Tenerife Carnival: one of the biggest carnivals in the world

The Tenerife Santa Cruz Carnival is coming to a climax! In the coming days, the biggest Carnival events will take place, which will be attended by locals not only from the island of Tenerife, but also from the surrounding islands, and many tourists will arrive.

Tenerife Carnival: one of the largest in the world, the second most popular carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro in Brazil for its glamour, contests, street parties and concerts, quality and authenticity.

Tenerife Carnival – history

The origins of the carnival in the Canary Islands go back to the 16th century. In the 18th century, it became a tradition – people enjoyed dancing and celebrating in the streets. Historians say that it was a holiday that went against predetermined rules and social standards and became an expression of freedom and joy.

According to travelers and chroniclers of the time, the carnivals of the 18th century were a celebration for balls and banquets of the upper classes, and for ordinary people. People all celebrated the carnival, despite the religious and civil ban on holding balls and wearing masks in the public street.

In the 19th century, in addition to traditional dances, a new type of festive events appeared – street races, exhibitions and competitions.

It is interesting that in 1980 The Tenerife Santa Cruz Carnival was declared an international tourist festival, and in 1987 included in the Guinness Book of Records, when more than 200 thousand people took part in a common open-air dance.

Tenerife Carnival 2023 – program and events

In the carnival program, you will find detailed information about the events of each day, their locations and times:

• Interactive Carnival program is easy to use. By clicking on the box for each day, you will see the program, times, and places for that day.
• Program in PDF file – if you want to always have it on your phone or computer.
• Event scenes and performances in PDF file.

Which events do we recommend?

• February 21 the MAIN carnival parade will take place
• February 22 Sardine Burial
• February 24 Children’s parade
• February 25 an all-day carnival with dancing until morning all over the city
• February 26 Carnival kick-off event and vintage car parade

The burial of Sardine is worth special attention – it is a moment when the streets of the capital of Tenerife are flooded with tears and cries, processions of “widows” and “mourners” who with a great sense of humor refuse to say goodbye to the carnival… For us, it is somewhat associated with the burning of Mora, because Sardine is burned on Ash Day , that is, the day after Mardi Gras.

Entertainment for children at the carnival

The amusement park with more than 80 attractions will be open next to Marítima avenue until February 26.

Located in Marítima Avenue in the capital of Tenerife, the fair will be open from Monday to Saturday from 17:00 and on Sundays from 12:00. On the days when the street carnival will be celebrated, the favorite place of children and their families will be open until the early morning.

Well, of course, February 24. Children’s parade. The finalists have already been selected and everyone will appear in the parade that day in their most beautiful costumes.

What can you expect at the carnival?

You know a lot of people dressed in costumes – Canarians and carnival guests dress up really colorfully, dress up children, combine costumes with families… You will definitely hear a lot of music, we will see a lot of processions, beautiful costumes, street fairs. If you miss the noisy holidays – it’s time to rush to buy a suit.

When they ask us if it’s worth it, I say it’s worth it, just be prepared for a lot of people, noise, and music inside. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially when you don’t have to go all the way to Brazil for a carnival of this caliber.

Where to buy costumes?

Our recommended places to buy costumes for both kids and yourself:

• CHINA TOWN Las Chafiras, coordinates and information in the “Traveling with children ®” Tenerife attractions map.
• PANDA BAZAR Las Chafiras, coordinates and information in the “Traveling with children ®” Tenerife attractions map.
• PANDA BAZAR in Ade, coordinates and information in the “Traveling with children ®” Tenerife attractions map.
• CAROLAN Las Chafiras, coordinates and information “Traveling with children ®” Tenerife attractions map.

Traveling with children advises you

Look for accommodation away from the capital (hotels raise prices significantly).

For your convenience, you can also go to the capital by public transport (you won’t have to worry about where to leave your car, where you can drive, and where traffic will be closed for this weekend). You can find public transport schedules on the TITSA page.

And for tips on parking places and other important hot spots, look at this diagram.

Carnival Museum

While visiting the capital’s carnival events, visit and Carnival Museum.

The museum has a permanent exhibition with costumes and unique elements of the carnival. Without a doubt, a visit to the Casa del Carnaval will be a unique experience thanks to the various digital programs that allow the visitor to experience how Carnival is celebrated in Tenerife.

Carnival Museum website and registration for a visit. Visiting the museum is free. Online pre-registration is required. Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You will find the exact coordinates “Traveling with children ®” Tenerife attractions map.

Carnival in Other Cities of Tenerife

Carnival in the capital of Tenerife, Santa Cruz, does not end here. Later, the carnival travels through other cities of the island and you can see the reduced format in other cities as well.

Los Gigantes has already announced the Carnival program. The carnival will take place on March 3-10. Follow the information in the Los Gigantes Carnival FB Account.

Granadilla de Abona also announced the Carnival program. Carnival events will begin on March 1st and continue until March 12th. Follow the information on the municipality’s FB account.

Los Cristianos this year will also surprise us with an abundance of carnival events. The celebration will begin on Friday, March 17, with a carnival parade on the Golden Mile of Playa de las Américas. It will all be crowned with Sardinia’s funeral on Monday, March 27.

The Los Cristianos international carnival returns to the streets with the theme of Japan.

Detailed program of events.

Cover photo – CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL WINNER. Photo fromhttps://carnavaldetenerife.com/

This article is author’s work and was prepared by “Traveling with Children ®”. Copying and use without permission is strictly prohibited.

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