Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2026

Poster for the Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2026 with the theme
"Nos vamos directos ¡Al Espacio!" (We're going straight to space!)

The streets of Los Cristianos will be transformed from Thursday, March 5th to Monday, March 16th, 2026 into a universe of color, music, fantasy, and joy for all ages. The festivities kick off on Thursday, March 5th with the highly anticipated Carnival Presentation and the unveiling of the candidates for Children's Queen, Senior Queen, and Carnival Queen.

Among the highlights is Saturday, March 7th, with the First Daytime Carnival, a day to enjoy music and a festive atmosphere with family and friends. This event will be followed by the spectacular Carnival Opening Parade; the Comparsa Competition and the Murga and Dance Group festivals; the galas for the election of the Senior, Children's, and Youth Queens; the Inclusion Parade; the irreverent Drag Queen Show of the Carnival; the Family Daytime Carnival; the Grand Carnival Parade; and the Burial of the Sardine.

Their Gran Coso Apoteosis del Carnaval (Carnival Main Parade) will take place on Sunday, 15 March 2025 (Usually starts at around 4 pm from the Paloma Beach apartments in the Avda. Juan Carlos I to the Centro Cultural). The program below is translated direct from Arona town hall's website, so I'm publishing it here in good faith, however, feel I must also include the WARNING that Arona has been known to move the dates at the last minute.

PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Carnival Presentation and Candidates for Children's Queen, Senior Queen, and Carnival Queen

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Carnival Groups Competition

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

First Daytime Carnival

Carnival Opening Parade

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

Murgas Gathering

MONDAY, MARCH 9

Carnival Dance Group Festival

TUESDAY, MARCH 10

Carnival Queen Election Gala

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

Inclusion Parade

Carnival Queen Election Gala for Children

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

Grand Carnival Queen Election Gala

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

Carnival Seniors Ball

Carnival Drag Queen Show

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

Second Daytime Carnival with national and international artists

Family Daytime Carnival with diverse performances, workshops, and children's Carnival activities

Carnival Costume Contest

11th Beach Route At the end of the "Óscar Hernández" awards ceremony for the most original, most horrifying, and most outrageous costumes.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

Classic and Antique Car Show

Grand Carnival Parade

MONDAY, MARCH 16

Burial of the Carnival Sardine

END OF CARNIVAL

This schedule is subject to change

Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos - Arona 2026

Via: WonderfulTenerife, El Periódico del Carnaval

Public Holidays in Tenerife in 2026

The Government of the Canary Islands approved the calendar for 2026. It does not include July 25th, the Feast of St. James the Apostle (patron saint of Spain), as that falls on a Sunday, replacing it with May 30th, Canary Islands Day. Also, December 6, Día de la Constitución Española (Spanish Constitution), which falls on a Sunday, has been replaced with November 2, creating a three-day long weekend.

The the holidays for the Canary Islands in 2026:

• January 1st, Año Nuevo (New Year's Day)
• January 6th, Epifanía del Señor (Epiphany/Three Kings Day)
• April 2nd, Jueves Santo (Holy Thursday)
• April 3, Viernes Santo (Good Friday)
• May 1, Fiesta del Trabajo (Labour Day)
• May 30, Día de Canarias (Canary Islands Day)
• August 15, Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption of the Virgin)
• October 12, Fiesta Nacional de España (National Day of Spain)
• November 2, Todos los Santos (All Saints' Day)
• December 8, Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
• December 25, Natividad del Señor (Christmas Day)

In Tenerife, February 2, the Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria is also a holiday. 

El Gobierno aprueba el calendario laboral de Canarias para 2026

More information: Public holidays in the Canary Islands

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
• 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

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

• 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 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 Cristianos Carnival 2026

Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2026

All dates are subject to changes that are beyond our control

Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos 2025

The poster for the 2025 Los Cristianos International
Carnival, a reflection of the tribute to Venezuela

The Los Cristianos International Carnival 2025, which will be held between 𝟐𝟎 and 𝟑𝟏 of March, has been confirmed with an official poster. The theme is 'Venezuela, a carnival of rhythm, colour and joy' and the Tenerife artist Nareme Melián has created a work that fuses the union between the Canary Islands and Venezuela with easily recognisable images and motifs.

This also clarifies that their Coso Apoteosis (Carnival Main Parade) will be taking place on Sunday, 30 March 2025 (~4 pm from the Paloma Beach apartments in the Avda. Juan Carlos I to the Centro Cultural).

Via: The council's own department of Fiestas Arona

There is a programe for Los Cristianos Carnival 2025, in five languages. You can also download separate PDF versions in English, German, French and Italian. Translated from the program on Arona council's website:

Venezuela, a carnival of rhythm, color, and joy

PROGRAM

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

8:30 PM: Carnival Presentation and Candidates for Junior Queen, Senior Queen, and Carnival Queen. Location: Infanta Leonor Auditorium in Los Cristianos.

FRIDAY, MARCH 21

7:00 PM: Carnival Exhibition Opening by Laly González. Location: Hall of the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre.

9:00 PM: Carnival Group Competition. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

SATURDAY, MARCH 22

6:00 PM: First Daytime Carnival. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

7:00 PM: Carnival Announcing Parade. Route: Playa de Las Américas, from the Gala Shopping Centre on Rafael Puig Lluvina Avenue to Oasis Shopping Centre on Las Américas Avenue.

9:30 PM: Musical performance "Mayelín: Tribute to Celia Cruz."

12:00 AM: Grand Dance with entertainment by the Los Ideales orchestra. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

SUNDAY, MARCH 23

6:00 PM: Murga Group Gathering. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

6:30 PM: Carnival Choreographic Group Festival. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

8:00 PM: Carnival Queen Election Gala. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

10:00 AM: Inclusion Parade. Route: From Trasmallo Promenade (Bahía Shopping Centre), along the Los Cristianos coastal promenade to Pescadora Square.

8:00 PM: Carnival Queen Election Gala for Children. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

8:30 PM: Grand Carnival Queen Election Gala. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

6:00 PM: Carnival Seniors' Ball. Location: Patio of the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre.

8:30 PM: Carnival Drag Queen Show. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

11:30 PM: Grand Dance with entertainment by Sabrosa and Maquinaria Band. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

11:30 PM: DJ Zone with DJ entertainment. Location: Plaza del Pescador (outside the Cultural Centre), Los Cristianos.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29

3:00 PM: Second Daytime Carnival with national and international artists. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

3:00 PM: Family Daytime Carnival with various performances, workshops, and children's Carnival activities. Location: Plaza de la Pescadora and main streets of Los Cristianos.

7:00 PM: Carnival Costume Contest. Location: Plaza de la Pescadora, Los Cristianos.

9:00 PM: 11th Beach Route. At the end, the "Óscar Hernández" awards ceremony will be presented for the most original, horrifying, and outrageous costume. Route: From Plaza de la Pescadora, Plaza de la Alpispa, C/ Juan Reverón Sierra, Av. Los Playeros to Plaza de la Pescador (outside the Cultural Centre), Los Cristianos.

7:00 PM: DJ Zone with local DJs. Location: Plaza del Pescador (outside the Cultural Centre), Los Cristianos.

11:30 PM: Grand dance with entertainment by the Wamampy and Armonía Show bands. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

SUNDAY, MARCH 30

11:00 AM. Classic and Vintage Car Exhibition. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

4:00 PM: Grand Carnival Apotheosis (Carnival Main Parade). Route: From the Paloma Beach Apartments, on Juan Carlos I Avenue, to the Los Cristianos Cultural Centre.

8:00 PM: Grand dance with entertainment by the El Combo Dominicano and Malibu bands. Location: Carnival Grounds (Chajofe Boulevard), Los Cristianos.

MONDAY, MARCH 31

9:00 PM: Burial of the Sardine Carnival Parade. Route: From Plaza del Pescador (Fisherman's Square outside the Cultural Centre) to Los Cristianos Beach.

11:00 PM: Widow's Ball, End of Carnival, with entertainment by Grupo Acorde. Location: Plaza del Pescador (Fisherman's Square outside the Cultural Centre), Los Cristianos.

END OF CARNIVAL

This program is subject to change.

Carnaval Internacional de Los Cristianos - Arona 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

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

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.

La niña Camila Dorta, elegida Reina Infantil del Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife 2025

VIDEO: Santa Cruz de Tenerife ya tiene Reina Infantil del Carnaval 2025

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.