Carnival in Tenerife
Wednesday, January 31st, 2024
Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The vibrant Carnival of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is a major highlight in Tenerife’s cultural calendar. This annual event is famous for its colourful parades, elaborate costumes, lively music, and enthusiastic celebrations. It is considered the second most important carnival in the world, after Rio de Janeiro.
Key events and dates for 2024
Carnival Queen’s Gala – 7th of February 2024 – Recinto Ferial
The Queen’s Gala, known as the “Gala de la Reina” in Spanish, is held in the Recinto Ferial, the congress and exhibition centre. This gala is dedicated to the crowning of the Carnival Queen, who becomes a central figure in the festivities. The event is known for its extravagant costumes, elaborate stage performances, and fierce competition among participants.
The gala features contestants, who are often professional models or performers, vying for the title of Carnival Queen. They present in a range of incredible costumes, which are usually large, featuring intricate designs, feathers, sequins, and other decorative elements. Designers work for months to create these stunning and often fantastical outfits.
Each year, the Queen’s Gala follows a specific theme that sets the tone for the costumes and performances. Participants and designers interpret the theme in creative and imaginative ways, resulting in a spectacular display of artistic expression. The theme for 2024 is “La Televisión” – television.
A panel of judges evaluates the contestants based on various criteria, including costume design, stage presence, and overall performance. The contestant who best embodies the spirit of the carnival and impresses the judges is crowned as the Carnival Queen.
However, the gala is not only about the competition but also includes entertainment such as musical performances, dance acts, and special presentations that contribute to the overall festive atmosphere.
Opening Parade – Friday – 9th February from 8pm
The Friday before Shrove Tuesday is the day when the carnival arrives in the streets of Santa Cruz. It kicks off with the Opening Parade, also known as the “Gran Cabalgata Anunciadora.” This is a massive street procession featuring a variety of vibrant and thematic floats, dancers, musicians, and performers. The parade winds its way through the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, attracting large crowds of spectators.
Main Parade (Gran Cabalgata) – 13th of February
The main carnival parade, known as the “Gran Cabalgata”, is one of the most spectacular and anticipated events of the entire festival and a must-see event for anyone visiting the island during the carnival season. The parade features a dazzling display of floats, each carefully designed and decorated to fit the theme of the carnival together with thousands of participants in elaborate costumes, representing various characters.
Samba bands, drum ensembles, and other musical performers add to the festive atmosphere by providing lively and energetic music throughout the parade. Dancers, both professional and amateur, showcase traditional and contemporary dance styles. Choreographed routines add flair and entertainment to the procession. The streets come alive with street performers, clowns, and entertainers engaging with the audience along the parade route.
However, the main parade is not just a spectacle to watch; it encourages active participation from the audience. Revellers often join the parade, dancing and celebrating alongside the floats.
Burial of the Sardine – 14th of February, 8pm from Calle Juan Pablo II
The Burial of the Sardine, known as “Entierro de la Sardina” in Spanish, is a humorous and satirical event that marks the end of the carnival. This traditional ritual involves a mock funeral procession for a giant papier-mâché sardine – a symbolic farewell to the indulgent and festive atmosphere of the carnival season.
The giant sardine, adorned with colourful decorations, is paraded through the streets on a float. Participants, often dressed in mourning attire or in quirky and humorous costumes, form a procession to accompany the sardine through the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The procession can include “mourners,” musicians, and performers.
The culmination of the event involves the symbolic burning of the giant sardine. This act represents the end of the carnival festivities and the purification of sins before the start of Lent. The Burial of the Sardine is often accompanied by fireworks and other festivities. This provides a final opportunity for participants and spectators to celebrate before the more reflective period of Lent begins.
Featured image courtesy of Pexels Pixaby
Need accommodation for your stay?
Santa Cruz de Tenerife – Further Information about the City
Carnival de Tenerife – Official Website
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