The second-largest carnival in the world after Rio fills Santa Cruz de Tenerife's streets with 250,000 costumed revellers for three weeks in February.
Annual. The main carnival period runs approximately 3 weeks ending the week after Ash Wednesday. In 2026: 30 January to 15 February.
The Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the official Guinness World Record holder for attendance at a Caribbean-style carnival outside the Americas. The city of Santa Cruz (the island capital, on the north-east coast) runs a three-week programme from the Carnival Queen election (which fills the 17,000-capacity Recinto Ferial arena for a music and costume spectacle) through the Coso Apoteosis grand parade and the Burial of the Sardine (a satirical procession marking the end of carnival). The main carnival nights draw 200,000+ people to the street circuit in the city centre.
The venue is Plaza de España and the surrounding streets, a 15-minute walk from the port. The entire city centre becomes a single outdoor party for the main carnival nights. Costumes are not obligatory but are extremely common: the dress code ranges from elaborate feathered carnival costumes to simple face paint, and wearing something is far more fun than not. Carnival in Tenerife is in February, which means mild weather (18-22°C) and the island's landscape as a backdrop. Puerto de la Cruz (on the north coast, 35km from Santa Cruz) runs its own smaller carnival simultaneously. The south resort areas (Playa de las Américas, Los Cristianos) are quieter but can be used as a base with a 1-hour bus to Santa Cruz.
Party hostels within reach of Tenerife's main celebrations. Ranked by guest rating.
Day-by-day breakdown
The main carnival nights (Coso Apoteosis grand parade, the Saturday of the main carnival week) begin at 7pm and run past midnight. Plaza de España is the focal point: free stage with live music and DJ sets. The surrounding streets (Rambla de General Franco, Calle Suárez Guerra) extend the circuit for 1km in each direction. Costume hire is available from multiple shops in the city centre for €20-50 per outfit. Beer at street bars costs €3-5; mojitos €6-9.
The Burial of the Sardine (Entierro de la Sardina) is the ceremonial end of carnival: a satirical mock funeral procession for a large papier-mâché sardine, ending with its cremation and a fireworks display. The procession goes through the city streets in the early evening and ends at the seafront. Free to watch; arrive 60 minutes before the start for a good position along the route.
Pre-booked private transfers and shared shuttles for your arrival.
