Infantilmónica Triqui Traquitos; As third maid of honour, Dafne Mendoza, with “¿Has visto alguna vez…?" (Have you ever seen…?), designed by Daniel Mena, and representing D2 Outfits; and the last of the maids of honour, the fourth, fell to Aliana Hernández, with the costume “Bienvenida, estamos encantados" (Welcome, we are delighted), which was designed by José Ángel Ramos, and representing Roots.

The jury that chose the Junior Queen of the Carnival and her court was made up of Teresa de Jesús Jerónimo Hernández, music teacher at the Conservatory; Juana María Brito de León, director of the news program Buenos Días Canarias on Televisión Canaria; Nuria Bilbao Aragón, art historian specialized in Carnival; Sobeida Gómez Rodríguez, model, actress, choreographer and dancer; Teresa Hernández Quesada, textile technician and dressmaker; Inés Herrera González, coordinator of the tailoring department of the Tenerife Auditorium; and Aron Morales Pérez, author of the 2024 carnival poster and design and illustration technician.

The staff of the Autonomous Organization of Festivals and Recreational Activities (OAFAR) acted as secretary, with Ladislao C. Saavedra García-Arango as notary of the act appointed by the Illustrious College of Notaries of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Televisión Canaria broadcast this show live for the entire Canary Islands.



Camila Dorta Díaz with “Tritsch ¿Tocamos? o Trastsh ¿Croamos?” (Tritsch Shall we play? or Trastsh Shall we croak?), designed by Santi Castro, representing Icadepro.
Photos: Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

The Senior Carnival Queen 2025 will be chosen on Wednesday, 19 February and the Gala Election of the Carnival Queen, takes place the following Wednesday, 26 February. The carnival Opening Parade is on Friday, 28 February and the Carnival Main Parade in the afternoon of Shrove Tuesday, 4 March.
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Friday, 31 January 2025

Tenerife Carnival Dates for 2025

The 2025 Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival poster was designed by Nigerian artist REWA, the first African woman to design a poster for the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival. 

Searching for information on the Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Tenerife Carnival or Karneval Teneriffa 2025 then you've come to the right place.

It has been confirmed that Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025 will take place between 31 January and 9 March and the theme of the carnival in 2025, chosen by online voting, will be 'Secrets of Africa'. After the inauguration on Friday, 31 January 2025 and the long list of contests (below), Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival 2025 in the streets is scheduled to begin on Friday, 28 February 2025, with the Opening Parade and run through to Sunday, 9 March 2025.

Stages, dates and times of all the performances in the streets and square of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025 (in Spanish).
 
Everything here is still subject to official confirmation or change. 
Many of the events can be watched live on CarnavalTVC


Puerto de la Cruz Carnival

  • Thursday 27 February - Election of the Carnival Queen
  • Saturday 1 March - Proclamatory Parade
  • Wednesday 5 March - Burial of the Sardine
  • Friday 7 March - Mascarita Ponte Tacón
  • Saturday 8 March - Main Parade

Los Gigantes Carnival

The start of carnival in Los Gigantes is usually on the Friday ten days after Shrove Tuesday, which would be on Friday 14 March 2025. Their Carnival Main Parade is usually held in the afternoon of the Sunday, which would be 16 March 2025.

Los Cristianos Carnival

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 ... 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 been advertised nor reported in the media, so it requires constant manual watching of their site (above) to know.

UPDATE: Los Cristianos Carnival 2025 (according to Arona council's website, as of 27 February 2025), will run from 20 March until 31 March, with their Coso Apoteosis (Carnival Main Parade) taking place on Sunday, 30 March 2025 (usually starts about 4 pm from the Paloma Beach apartments in the Avda. Juan Carlos I to the Centro Cultural). Los Cristianos Carnival 2025 has an 80s theme.

WE ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY CHANGES THAT MAY OCCUR.
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Wednesday, 31 July 2024

Public Holidays in Tenerife in 2025


The Government of the Canary Islands has purportedly already approved the 2025 calendar and these are the holidays for the Canary Islands in 2025:

  • January 1 - Año Nuevo (New Year)
  • January 6 - Epifanía del Señor (Epiphany / Three Kings Day)
  • April 17 - Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)
  • April 18 - Viernes Santo (Good Friday) 
  • May 1 - Fiesta del Trabajo (Worker's Day)
  • May 30 - Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day)
  • October 12 - Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day of Spain)
  • November 1 - Todos los Santos (All Saints)
  • December 6 - Día de la Constitución Española (Spanish Constitution)
  • December 8 - Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
  • December 25 - Natividad del Señor (Christmas Day)

In addition to the general holidays, island holidays corresponding to each island are added, which in Tenerife is usually February 2 - Virgen de la Candelaria (Candlemas), however, in 2025 that date already falls on a Sunday. 

One usual date is missing from the list above, August 15 - Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption of the Virgin). We await confirmation on its fate.

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Monday, 18 March 2024

Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 2024

Corina Mrazek González, Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2024
More images from the Gala de la Reina del Carnaval

2024 Carnival Poster
Santa Cruz de Tenerife chose it's new Carnival Queen for 2024 at the Gala which took place at the Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses on the evening of Wednesday, 7 Feb 2024, ahead of carnival taking to the streets on Friday, 9 Feb 2024. Corina Mrazek González was elected queen, in a design by Santi Castro - who won for the third consecutive year - entitled El Mundo (The World), representing Centro Comercial Añaza-Carrefour (Añaza Shopping Centre).

Her court was made up as follows: 

  • 1st Maid of Honour: Lucía Hernández Alonso, with the fantasy El nacimiento de Venus (The Birth of Venus), designed by Alexis Santana, representing McDonald's and El Día-La Opinión de Tenerife
  • 2nd Maid of Honour: Ankirian Idariana Marcano Cartagena, with Euforia, by Jorge González Santana, representing Arona Council
  • 3rd Maid of Honour: Nancy González Bethencor, with the design Juana de Arco (Joan of Arc), by Juan Carlos Armas, and representing Dormitorum and El Gusto Por El Vino
  • 4th Maid of Honour: Rosalva Morales Benítez, with the fantasy Zibá, by Cristian Santana, and representing Repsol Grupo González Canarias

The Queen and her court did not disappoint the 5,000 people gathered for the gala with spectacular designs that came to life on a large stage dedicated to television. The mayor, José Manuel Bermúdez, together with the Queen of 2023, Adriana Peña, presented the sceptre to the new sovereign, while the Councillor of Fiestas, Javier Caraballero, awarded the maids of honour. 

The gala had a great opening, with almost a thousand people on stage, led by the actor and comedian Aarón Gómez, who took the spectators through a Broadway-style musical tour, in which there was no shortage of nods to emblematic television programs. Memories in full colour that gave way to the masters of ceremony, Eloísa González and Elvis Sanfiel, who introduced the members of the jury.

Faces among which Bárbara Rey, actress and presenter, stood out; Arón Morales, illustrator and winner of the 2024 Carnival Poster; Héctor León, film and theatre costume designer; Alberto Dugarte, director of makeup, film and television hairdressing; Alejandro Tosco, graduate in Fine Arts and president of the Círculo de Bellas Artes de Tenerife; Patricia Yurena Rodríguez, Miss Spain 2008; Nieves Bravo, actress of the program En Otra Clave on Canarian Television; Desirée Hernández, presenter of the program 25 Grados on Canarian Television; Marlene Mourreau, actress and vedette; Jorge Moreno, journalist for the Telecinco program Fiesta; Tania Betancor, director of the Tania Betancor Clinic, and Roberto Herrera, director of the Cerca de Ti program on TVE in the Canary Islands.

Galería de Imágenes (Gallery of images from Carnival 2024)
Gala Reina Adulta | S/C de Tenerife 2024 (Full Carnival Queen Gala)
Ritmo y Armonia | S/C de Tenerife 2024 (Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas)

VIDEO: Santa Cruz de Tenerife elige a su reina, Corina Mrazek González
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Tuesday, 20 February 2024

The Moving Target of Los Cristianos Carnival

Fantasy moving target that exists for real in Arona

Easter, Lent and thus the dates of carnival that precedes it, are movable feasts on the Christian Liturgical calendar. At Arona Council, this tips over into the realms of moving target and even outright fantasma. I'd dearly wanted to come up with a "magic formula" for calculating the dates of carnival in Los Cristianos (as I've done with the other big carnivals on the island) - and given the demand for information and visits to posts about Los Cristianos Carnival - I think you'd like me to, too.

So after translating the program back in 2009, I thought I'd go through the archives to see if a pattern would emerge that would allow us to arrive at a method to predict when these fiestas would take place each year, but, sadly, it didn't work.

Dates of Los Cristianos Carnival Main Parade through the years:


Taking the dates of Shrove Tuesday (the most reliable point in the carnival calendar) and the dates of the main parade of Los Cristianos Carnival (the event that is probably of most interest to visitors) over the previous few years, I plotted how many days there were between the two dates. In the distant past, the Los Cristianos carnaval main parade had always taken place 12 days after Shrove Tuesday. 

Some delay is understandable, as fairground attractions, food stalls, etc., have to be dismantled and moved from the north of the island and rebuilt in the south.

But then they went and mucked things up, by making it a week later, with the main parade 19 days after Shrove Tuesday instead. Even worse, it has since been moved forward by a further week to make a gap of 26 days and then even as much as 33 days. New events are being added to their schedule every year; some of the events that used to take place mid-week have been moved to weekends and the length of the carnival is longer than it used to be, so it just isn't possible to predict.

The Gran Coso Apoteósico del Carnaval (The Main Parade) always happens on the final Sunday from around 4 pm from the Paloma Beach apartments in the Avda. Juan Carlos I to the Centro Cultural de Los Cristianos and the last carnival event tends to be the next day, on the Monday night: the Burial of the Sardine, followed by the Widow's Ball. You still need to know when it begins, let alone when it ends.

Arona Council published the dates for 2023, but originally, used the wrong year's calendar. So I contacted them and asked if they were sure, because I didn't think they meant to infer that their main parade could be on a Monday. Eventually, the penny dropped, they updated their calendar and confirmed the dates to me. In mid-February, I checked and found that the whole thing had been moved a week. 

Again for carnival 2024, I checked in late 2023 and was pleasantly surprised that there were dates published on the calendar of fiestas on their official council website and, in good faith, added those dates to my post and promoted them. Went back to the official council website calendar again just a couple of weeks before the carnival should start, which shouldn't even be necessary, and found that Arona had, once again, moved the whole thing on a week. Seething does not begin to cover it.

Of course many thousands of people who live in the area go to the carnival and the tourists that just happen to be around, may, possibly, accidentally get to hear about it, but surely, it's common sense that if people were able to plan this would attract those who really want to be there who are more likely to contribute to the local economy? Are Arona really totally unaware that people might have booked flights, holidays, etc., on purpose to come to their carnival? People who, if they change the dates, will be disappointed, or out of pocket? Honestly, it makes me angry on your behalf, because I think it shows an arrogant level of contempt for visitors. 

Still, dates and details for 2015 came just 2 days before it began! We try to update each year, but, as you can see by the time we can be sure, it's always too late.
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Thursday, 1 February 2024

Senior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2024

María Isabel García García is Senior Carnival Queen 2024
Photo: Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

María Isabel García García was chosen as the Queen of the Senior Citizens of Santa Cruz Carnival 2024, during the Gala held at The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses on Wednesday (31 Jan), and in which eight candidates took part. Her costume entitled, "Marzo del 33" (March of 33), a work by Dani Mena, the winner represents the Tourist Board of Arona City Council.

The court of honour was completed by María Teresa Antonia Lavers Pérez, with "Parábola de Amor" (Parable of Love), designed by Juliana Serrano and representing the Puerto de la Cruz City Council; María del Carmen Díaz Miranda, with "Frenesí" (Frenzy), designed by Antonio Santos and representing Cuchi Transport and Cranes; María Mercedes Hernández González, with "Quiéreme" (Love me), designed by the Cultural Association of the Nira Carnival and representing Gestión y Servicios Belvedere Fran y Rosi Autobar; and fourth maid of honour Mercedes Hernández García, with the fantasy "Encanto" (Charm), designed by Alfonso Baute and representing the Town Hall of La Villa de La Orotava.

A total of 3,500 spectators came to see the show, which lasted two and a half hours. Under the direction of Daniel Pages and hosted by Petite Lorena and David García, the Gala included musical performances by Pepe Benavente and Azúcar Moreno.

The jury was made up of María Luisa González Álvarez, IASS staff and former photographer of the newspaper for seniors Ansina; Maria José Cámara Cabeza, presenter and commentator on Canarias Radio; Beatriz Galván de la Rosa, textile designer and co-founder of the Tipomedia Design Studio; Héctor Iván Díaz García (Iván Retamas), illustrator; and Paula Plaza Moreno, PhD in Fine Arts and teacher.

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

Televisión Canaria broadcast the show live for the entire Archipelago.


María Isabel García García, reina de los Mayores del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife, with photos and videos of the winner, her court and the other entrants.


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Monday, 29 January 2024

Junior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz 2024

Sofía Rodríguez Navarro, Junior Carnival Queen in Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2024
Photo: Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Sofía Rodríguez Navarro was chosen as the Children's Queen of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2024, during the gala held at The Tenerife International Centre for Trade Fairs and Congresses on Sunday, 28 Jan. Her costume, entitled “Mi Ratito Favorito” (My Favourite Moment) and designed by Alexis Santana, represents the Golden Mile of Playa de Las Américas.

The four maids of honour who form her court are, in this order: first maid of honour, Paula Alayón Mesa, with “Mientras las estrellas brillen” (While the stars shine), designed by David Afonso and representing Betali Canarias SL Espectáculos Alma Show; second, Naisha Kripalani Dhankani with “La suerte la traigo yo” (I bring luck), designed by Jonathan Suárez and representing HOMEBIENCE S.L, LOS CRISTIANOS Y LAS AMERICAS / B ON THE ROCKS / TANDAOORI HUT / MINT FLAVOURS OF INDIA; Third maid of honour, Valentina Siverio Gil with the fantasy “Entre juegos y garabatos mis mascotas se divierten un rato” (Between games and scribbles my pets have fun for a while), a design by Ruyman Pérez Jorge and representing Carmotor; and fourth maid of honour, Ainhoa ​​Rodríguez Adrián with “Mi ticket dorado” (My golden ticket), a design by Jorge González Santana and representing the insurance brokerage Broker Mediterráneo.

The jury that chose the Children's Queen and her four Maids of Honour was made up of Pedro Raidel Remedios González, plastic artist, painter and creator; Antonio José Hernández Hernández, journalist and presenter of Televisión Canaria; Agustín Jesús Quintero Gutiérrez, character of the Carnival “El Sombrerero Loco” (The Mad Hatter); Lucía Jerez Rodríguez, theatre actress; Sandra de la Rosa Pérez, graduate in Fine Arts in the specialty of Design and teacher; María Julia Castro González, president of ARTEFE, Association of Artisans of Santa Cruz, and Paula Hernández Hernández, designer specialising in making Carnival trophies. The staff of the Autonomous Organization of Festivals and Recreational Activities (OAFAR) acted as secretary, with voice but no vote, with Ladislao C. Saavedra García-Arango as notary, appointed by the Illustrious College of Notaries of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Televisión Canaria broadcast the show live for the entire Canary Islands.


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Monday, 8 January 2024

Six Fantastic Free Walking Tours in Tenerife

Six Fantastic Free Tours in Tenerife

ADVERTISMENT: These tours don't have to cost you anything whatsoever. They ask you to "pay as you feel", which is like leaving a tip and allows you to give only what you can afford. These are affiliate links and the company do pay me £1 to introduce us. This does not cost you anything.

Everything is expensive these days, but that doesn't have to be the reason for staying in your hotel or resort with this selection of six free activities in Tenerife.

  1. Santa Cruz de Tenerife Free Tour: Learn how Santa Cruz de Tenerife was not always the capital of the island, that under its main square are the remains of an old castle, and many other fascinating facts when you take this fantastic walking tour.
  2. La Laguna Free Tour: Discover the city in northern Tenerife with this La Laguna Free Tour. This walking tour is an ideal way to get to know its history and main points of interest.
  3. Free Walking Tour of La Orotava: Join us on a trip back to the 15th century and explore old colonial houses and the history of the Guanche Indigenous peoples on our Free Walking Tour of La Orotava. Stroll through the historic centre of this charming town and learn all about its past.
  4. Icod de los Vinos Free Tour: If you're in Tenerife and you want to get to know its must-see places, this free tour of Icod de los Vinos is perfect for you. We'll explore this beautiful town in the northwest of the island.
  5. Free Walking Tour of Garachico: An old commercial port, colonial history and a rich architectural heritage await on our Free Walking Tour of Garachico. We'll stroll through the historic centre of one of the most beautiful towns in Tenerife and learn all about its history.
  6. Buenavista del Norte Free Tour: On this free tour of Buenavista del Norte we'll discover the charms of this beautiful town located on the north coast of the island of Tenerife.

See all the available activities in Tenerife

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