La Rua established itself in the 1970s-80s, just after the Franco dictatorship, when residents reclaimed the right to take to the streets without special authorization. During Francoism, everything was renamed "winter festivities" to avoid the word "carnival." La Rua remained the parade open to all: no registration needed for many groups, no paid seating, just the crowd on the pavement.
Tuesday is also the day when the streets belong to the chicharreros (residents of Santa Cruz). Tourist buses often leave on Sunday or Monday. The locals stay until dawn.
La Rua, also called the Daytime Carnival, is the great popular parade of Mardi Gras, the highlight of the Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. It's the day when the celebration leaves the platforms to take over the streets: residents and visitors parade freely alongside the comparsas, in a joyful flow of costumes, brass bands, and dancers. Unlike the Gran Coso Apoteosis which follows a fixed route with floats and strict schedules, La Rua has no official end — it continues until dawn.
For several hours, Santa Cruz transforms into a grand open-air stage. The streets vibrate to the rhythm of merengue and Latin percussion, bars spill onto the sidewalks, and groups improvise music between floats. The atmosphere is festive, exuberant, and decidedly inclusive — here, the audience becomes part of the celebration.
Who Can Participate?
Absolutely everyone. The principle is simple: put on a costume, however modest, and join the procession. If you want to join a comparsa as a visitor, approach them during open rehearsals or ask on the day — many will accept extra people on the spot.
Finding Local Costumes
Avoid shops in the tourist center. Real locals go to the group suppliers who sell leftover fabrics and accessories the week before, near Barranco de Santos or in the warehouses of La Salud. Fair prices, quality that lasts the night.
Come on foot or by guagua early on Tuesday. After 8 PM, streets are blocked and taxis can't move. To watch without getting crushed, position yourself near the end of the route, near Plaza de España or on side streets — the crowd is less dense there and you get a better view of the groups arriving.
Bring a small backpack with water, spare shoes, and a light raincoat. La Rua often ends under the morning dew and feet swell quickly.