What is the best way to get around during the Tenerife Carnival?

Buses (guaguas) and tram. They help you avoid traffic jams and road closures.

How long does it take to get from Kora Nivaria Beach to Santa Cruz?

About 45 minutes by car via the TF-1 motorway.

Are there any carnival events outside Santa Cruz de Tenerife?

Yes, in municipalities such as Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz.

Which carnival events require a ticket?

The Queen Gala and a few others. Most events are free of charge.

Essential guide to the 2026 Tenerife Carnival

16/09/2025 Tenerife 9min

The Tenerife Carnival is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic celebrations not only in the Canary Islands, but in the entire world.

Compared to Rio de Janeiro or Venice, the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival has earned a privileged spot among the best carnivals in Spain and around the world.

Every year, thousands of people travel to the island to immerse themselves in this celebration full of colour, music and tradition. What makes the Canary Carnival unique is its blend of local culture, spring-like weather even in February, and a warm hospitality that invites you to experience the party like a local.

For several weeks, the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife transform into a vibrant stage where dazzling costumes, carnival floats, music and infectious rhythms take over every corner.

In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to make the most of the 2026 Tenerife Carnival: key dates, highlight events, family-friendly activities and tips to choose your ideal accommodation.

A brief history of the Tenerife Carnival

The origin of the Tenerife Carnival dates back to the 16th century, when the Canary Islands served as a strategic stopover for Spanish and Portuguese expeditions to the Americas. From this cultural blend between European sailors and the local population emerged a celebration that, over time, evolved into one of the most important carnivals in the world.

For nearly 400 years, the carnival gained popularity both among the upper classes, who organised masquerade balls and elegant soirées, and the general public, who celebrated in the streets with music, costumes and satirical performances. This duality turned the carnival into a genuine and diverse expression of the Canarian spirit.

Over the years, the festival has been officially recognised as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest and World Carnival Capital, and is currently a candidate to be declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. A well-deserved recognition for a tradition that brings together history, culture and an unmatched energy.

When is the Tenerife Carnival?

The Tenerife Carnival takes place every year between January and February in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, internationally recognised as one of the world’s carnival capitals. This iconic celebration transforms the city—and much of the island—into a vibrant stage where music, colour and creativity take over the streets.

The programme kicks off in mid-January with a packed agenda of galas, costume contests, cultural events and live shows. One of the most anticipated moments is the Carnival Queen election, a spectacular fantasy-filled gala that marks the official start of the festivities.

For over a month, locals and visitors alike enjoy a unique festive atmosphere that culminates in late February with the grand parades, open-air concerts, and the traditional street parties, where thousands of people in costume dance until dawn.

Official dates for the 2026 Tenerife Carnival: January 16 to February 22.

Carnival theme

One of the signature elements of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival is its annual theme, which sets the tone for the costumes, stage designs and performances. In previous editions, themes have explored worlds as diverse as Bollywood, the Caribbean, or Secrets of Africa, turning each carnival into a truly unique experience.

For 2026, the chosen theme is “Latin rhythms”—a celebration of Caribbean and Latin music and culture that promises to fill every corner of the city with flavour, colour and tropical energy.

Main events of the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival

While the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival offers several weeks of non-stop activities, there are a few key dates that bring together the most anticipated events for both locals and visitors. These moments set the rhythm of the festivities and gather thousands of people in the streets, theatres and squares of the city to celebrate with joy, tradition and vibrant colour.

Below, we highlight the most iconic events of the 2026 Tenerife Carnival, with estimated dates and details for each one:

The Opening Parade (Cabalgata Anunciadora)

The Cabalgata Anunciadora marks the official start of the Tenerife Carnival in the streets. It’s a massive nighttime parade featuring all the groups participating in the carnival edition—an explosion of music, colour and joy that floods the city of Santa Cruz.

In 2026, the parade will take place on February 13 and will include the presence of murgas, comparsas, rondallas, music groups, as well as the winners of the costume contests, both individual and group categories. The parade is a continuous spectacle starting at Plaza de la República Dominicana, passing through Avenida de la Asunción, Ramón y Cajal, Galcerán, Plaza Weyler, Méndez Núñez, Pilar, Villalba Hervás, La Marina, and finishing on Avenida Francisco La Roche.

Along the route, thousands of people gather to enjoy the choreographies, spectacular costumes, and the infectious joy that defines the Tenerife Carnival. It’s a unique opportunity to dive into the island’s culture and traditions, and to experience firsthand one of Europe’s most important celebrations.

Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala

The Tenerife Carnival Queen Gala is one of the most anticipated events for both locals and visitors. More than 10 candidates compete in three categories children, adults and seniors—blending tradition, creativity, design and spectacle in a show that surprises year after year.

The participants parade in costumes that can weigh over 170 kilos, true works of art created by local designers. This gala will take place on February 11, 2026, at the Tenerife Exhibition Centre (Recinto Ferial), where an impressive stage and grandstands are set up to welcome thousands of attendees.

How to get there from Kora Nivaria Beach (KNB): by car or taxi, the journey takes approximately 45 minutes via the TF-1 motorway heading north. You can also reach Santa Cruz by public transport, then either walk or take a short taxi ride to the venue.

Coso Apoteosis: the grand finale of the Carnival

The Coso Apoteosis is the most anticipated and crowded event of the Tenerife Carnival, considered the grand finale of weeks of celebrations. This spectacular parade takes place on Carnival Tuesday, which in 2026 will be February 17, and transforms the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife into a runway of fantasy, rhythm and colour.

During the Coso, all the carnival groups—comparsas, murgas, masqueraders, batucadas and floats—gather for a parade along the coastline, following Avenida Francisco La Roche and Avenida Marítima, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the city’s urban skyline on the other. The Carnival Queens, wearing their spectacular costumes, lead the parade alongside their ladies of honour, in an explosion of sequins, feathers and creativity that leaves both residents and tourists breathless.

How to get there from KNB (Kora Nivaria Beach): take the TF-1 motorway by car, with a journey time of around 45 minutes to Santa Cruz. You can also combine bus and tram, a convenient option if you prefer to avoid traffic or the road restrictions that are often in place on that day.

The Burial of the Sardine: the closing of the Carnival

The Burial of the Sardine is the ceremony that marks the end of the Carnival. It’s celebrated with a procession full of irony and humour, featuring characters in grotesque costumes, dramatically mourning the end of the festivities. The main character is a papier-mâché sardine, carried through the city centre before being burned in a symbolic farewell ritual.

Attendees also take part in this theatrical display of grief, many dressed in black, with fake tears painted on, creating an atmosphere that blends the burlesque with the emotional.

This event will take place on February 18, 2026, around 9:00–10:00 p.m., starting from Calle Juan Pablo II and continuing along Méndez Núñez, Pilar, Villalba Hervás, La Marina, ending in Plaza de España and Avenida Marítima.

How to get there from KNB (Kora Nivaria Beach): you can drive to Santa Cruz via the TF-1 motorway or use public transport. However, due to the large crowds, it’s advisable to allow extra travel time.

Enjoying the Tenerife Carnival with kids

The Tenerife Carnival isn’t just a party for adults—it’s also designed so that children can experience the magic of carnival in a safe, fun and age-appropriate way. The city fills with activities created especially for kids, offering a family-friendly and welcoming atmosphere where they can dress up, play, learn and enjoy the festive spirit.

Here are some of the best plans to enjoy the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival with children:

Ride the Ferris wheel at the Funfair
The classic Funfair, located on the Dársena de Los Llanos dock esplanade, is a must for families. With over 60 attractions—from carousels to roller coasters and food stalls—it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon together. The large Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the city lit up by carnival lights, ideal for creating unforgettable memories. While the official calendar doesn’t confirm a closing date, the fair typically stays open throughout the carnival season (until February 22), coinciding with the main family events in the city.
Join children’s carnival workshops
During carnival weeks, cultural associations, libraries and civic centres in Santa Cruz organise children’s workshops where kids can create their own masks, costumes and carnival accessories. It’s a great way to get them involved in the tradition in a creative and educational way. These workshops usually take place on weekends and during daytime carnival events in the city centre throughout January and February.
Attend the Children’s Parade on February 20
The Children’s Parade (Coso Infantil) is one of the most heartwarming events of the carnival. This year it will be held on February 20 and features hundreds of children in costume parading through the streets of Santa Cruz, accompanied by schools, cultural groups and family associations. A truly exciting experience for the little ones—and an emotional one for those who accompany them.
Experience the magic of the second Daytime Carnival
The Daytime Carnival (Carnaval de Día), with its family-friendly and relaxed vibe, is ideal for enjoying with young children without the intensity of nighttime events. The second Daytime Carnival of this edition will be held on February 21, with concerts, workshops, street performances and activities for all ages from early morning onwards.
Explore the carnival’s interactive spaces
Across the city, you’ll find child-friendly themed areas with puppet shows, storytelling, magic acts, parades and outdoor games. These are safe zones, specially designed for kids to enjoy while parents relax or join in other carnival festivities.
Be amazed by the Grand Fireworks Show on February 22
The final highlight of the carnival is the Grand Fireworks Display, set for the night of February 22. This dazzling show lights up the sky over Santa Cruz, delighting both children and adults. It’s the perfect way to end the carnival experience—with a sky full of colour and smiles all around.

Where to stay in Tenerife during the Carnival

Tenerife not only offers one of the most vibrant carnivals in the world, but also a privileged natural setting that captivates visitors year-round. Its golden sunrises, endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, and mild climate invite you to disconnect and savour every moment. Experiencing it all from the tranquillity of a place like Kora Nivaria Beach takes your stay to the next level.

Located right on the seafront in the south of the island, Kora Nivaria Beach blends comfort, luxury services, and a strategic location close to Tenerife’s main points of interest. It’s the perfect retreat for those seeking a balance between celebration and relaxation. Its proximity to Santa Cruz allows you to easily attend the main events of the 2026 Tenerife Carnival, while still enjoying the serenity of an exclusive coastal setting.

And if you prefer a stay even closer to the heart of south Tenerife, Kora Tigot, in San Miguel de Abona, offers that same Kora spirit: a flexible accommodation concept, with local soul, designed so every traveller can enjoy the island in their own way. An experience where every detail is thoughtfully curated, so your time in Tenerife—during Carnival or any time of year—is as comfortable as it is unforgettable.

The end of the Carnival: Piñata Sunday in Tenerife

Piñata Sunday is the final major day of festivities at the Santa Cruz de Tenerife Carnival, and in 2026 it will take place on February 22, marking the official end of one of the most important celebrations on the festival calendar in Spain and the world. After the symbolic Burial of the Sardine, held a few days earlier, Santa Cruz enjoys one last carnival day with a more relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for all ages.

On this day, the city centre streets fill once again with costumes, music and joy, but with a calmer tone than during the peak days of the carnival. Piñata Sunday in Tenerife is designed so that both locals and tourists can enjoy open-air concerts, parades, children’s activities and cultural events in a safe and accessible environment.

This day is perfect for those who want to experience the Tenerife Carnival without the large nighttime crowds, making the most of the final hours of celebration in a laid-back, festive setting. Many families choose this date to go out with their children in costume, gather in public squares and say goodbye to the carnival with a smile.

Piñata Sunday represents a joyful and emotional farewell, where the city comes together for one last celebration before returning to normal life. It’s the perfect closing note for one of the world’s most iconic carnivals, which year after year turns Tenerife into a hub of culture, creativity and celebration.

FAQs

Buses (guaguas) and tram. They help you avoid traffic jams and road closures.
About 45 minutes by car via the TF-1 motorway.
Yes, in municipalities such as Los Cristianos and Puerto de la Cruz.
The Queen Gala and a few others. Most events are free of charge.