26 May 2026
The Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is the second largest carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro. In 2027, it promises to be spectacular: the inaugural season kicks off on January 22, 2027 with the official opening night, and festivities continue until mid-March with the Burial of the Sardine. If you're planning a trip to Tenerife in January or February 2027, this guide gives you everything you need to make the most of the event.
The carnival isn't just a tourist attraction. It's a celebration deeply rooted in Canarian culture, prepared months in advance by hundreds of local groups — murgas, comparsas, cuartetos — who have been rehearsing their choreography and sewing their costumes since autumn. Watching it while understanding what you're seeing transforms the experience entirely.
The official program is published each autumn by Santa Cruz municipality. Based on the liturgical calendar (Ash Wednesday 2027 falls on March 10), here are the preview key dates:
Exact dates will be confirmed at carnavaldetenerife.es in September–October 2026. Follow our events calendar for updates.
The Queen Gala is the most visually spectacular event. Each candidate parades in a monumental costume — sometimes over 5 metres tall and weighing dozens of kilos — crafted by local artisans. Galas last 5 to 6 hours. Entry is ticketed (from €20 in general seating). Book online as soon as tickets go on sale in December.
Learn more about the tradition: Queen Gala — cultural guide.
One of the most anticipated events on the world carnival calendar: spectacular performances blending dance, political satire and costumes as elaborate as the Queen Gala. A different atmosphere — more irreverent, more festive. Also held at the Recinto Ferial on Saturday evening.
The Saturday evening Grand Parade is the most-attended free public event. Dozens of comparsas (dance groups in coordinated costumes) and murgas (satirical musical groups) parade along the Avenida de Anaga and Plaza de España for 4 to 5 hours. Claim your spot early: pavements fill up by 6 pm for a parade that typically starts at 8 pm.
The Shrove Tuesday procession is less formal than the Gran Coso — anyone can join, in costume or not. The atmosphere is more relaxed and festive. This is often the favourite evening for visitors on a short stay.
Learn more about the Rua from the inside: The Carnival Rua — cultural guide.
About a week after Ash Wednesday, Santa Cruz holds its own spring carnival, the Enterramiento de la Sardina. A mock funeral procession carries a giant papier-mâché fish through the streets, mourned by "widows" in funeral attire (who are actually men dressed as women). Ends with a fireworks display over the harbour. Free entry, and often more accessible than the main week evenings.
On February 19 and 28, 2027, carnival takes to the streets in full sunshine. Less nocturnal and more family-friendly, the Carnaval de Día still draws hundreds of thousands of people. Spaces are more open than at night. Sunscreen essential, hat recommended.
Murgas are groups of 25 to 50 musicians performing satirical songs about the year's political events. They rehearse for months. Most lyrics are in Spanish, but the energy and the crowd's reactions speak for themselves. The concursos (competitions) at the Recinto Ferial run throughout the second half of January: paid entry, good acoustics, intense local atmosphere.
For the full cultural context: Tenerife Carnival — complete cultural guide.
For the main week (late February–early March 2027), accommodation in Santa Cruz often sells out by September. Alternatives:
Central Santa Cruz car parks are unusable on gala evenings. Options:
| Item | Free | Paid (range) |
|---|---|---|
| Gran Coso Apoteosis | ✅ | — |
| Shrove Tuesday Rua | ✅ | — |
| Carnaval de Día | ✅ | — |
| Burial of the Sardine | ✅ | — |
| Queen Election Gala | — | €20–80 |
| Drag Queen Gala | — | €20–60 |
| Murgas competition | — | €8–20 per evening |
The Puerto de la Cruz carnival (northern Tenerife) runs simultaneously with Santa Cruz, but in a far more intimate setting. Parades run along Parque Taoro and the seafront. Strongly recommended if you're travelling with young children or prefer to avoid the dense crowds of central Santa Cruz.
The Tenerife Carnival 2027 promises to be an exceptional edition. Whether you come for the Queen Gala, the free parades or simply the atmosphere of the whole island in celebration, a little preparation guarantees a stress-free experience — and lasting memories.