Official Carnival Guide: Dates, Hotels, Attractions & Tips for Tenerife 2026
Every year in winter, the island of Tenerife awakens to a completely different life. The streets fill with colors, sounds, glitter, and costumes, creating the feeling that you’ve stepped into a dreamlike world where there are no rules – except one: to celebrate. The Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is considered one of the largest and most impressive in the world, alongside Rio de Janeiro, attracting not only residents of the Canary Islands but also tens of thousands of visitors from all over the globe.
In 2026, the carnival takes place from January 16 to February 22, under the theme “Ritmos Latinos”.
Tenerife is famous for its breathtaking landscapes, attractions for all ages, and luxurious hotels – but Tenerife without the carnival simply isn’t Tenerife.
The carnival is held mainly in the northern cities of Puerto de la Cruz and Santa Cruz, where it’s highly recommended to book your stay (you can search for hotels here).
✈️ Want to experience the Tenerife Carnival and wondering how to get there?
👉 Find all the details about flights to Tenerife here.
🏨 Where to stay during the Tenerife Carnival?
The most recommended hotels during the carnival are located in the northern part of the island, especially in Puerto de la Cruz.
🎭 Carnival Events in Santa Cruz de Tenerife – 2026
🔹 Friday, 13 February – Opening Parade (Santa Cruz)
📍 Main streets of Santa Cruz
✨ The carnival kicks off with a colorful and spectacular parade filled with costumes, music, and dancing that brings the city into a true festive atmosphere.
🔹 Saturday, 14 February – Rhythm and Harmony Comparsas (Santa Cruz)
📍 Avenida de Anaga
✨ A vibrant competition of rhythm and dance between the comparsas groups, with dazzling costumes, drums, and Cuban-Latin dances.
🔹 Sunday, 15 February – Daytime Carnaval (Santa Cruz)
📍 City center
✨ A huge family celebration with live performances, music stages, street food, and entertainment all day long.
🔹 Monday, 16 February – Carnaval Monday (Santa Cruz)
📍 City squares and center
✨ A night of street parties, concerts, and dancing until dawn – the biggest celebration of the week.
🔹 Tuesday, 17 February – Carnival Main Parade (Santa Cruz)
📍 Along Avenida de Anaga
✨ The highlight of the carnival – the grand parade with hundreds of participants, giant floats, and extravagant costumes.
🔹 Wednesday, 18 February – Burial of the Sardine (Santa Cruz)
📍 From city center to the waterfront
✨ A satirical and symbolic ending of the carnival – a humorous parade featuring the “sardine’s funeral,” ending with its burning accompanied by music and theatrical crying.
🔹 Thursday, 19 February – Festival of Rondallas (Santa Cruz)
📍 City squares and venues
✨ A traditional evening with local musical ensembles performing unique Canarian classical-folk songs.
🔹 Friday, 20 February – Children’s Carnival Parade (Santa Cruz)
📍 City center
✨ A colorful costume parade for children – the little ones take the stage in vibrant outfits, full of joy and energy.
🔹 Saturday, 21 February – Daytime Carnaval (Santa Cruz)
📍 City squares and center
✨ Another daytime street celebration – with food stalls, live music, parties, and plenty of colorful costumes.
🔹 Sunday, 22 February – Exhibition and Parade of Vintage and Classic Cars + Fireworks (Santa Cruz)
📍 Streets of Santa Cruz + the waterfront
✨ A display of classic vintage cars, a massive closing party, and a grand fireworks show that concludes the official carnival.
🎭 Carnival Events – Puerto de la Cruz 2026
🔹 Thursday, 12 February 2026 – Election of the Carnival Queen
📍 City Center / Main Square
✨ A glamorous and powerful evening where the Carnival Queen is crowned, featuring dazzling costumes, performances, and a colorful stage show.
🔹 Saturday, 14 February 2026 – Proclamatory Parade
📍 Main streets of Puerto de la Cruz
✨ A festive and colorful parade through the city – floats, music, dancing, and a true holiday atmosphere.
🔹 Wednesday, 18 February 2026 – Burial of the Sardine
📍 Promenade by the beach or nearby square/harbor
✨ A satirical and symbolic ceremony where a “giant sardine” is carried in procession, ending with a dramatic event (such as its burning or a show around it).
🔹 Friday, 20 February 2026 – Mascarita Ponte Tacón
📍 Main streets, especially Plaza del Charco
✨ A unique and hilarious event – men in costumes wearing high heels parade and compete along the city streets.
🔹 Saturday, 21 February 2026 – Main Parade
📍 Main streets of Puerto de la Cruz
✨ The highlight of the local carnival – the grand parade with large floats, music, dancers, and an explosion of festive street joy.
Anaga Park – Hiking trails through a lush, mysterious rainforest with breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
Loro Parque – One of the most impressive zoos in the world, featuring dolphin and orca shows, as well as thousands of rare animals.
Skip the line with tickets that include free cancellation – available here.
Flamenco Show – An unforgettable evening of Spanish music, guitars, and passionate dancing in an authentic atmosphere.
Tickets can be purchased in advance here (available only on specific dates, with limited seating). – available here.
Santa Cruz Old Town Tour – A walking tour through charming alleys, colorful street art, local food stalls, and live music.
Las Teresitas Beach – A golden sandy beach with calm, clear waters, perfect for a relaxing day in the Canary Island sun.
