Carnival in Tenerife

Carnival in Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the second biggest in the World after Rio de Janiero.

All Spaniards love a fiesta and Tenerife is no exception. These are some of the better ones.

Carnival always takes place in February or March and in Santa Cruz de Tenerife it is the biggest Carnival in Europe and second biggest in the world. It is hoping to gain UNESCO World Heritage status such is its importance.

Carnaval begins with the election of a queen of the carnival and an opening day parade on the Friday before Carnival and then street parties and Latin American dancing continue until Shrove Tuesday when there is an enormous and very elaborate parade. On Ash Wednesday there is the burial of a huge fake sardine and this is the official end to the festivities. Carnival costumes are simply stunning and if you can it is well worth timing your visit to coincide with this enormous fiesta. Thousands of people come every year to dress up and join in the fun.

Santa Cruz de Tenerife is the main carnival destination but Puerto de la Cruz is also good fun.