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

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

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.

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.

 

Everything here is still subject to official confirmation or change. 

• Friday, 31 January: Inauguration of Carnival 2025
• Thursday, 6 February: 1st Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Friday, 7 February: 2nd Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Saturday, 8 February: 3rd Phase of the Junior Murgas Contest
• Sunday, 9 February: Festival of Choreographed Groups
• Monday, 10 February: 1st Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Tuesday, 11 February: 2nd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Wednesday, 12 February: 3rd Phase of the Adult Murga Contest
• Friday, 14 February: Final of the Murga Contests
• Saturday, 15 February: Contest of Musical Groups
• Sunday, 16 February: Gala Election of the Junior Carnival Queen
• Wednesday, 19 February: Gala of the Senior Carnival Queen
• Thursday, 20 February: Comedy Song Contest
• Saturday, 22 February: Comparsas Contest
• Sunday, 23 February: Costume Contest and the Rondallas Contest
• Tuesday, 25 February: Los Fregolinos Concert
• Wednesday, 26 February: Gala Election of the Carnival Queen
• Thursday, 27 February: Festival of Zarzuela
• Friday, 28 February: Opening Parade
• Saturday, 1 March: Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas
• Sunday, 2 March: Daytime Carnaval
• Monday, 3 March: Carnaval Monday, includes Dragnaval 2025, Drag Queen Gala, from 9 pm in the Plaza de la Candelaria.
• Shrove Tuesday, 4 March: Carnival Main Parade
• Wednesday, 5 March: Burial of the Sardine
• Thursday, 6 March: Festival of Rondallas
• Friday, 7 March: Children's Carnival Parade
• Saturday, 8 March: Daytime Carnaval
• Sunday, 9 March: 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

Thirty years ago: Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival Queen 1995

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 5 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.