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Celebrating Carnival 2021
in Santa Cruz de Tenerife
The Biggest Bash in the
Canary Islands
January is usually considered a time to tighten up the budget and the post-holiday buns and to settle in for the less festive side of winter; but as most of Spain is packing up their poinsettias and nibbling on the last crumbs of turrón and Roscón de Reyes, Santa Cruz de Tenerife is just warming up for the real party…
Carnaval 🎭
There are few festivities that strike up the same enthusiasm amongst Chicharreros (Santa Cruz locals) than this beloved bacchanal of extravagant costumes, Latin rhythms, flamboyant parades and general debauchery in the streets until the wee hours of the morning noon the next day. After all, as any Chicharrero will tell you, Carnaval in Santa Cruz is second only to the world-renowned celebrations of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro.
For 15 days, the capital of Tenerife transforms from a small and serene seaside city to an explosion of vibrant colors, upbeat tempos and above all: glitter. I spent two unforgettable Carnaval seasons getting down and dirty in Santa Cruz (and the last two in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria!), and I guarantee you that it’s truly something you have to see to believe, but undoubtedly something you won’t ever forget.
2021 Carnaval Theme:
TBA
The Chicharreros choose a unique theme every year, and last year the 2019 Carnival theme in Santa Cruz de Tenerife was The Deep Sea (Las profundidades marinas). While it’s not necessary to stick to the theme when choosing your costume (in fact, most Santa Cruz locals don’t), we saw plenty of jelly fish, sailors and enough mermaids to lure the entire royal navy to the depths of the Atlantic.
When to Book Your Trip
Carnaval dates change annually based on Easter and the start of lent, typically falling between somewhere between late January to early March. Though some Carnaval traditions begin early (murga competitions, queen galas, etc.), the dressing-up, DJs and general debauchery begin the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
In 2021, the best time to visit Tenerife for Carnaval de Santa Cruz is from
Friday, 12th February, 2021 to
Sunday, 21st February, 2021
Be sure to book your trip for at least one of the two weekends! And if your schedule permits, the Entierro de la Sardina on Wednesday, 17 February, 2021 is by far the strangest, and in my book, the best night of the event.
2021 Main Events
Festival Weekend One
Friday, 12th February, 2021 – Carnival Opening Parade 
(Carnaval Cabalgata Anunciadora)
Saturday, 13th February, 2021 – Paaaartaaay (evening)
Sunday, 14th February, 2021: Daytime Carnival
(Carnaval del Día, 13:00)
Tuesday, 16th February, 2021 Carnival Grand Parade
(Coso Apoteosis del Carnaval, 16:00)
Wed, 17th February, 2021: Burial of the Sardine**
(Entierro de la Sardina 20:00)
Festival Weekend Two: “Piñata Chica”
Saturday, 20th February, 2021 – Daytime Carnival (Carnaval del Día)
Sunday, 21st February, 2021 – Last Day! Fireworks 🎆🎆 (Exhibición pirotécnica)
Click here for a full list of events at the 2021 Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
What to Pack for Carnival in Santa Cruz
The Costume
Unless you have a costume that you’ve planned and prepared beforehand, I suggest picking something up when you arrive. All of the “Chino” shops and bazaars are full to the brim with tutus, wigs, leotards, props, and the prepackaged sort of costume sets that we typically associate with Halloween. Buying your costume on arrival will lighten your luggage and help to stimulate the local economy 😉
You will, however, want to pack a pair of shoes that you won’t mind getting wet, dirty, and (let’s be honest) pretty disgusting. Days on end of partying leaves the streets murky at best, and most Carnaval-goers tend to be practical with their footwear, choosing comfort and practicality over perfect costume coordination.
Day to Day Gear
Layers are key in February and early March. Winter in the Canaries is very mild, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it will be warm. February temperatures are unpredictable and can mean anything from bikini beach sunbathing to cool, windy, coat weather – and every now and then, some rain.
Pack a stash of long and short sleeves for layering, and a water resistant jacket and shoes. Winter evenings are typically cool, but the calor humano from the hordes of merrymakers will keep you warm while dancing in the wee hours.
Oh. And lots of Paracetemol.
Where to Stay in Tenerife
If you haven’t booked your accommodation yet, now is definitely the time! The festivities are spread out throughout the small city, so booking anywhere within Santa Cruz will be convenient enough. If you’re looking for a good night’s sleep, steer clear of anything near Weyler, Teatro Guimera and Calle Anaga. There are plenty of Airbnb options in the city, but prices for both Airbnb and hotels will be on the rise this time a year.
If you can’t find anything available in Santa Cruz, consider staying up the hill in the nearby UNESCO World Heritage city of La Laguna. La Laguna is about 40 minutes away by tram or 10 minutes by taxi. It’s charming, well-connected to Santa Cruz and worth exploring while you’re in the area. Be warned though – Tenerife has crazy micro climates and La Laguna is waaay cooler than the coastal capital, so you’ll want to pack some warmer gear if staying here.
If you’re new to AirBnb, feel free to use my referral link and receive a €25 travel credit for your first stay!
Can’t Wait for Santa Cruz Carnival?
Me neither! This year will be my third year celebrating in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria but I´m thinking of popping over to Tenerife for an extra cheeky weekend of celebration.
Before you pack your bags, take a peek at my “Dos & Don’ts of Carnival in Santa Cruz” and find out:
What’s a murga?
Where’s the best place to watch the parades?
How does the Queen get around in a 100kg gown?
And why do I insist you stay for a late night Wednesday to watch a papier mâché sardine go up in smoke?
Party on!
Erica 💙
Get Up. Get Out. Get Lost. 
I´m planning to go to Carnaval in Tenerife this year. Thanks for the info!
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I’ve heard great things about this carnival!
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It’s MASSIVE! The Canarians consider it second only to the one in Rio 🙂
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This festival looks like a lot of fun. I’m planning to visit Spain again next year. Will definitely check this festival out. Thanks for sharing!
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You surely won’t be dissapointed! Which Spanish cities are you planning to visit?
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I never even heard of this festival and visited the canary islands quite a few times. Looks like a good party to check out.
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Canarians love a good party! Maybe you can book your next visit in time to check it out!
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Looks like so much fun. Ive never heard of this before. Would love to go!
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It’s a blast!
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Carnival sounds so exciting and interesting, I like the sound of dressing us in the themes. I like that you don’t have to go to Rio just for carnival.
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We are big fans of general debauchery and have been looking for the best Carnival in Europe. For tradition sake, I have always considered Venice to be destination, but you make some strong points. Any party that includes wide spread public urination in costume has an almost guaranteed level of debauchery.
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I’ve still yet to visit Carnaval in Venice but it’s on my list! Their version is much more elegant – people spend hundreds of euros on the traditional costumes! A few years ago I never cared much about Carnaval, but after living in the midst of it, I’m curious to check out Venice, Rio and Mardis Gras in New Orleans!
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I have never heard of Carnaval in the Canary Islands, but it sounds like quiet a party. I like that the festivities are spread over a couple of weekends. Great tips for purchasing a costume and bringing practical shoes.
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This sounds like quite an adventure! Thank you for the tip about the shoes.
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Very informative post for anyone planning to attend the carnaval. Seems like quite the party, and your photos capture the spirit of the carnaval perfectly.
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It’s a wild ride, and defintely worth checking out once!
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The colorful hairs totally gives the party feel. This is one carnival which was not in my list till now but I think I must visit as it looks fun . But I am def not carrying my favorite shoes lol .
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Haha, you’re right about the shoes! It’s truly one of a kind, and Canarians definitely know how to have a good time!
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This sounds and looks awesome! I am definitely going next year 😁 thanks for sharing all the info that will be really helpful!
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You’ll love it! If you’re living in Madrid, you may even be able to book a cheeky weekend to celebrate this year 😉 Just a few weeks away!
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I’ve never heard of this carnaval before! It sounds and looks like so much fun!
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Many interesting info in this article: I didn’t know that Carnaval is so big in Spain – nota bene in Teneriffa, too. And I didn’t know that the date changes according to Easter. It’s over two weeks? Wow! Especially since short after that they have Semana Santa, which is also very big in Spain; gosh, these guys sure now how to celebrate!
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The Spanish definitely know how to have a good time! The dates change according to Easter because Carnaval is traditionally a time to let loose before the somber lent season begins (just like Mardis Gras!).
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What a fantastic post! I’ve been to Tenerife couple of years ago during the carnival but… we didn’t know it was happening and we went to the South of the island instead. 😦 Then when we were climbing Teide we met some people who told us about the sardine thingie and I was like arrrggg… we should have visited the capital! Anyway maybe next time – with your tips I’m more than ready!
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This festival looks so neat and fun! I have never actually attended an event like this but it looks like something that would be fun. I love all of your pictures as the costumes are so neat and very colorful! Thank you for sharing this!
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I’d love to see a carnaval someday. It looks like so much fun. I love the rundown of all the vents you listed, thank you so much for sharing!
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This post just changed my mind. I was going to go to Mexico for winter next year. I didn’t know the Carnaval is second only to the Rio celebs. And we have a timeshare in Tenerife and the Canary Islands!
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The Festival looks amazing, the colours, the people, the atmosphere. I might have to add it to my itinerary next trip.
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That definitely looks like a proper party! Anything with fancy dress is pretty cool!
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I never knew this existed, never mind the fact that it’s the second largest Carnaval. I wish I booked this trip instead of another for that week! I guess I’ll try again next year!
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Sounds like a fun festival! I love the tip on wearing not so great shoes and the picture along with it LOL I’ll have to try to time our visit to the Canary Islands along with carnaval!
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This will be a fun destination. Carnivals are always happening and energized places. Nice information and great photos.
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Carnaval de Santa Cruz de Tenerife seems to be a vibrant and colourful celebration. I was not aware of this, but considering it is second only to the carnival of Rio De Janeiro,it sure must be massive.
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I actually had no idea Tenerife had a carnival like this – it looks amazing!
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Oh my gosh, what a wild ride this looks like! Carnaval celebrations are always stunners, and this one looks no different 🙂 also, your photos are fantastic and the info you provide is very helpful. Great writeup!
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This looks like so much fun! I love a good street carnival, nothing quite like it as you watch the city/town being transformed to a massive celebration. Love the “don’t pack your good shoes” photo! Hilarious:)
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I have always been in Venice for the carnival and it’s cold in there so I always wonder how it is to be at a Carnival festival in a hot season. Pretty cool I guess 🙂
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I’ve always wanted to go to Venice for Carnaval! Did you wear a traditional costume? I think that would be incredible !
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Haven’t yet attended a carnival, or a festival, but I so want to do. The place transforms completely during the time of the carnival, and you have captured the essence of the transformed place completely.
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I’m traveling to the UK and Europe this January – my favorite time to travel. I’d been looking for a trip idea for next Winter! Awesome! This looks like a lot of fun. I’m off to see what flights from NYC look like!
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It’s truly an experience you’ll never forget! It’s as if the whole city turns into some sort of sparkling adult Disneyland on Halloween 🙂
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I didn’t know they also celebrate carnaval in Tenerife! It’s really big in the Netherlands and I LOVE carnaval! Great tips in this blog!
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This looks so fun and vibrant – I haven’t heard of this Carnaval before which is crazy because it seems like you can’t really miss it! Thanks for sharing 🙂
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It looks very funny and it would be a good reason to visit Tenerife and have some photos dressed like a mermaid! 🙂
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The vibes are amazing! Good reason to dress up as a starfish for the night 🙂
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Wow, that’s…well…a mess 😀 Not a big party monster myself but hey, why not! 🙂
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This sounds like SO MUCH FUN!! What a cool festival to check out, thanks for the information! We definitely need to get out to the Canary Islands soon!!
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I love Tenerife. I’ve never heard of this festival before though – it sounds really fun!
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It’s looks like a wild party! I love dressing up and having other people dressed up. Thanks for the tip on shoes.
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I’ve never heard about this before but it looks and sounds really fun 🙂
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This looks like such a blast! I have a friend who was in gran canaria for last year’s carnaval and she has not stopped talking about it. Definitely one for the bucket list:)
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This looks like great fun, and would be a great excuse for us to visit Tenerife next year! Always like to hear about festivals and celebrations like this. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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prior to reading this I did not even know that this carnival existed. I am however very glad to now know about it as we can put it on our list of do do items. Thanks for all the detailed information.
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I hope you make it someday!
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This sounds like a blast and a half! We’ve yet to visit anywhere that celebrates Carnaval in a big way, but it looks like an amazing experience. Love that you’ve got the full schedule of events here – that’s an awesome touch! 🙂
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All the info in the palm of your hand 😉 After celebrating here the last few years I’m really curious to check out some other Carnivals, especially the one in Venice.
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I had never heard of the Carnaval. But this looks like fun. This was a great introduction for me. Will try to make it there some day.
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It’s such a blast! I hope you make it one day!
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sounds like a really fun event on my favourite island. Definitely plan to attend when Im next overthere
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Do you come to the Canaries often?? I lived in Tenerife for two years and have been living in Gran Canaria for two years as well!
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