The Gran Coso Apoteosis is the crowning moment of the Tenerife Carnival — the equivalent of Rio's Sambodrome. Dozens of comparsas (dance groups of 50 to 200 people), illuminated floats, live orchestras, and thousands of participants in thematic costumes parade for 8 hours non-stop down Avenida Mesa y López.
The year's theme (2026: "Ritmos Latinos") sets the tone for everything: each comparsa performs its own vision of the theme with choreography, coordinated costumes, and carefully crafted scenography. The atmosphere is electric, with crowds packed in several layers deep.
- Adult comparsas — professional and semi-professional dance groups
- Children's comparsas — kids in costumes, a highly applauded moment
- Official floats — some featuring pyrotechnic mechanisms
- Live music groups — percussion, brass, Latin rhythms
Arrive 2 hours early to find a standing spot on the closest sidewalks. Paid bleachers offer better visibility but less atmosphere. Dress in costume: those not dressed up are a minority. Bring food and drinks to last 8 hours.
- Avenida Mesa y López, Santa Cruz de Tenerife
- Sidewalks: free — Bleachers: €10–25
- Last Saturday of Carnival
- Start: 5 p.m., ends around 1 a.m.
- Enhanced TITSA buses — avoid driving
- Costume strongly recommended