Carnival de Santa Cruz de Tenerife
One of the largest carnival celebrations in the world, second only to Rio in scale by most estimates — and a genuinely different way to experience the island.
For around two weeks every February (dates shift with the Christian calendar, since Carnival runs up to Ash Wednesday), Santa Cruz de Tenerife transforms into one of the world's biggest street parties. Elaborate costumes, competitive comparsas (dance troupes) and murgas (satirical musical groups), and a Carnival Queen contest with some of the most extravagant costumes anywhere draw hundreds of thousands of visitors and residents alike.
It's not a resort-friendly, curated tourist event — it's a genuine local celebration that tourists are welcome to join, which is part of what makes it worth timing a trip around if you can.
Key things to know
- ✓Dates move every year (tied to the Christian calendar) — check the current year's official dates before booking.
- ✓Accommodation in and around Santa Cruz books out well in advance for Carnival — sort this early.
- ✓The Coso (grand parade) and the burial of the sardine (a symbolic, theatrical funeral procession marking the end of Carnival) are two of the best-known set-piece events.
- ✓Expect genuinely huge crowds in central Santa Cruz — it suits visitors who want an energetic, immersive event rather than a quiet trip.