The Carnival of Tenerife 2025 is approaching and promises to be one of the most spectacular editions in history. Every year, Santa Cruz de Tenerife transforms into a vibrant stage full of color, music, and costumes where locals and tourists celebrate the second largest carnival in the world, surpassed only by Rio de Janeiro.
If you want to experience it to the fullest, learn about its history, key events, and get the best tips to enjoy it like a true local from Tenerife, this is the most complete guide you will find. Let’s get started!
🎭 History of the Carnival of Tenerife: Over 500 Years of Tradition
The Carnival of Tenerife has deep roots dating back over 500 years. Since colonial times, the people of Tenerife have celebrated this festival with masked dances and costumes. During Franco’s dictatorship (1936-1975), the carnival was banned, but in Tenerife it remained alive under the name “Winter Festivals.”
In 1980, UNESCO declared it a Festival of International Tourist Interest, cementing its global importance. Today, the carnival attracts more than 250,000 people each year, and its popularity continues to grow.
📅 Official Dates of the Carnival of Tenerife 2025
For 2025, these are the key dates according to RTVC:
- 📍 January 17 → Presentation of the Candidates for Carnival Queen
- 📍 January 24 → Carnival Inauguration
- 📍 January 29 → Children’s Queen Selection Gala
- 📍 January 31 → Carnival Queen Selection Gala
- 📍 February 7 → Announcement Parade (a parade that marks the official start in the streets)
- 📍 February 11 → Coso Apoteosis (the grand main parade)
- 📍 February 12 → Burial of the Sardine (a satirical event symbolizing the end of the carnival)
- 📍 February 15 → Daytime Carnival (one of the most anticipated celebrations)
- 📍 February 16 → Last Day of Celebrations
👉 Tip: If you plan to attend, book your accommodation months in advance. Hotels in Santa Cruz fill up quickly.
🎊 Main Events of the Carnival of Tenerife 2025
Each year, the carnival has an official theme (in 2025, it will be “Artificial Intelligence”). But beyond the theme, there are events that you cannot miss:
👑 Carnival Queen Selection Gala
One of the most anticipated moments. Each candidate parades in spectacular costumes weighing up to 200 kg, adorned with feathers and glitter. An event broadcast on television and followed by millions.
🎭 Announcement Parade
The carnival “invades” Santa Cruz with floats, groups, and thousands of costumed people. Here begins the real street party, which lasts until dawn.
🏆 Murgas and Comparsas Competitions
- Murgas are groups that perform satirical songs about politics and current events.
- Comparsas combine dance and percussion in the Brazilian style.
Both competitions are key to the essence of the carnival.
🌞 Daytime Carnival vs. Nighttime Carnival
- 🎶 Daytime Carnival → Ideal for families and tourists. Live music, parades, and a more relaxed festive atmosphere.
- 🌙 Nighttime Carnival → A limitless party. Thousands of people in the streets dancing until dawn with orchestras and DJs.
🎭 Coso Apoteosis
The most spectacular parade of the carnival. The comparsas, floats, and queens traverse the city in an event full of color and joy.
⚰️ Burial of the Sardine
A satirical event where a large cardboard sardine is burned, symbolizing the end of the carnival with a touch of humor and dramatization.
👗 Costumes and Comparsas: The Magic of Creativity
If there’s something that defines the Carnival of Tenerife, it’s the costumes. Here, there are no rules:
✔️ Extravagant and eye-catching costumes.
✔️ Fun group themes.
✔️ Improvised yet original options.
📌 Tip: Don’t go without a costume! Even if it’s just a mask or an accessory. Dressing up is part of the experience.
🎯 Tips to Fully Enjoy the Carnival of Tenerife 2025
1️⃣ Arrive early to the main events. The streets fill up quickly.
2️⃣ Wear a comfortable costume. You’ll be dancing and walking a lot.
3️⃣ Bring cash. Not all vendors accept cards.
4️⃣ Book your accommodation in advance. Hotels in Santa Cruz fill up months ahead.
5️⃣ Stay hydrated and eat well. The party lasts for many hours.
6️⃣ Rest between festivities. You don’t want to miss the best parts due to exhaustion.
🏨 Useful Information for Tourists
📌 Accommodation
The best hotels are in Santa Cruz, but there are also good options in La Laguna or Puerto de la Cruz.
📌 Transportation
🚍 Free buses on the main carnival days.
🚖 Taxis are available, but in high demand.
🚗 Car rentals → Recommended only if you are staying far from the center.
📌 Weather
🌡️ Temperatures between 18-25°C → Perfect for dressing up without feeling cold.
📌 Where to Eat
🌮 Try the Canarian ropa vieja, wrinkled potatoes with mojo, and fish churros.
🔥 Fun Facts about the Carnival of Tenerife
✅ Guinness World Record: In 1987, the Carnival of Tenerife broke the world attendance record, with over 250,000 people dancing with Celia Cruz.
✅ The songs of the murgas have influenced political changes on the island.
✅ The most famous comparsas have won competitions in Brazil, bringing the essence of the Tenerife carnival to the world.
🎉 Experience the Carnival of Tenerife 2025 Like Never Before
The Carnival of Tenerife is more than just a party: it’s an experience you must live at least once in your life.
With this guide, you have everything you need to enjoy it like an expert. So, get ready, grab your best costume, and experience the magic of one of the best carnivals in the world.
See you in the streets of Santa Cruz! 🎭🔥
